Metalworking Fundamentals Workshop Class
TM Shop, Nevada City, CA

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If you’re new to metalworking, or have limited experience working sheet metal (shaping, repairs, fab), this workshop is a great place to start. The emphasis is on learning how to use the basic hand tools required for these types of projects. In addition to learning hand skills with snips, mallets, hammers, files, dollies and bench top shaping tools, you will also learn the reasons and strategies behind shrinking and stretching, how to organize your layout, when you need to consider using a forming machines, and how to join metal using an oxy-acetylene torch.

Your Instructors

Our Metalworking Fundamentals class is taught by TM Founder Kent White, at right, and is often co-taught with the joyful Howard Booster, at left.
Intro to Handtools

The class begins with an overview of the most commonly used hand tools, and quickly moves into metal shaping with these tools.
Class projects

Several hours each session are spent working on shaping assignments geared to each student’s skill level or areas of interest.
Stretching & Shrinking

The first two days focus on techniques for stretching and shrinking metal primarily using hand tools.
Mallets & Shot bags

Still-life of mallets and sand bags, Day 2.
Classroom instruction

Our Workshops are jam-packed with information, and include lectures, demos, slideshows and/or videos in addition to hands-on projects. Here students are watching an instructional slideshow during their lunch break.
Handling the Torch

Learning the basics of oxy-fuel joining and the differences between soldering, brazing, and welding is crucial to developing solid metalworking skills.
Hands-on instruction

When you can’t quite get the hang of it, the fastest way to learn is to hold onto the torch while Kent welds so you can feel the timing and rhythm of alternating between “dabbing” the torch and the rod.
Intro to the Wheel

Metalworking Fundamentals includes an introduction to the most commonly used machines used for metal shaping — the English Wheel, Air Power Hammer, and Shrinker-Stretchers.
Metal cutting

Using the stomp-shear to cut sheet metal for a group project.
Intro to the Air Power Hammer

Students participating in a lecture/demo on panel-shaping with the Air Power Hammer.