Welding 102

Welding 102 builds on the foundational skills introduced in Welding 101 and expands students’ understanding of the welding and fabrication process. In this class, students begin working more independently with MIG welding equipment while learning to diagnose and correct common welding problems.

Students will also be introduced to plasma cutting and additional shop tools commonly used in metal fabrication. The focus of this class is to help students understand how multiple tools work together in the fabrication process while developing stronger troubleshooting and machine setup skills.

This course continues the progression within Arc to Autonomy: Liberty Arts Welding School, a structured series designed to guide students from beginner-level welding skills toward independent studio access. Welding 102 emphasizes greater responsibility with equipment and encourages students to think critically about the causes of welding defects and equipment issues.

As with Welding 101, this class is education-based and focused on skill development.

Location

This class will meet at Liberty Arts Studio, located at 918 Pearl St., Durham, NC, United States.

Pre-requisites

Completion of Welding 101 or instructor approval is required. If you have prior welding experience and wish to take 102 contact our program coordinator at metals@libertyartsnc.org.

Students must be comfortable working around heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.

Skills and Equipment

Students will expand their MIG welding knowledge while learning how to integrate additional fabrication tools into their workflow. The class focuses on equipment setup, troubleshooting, and safe operation of multiple shop machines.

Students will learn:
Independent MIG setup and adjustment
How to diagnose and correct common weld defects
How to identify and fix common equipment issues
Safe operation of the plasma torch
Safe use of the chop saw, drill press, and angle grinder
How to change cutoff wheels and flap disks

Equipment used in this class includes a MIG welder, plasma torch, chop saw, drill press, angle grinder, and standard metal shop tools.

Materials

Students will be working with steel and all materials are included in the cost of the class.

Safety and PPE

Protective gloves, face shields, and ear plugs will be provided. Proper protective wear designed for welding and plasma cutting will be made available and mandatory to wear.

What to Wear

Students must wear non-synthetic, long-sleeve clothing and closed-toe shoes. Hair should be tied back. Comfortable clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

In the interest of safety, the instructor reserves the option to limit participation if students are not wearing appropriate clothing.

Notes and Important Info

This class takes place in an active welding studio environment and involves working with heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.

This class focuses on skill development and equipment familiarity rather than producing a finished project. Students will be working with multiple tools as part of a fabrication workflow and will continue building the knowledge needed to progress to Welding 103 in the Arc to Autonomy series.