Intro to Welding

Learn the basics of MIG welding in a safe, encouraging environment. Open to all levels, including complete beginners! This hands-on beginner workshop introduces students to the foundations of MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding and essential metalworking safety and techniques. Over 3-1/2 hours, students will learn how to safely set up and operate a MIG welder, understand basic welding principles, and practice creating clean, controlled weld beads. The class also covers proper use of an angle grinder for cutting, shaping, and preparing metal. Through instructor demonstration and guided practice, students will develop confidence with core tools used in fabrication and repair. No prior welding experience is required. For more advanced MIG welding techniques, sign up for Welding 2. If you prefer a private setting for yourself or with another student, want a tailored lesson, or want to learn TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, sign up for Welding Private Lesson. About the instructors: Beau Cormier earned a certificate in Metal Fabrication and Welding from Blue Hills Regional Technical High School in Canton, MA, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Bridgewater State University. During college, he worked in a metal shop specializing in architectural/decorative metal pieces, as well as public art. An avid mountain biker and cyclist, Beau worked in the bicycle industry, and was instrumental in setting up Factory 3’s bicycle shop. He has been helping Factory 3 since before its opening, and did most of the welding for our work tables. Aaron Putnam, holder of various welding certifications and qualifications in both topside and underwater welding, began his welding career in 1993 after graduating from welding school and deep-sea commercial dive school. After many years working as a welder/ hard hat diver in construction of bridges, dams, tunnels, pipelines, docks, and structural steel erection, as well as marine salvage, shipyards, mills, power plants, and fabrication shops, he currently operates his own welding business. Whether you are considering a career in welding, or simply interested in learning something new, Aaron enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge of welding and the trades.