FAQ’s
Can I be notified as new classes are made available?
Yes, Subscribe to ourEmail List! Follow us on Instagram@themetalshopstudio! Or Friend us onFacebook!
What do I need to bring to class?
-100% Cotton work clothes.
-Closed-toe shoes, leather is preferred.
-Snacks & drinking vessel for water. In the warmer months, it is essential that you arrive hydrated, and continue to hydrate throughout the class. we provide clean spring water, but no cups…
-We provide all other safety gear needed for class. Glasses, ear plugs, welding hoods, sleeves, and gloves.
Where can I purchase supplies?
For welding supplies in the Austin area, we highly recommendAlamo Welding Supplyin downtown east Austin. They are a family owned business since the 60’s, and offer a discount to our students for welding and safety gear, and have the most knowledgable counter help on the planet.
I am interested in Private Instruction, is this available?
Private instruction classes are available to individuals, small groups, or special projects, as our schedule allows. MIG, TIG, stick, torch, fabrication, forging, and small projects may be covered. Please see Private Classes page for complete and current details.
Where is your shop located?
Our Shop is located east of the Austin Airport, on your way to the Circuit of the Americas inside Travis County. Our address is provided once you secure you class. Our Studio is Not open to unscheduled visits.
Do you allow visitors?
No, our shop is on private and personal property. Our time is reserved for organized meetings only.
What is the minimum age for taking a class?
The youngest group we have taught were 10 year olds. Minors must have a parent complete the liability waivers and may require parental supervision or even participation.
I want to purchase my own welding machine, do you have any advice or favorite brand?
We cover much of this information in our classes, with the added benefit of showing the insides of the machines, explaining their basic operating principles, and discussing which would suite your intentions best. Many factors influence the purchase of a welding machine such as; budget, type of process you wish to weld with , portability, and location (indoor or outdoor). We advise that you buy the best machine you can within your budget, but most importantly, buy the machine that is best suited to your needs. We recommend if you are not familiar with welding that you begin with our class to familiarize yourself with welding so you know better what you may need. Beyond that, Alamo Welding Supply has all the equipment and machine specific knowledge you will need to make an informed decision.
Do you offer Welding Certifications?
Students who would like to work toward a welding certification are to be advised that learning to weld and the ability to be a certified welder are two very different things. Welding certifications were established to demonstrate that a welder has mastered his/her specific welding process and are used for welds that may infringe on public safety(i.e. if the weld fails, someone dies). There are many jobs and applications of welding that do not require certification. Certification is as much about practice as instruction. We do not believe there is a short track to a welding certification.
If you are wanting be certified in a welding process and have never welded before, we suggest you start with a single class of the welding process in which you want to be certified. In this class you will get a good taste of welding and be able to discuss the many paths to endless certifications depending on your specific needs. Please feel free to Contact us to discuss these options as well.
For experienced welders looking to train for specific certifications, we are American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspectors as well and we do offer welder training for certification, under any code, in and out of our facility. Contact us to discuss what this may look like for you and if it suits your needs. This training will require a strict regimen of self-practice, access to equipment, and instruction.
If you would like to reference what a full Certified Welding Associates Degree Program looks like within a college semester format, please refer to Austin Community College’s Welding Department, they have a wonderful program.