Metal Shop
San Diego Campus
Offers students the tools, training and workspace for fabricating small and large scale projects involving structural sections and sheet metals. With multiple welders, saw, brakes, benders and rollers the students can easily explore the complexities of metal work.
Analog Machines
The Metal Shop is equipped with a multitude of machines and hand tools, providing students the ability to work with various material types.
MIG WELDER
Setup for steel: uses Argon/CO2, shielding gas, uses 0.030″ wire
MIG WELDER
Setup for steel: uses Argon/CO2, shielding gas, uses 0.030″ wire
Cold Saw
cuts all metals, max 3″ depth, cuts precise but slow
Portable Band Saw
Can cut all metals, can easily cut bevels
Abrasive Chop Saw
Can cut steel, max 3″ depth, cuts rough but fast
Drill Press
Accurate drilling, variable speeds for different materials
Pipe Bender
Can make accurate bends in 1″ pipe, minimum bend radius of 4″
Shear, Brake, Roller
Max material thickness of 20gauge, max bend angle of 90 degrees
Grinders
Used for grinding, sanding and cutting, take 4″ disks (provided by MC)
Analog Fabrication
The Metal Shop is for preparing material, cutting, drilling, welding, and sanding the student’s parts, while the remaining courtyard is for constructing. Unfortunately, the Making Complex does not have enough room to allow students to store material or projects, so after each work session they must gather up their work and take it with them.
Operation Details
1. Completion of Metal Shop orientation.
The following link will send you to our Tutorials page, where one can refresh themselves on the proper usage of any and all machines.
Tutorials
The Metal Lab can only be used during regular operating hours.
WELDING TABLES ARE FOR WELDING ONLY (NO PAINTING)
Welding is only allowed inside the shields and on the welding tables.
Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times.
MAKING COMPLEX STAFF WILL PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY GEAR
All metal slag and dust must be cleaned from tables and ground before finishing work session.