Welding 103

In Welding 103 students demonstrate their ability to safely and independently operate welding and fabrication equipment. Building on the skills learned in Welding 101 and Welding 102, students will complete a structured class project that requires them to apply the full fabrication workflow from setup to finishing.

Students will be expected to independently prepare their equipment, troubleshoot common issues, and safely use multiple shop tools throughout the project. The goal of this class is to ensure students can confidently move through the entire welding process while maintaining safe and professional shop practices.

This course is the final level in Arc to Autonomy: Liberty Arts Welding School, a structured series designed to guide students from beginner-level welding skills toward independent studio access. Successful completion of Welding 103 demonstrates the technical competency and safety awareness required to qualify for equipment rental without an instructor present, pending studio approval.

Location

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

Pre-requisites

Completion of Welding 102 or instructor approval is required.

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

Skills and Equipment

Students will demonstrate competency in MIG welding and fabrication workflows while working with multiple shop tools to complete their project. This class emphasizes independent setup, troubleshooting, and responsible studio operation.

Students will demonstrate:
Full machine and plasma setup
Gas and polarity checks
Independent troubleshooting
Safe use of chop saw, drill press, and grinders
Project layout, cutting, welding, and finishing
Professional cleanup and shop reset standards

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 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.

Students will leave this class with a finished project created during the session. The project serves as a demonstration of competency and safe independent operation within the welding studio.