Weld That Bike Stand: A Queer Intro to Welding

Learn the basics of MIG welding & metal fabrication, make some sparks fly, and leave with a functional metal bike stand! Participants will learn metal shop safety 101, the principles of MIG welding, fabrication & finishing techniques! This workshop is intended as an affinity space for the queer community. Begin by getting to know each other and sharing about experiences and goals for the day together, with an emphasis on respect, safety, and simply having fun. Participants will then go over the necessity of PPE and hazard awareness to keep ourselves safe. What to expect: Space to get to know one another & each others goals with an emphasis on respect, safety, and fun! Basic understanding of blueprints and project background Technique demonstration & hands-on practice including chop saw, band saw, angle grinder, and cut off wheel Basic MIG welding including instructional video Supported construction of your very own bike stand! This workshop aims to foster an interest in metal work, confidence in your ability to try something new & build something cool, and a sense of community and possibility! Participants will walk away with their very own metal fabricated bike stand - spray painted for decoration as time alows. Notes: Please measure your bike tire’s width prior or even bring your bike with you to confirm during fabrication. What to Wear / Safety Notes: NON-SYNTHETIC & non-flammable clothing like denim, wool, or canvas. Closed-toed shoes, pants that cover shoe tops, long sleeve shirt or jacket to put over shirt. Participants with longer hair be prepared to tie it up and out of the way. Skill Level: Beginner Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 or older. Important Workshop Details • Attendees must be 18+ • Attendees should arrive 15 minutes early to check in. • Refunds are only allowed until 72 hours before the event. • Bathrooms and refillable water stations are available on site. • Participants may byo snacks and food with special consideration for longer and "meal-time" workshops. Fridge on site for storage. • Unless otherwise noted the workshops space is located at the back of the building and does not require use of stairs. • If a class does not reach a sustainable capacity, the instructor may cancel up to 48 hours before the event. In that case, all attendees will receive a full refund. Equitable Access We believe everyone deserves access to hands-on learning opportunities, regardless of income. That's why each workshop includes a limited number of Equitable Access seats. To help us share these opportunities widely: • Each participant may claim an Equitable Access seat once per quarter (every three months). • These spots are first-come, first-served and limited by class size. • If you've already used an equitable seat this quarter, we ask that you register at full price so others can benefit. Please only claim these tickets if cost is truly a barrier for you — this helps ensure that those who need the support most can take part. Questions? Contact us at [email protected]. -- Sold out? Join the waitlist! Your spot on the waitlist helps us understand what our community wants to learn, making it easier for us to bring popular workshops back again. You might get a spot if one opens up, and you'll help shape future programming at the Asheville Tool Library.