Metal Fabrication: Fundamentals Through Project-Based Learning
03/07/2026 09:00 AM - 03/08/2026 05:00 PM CT
Admission
- $200.00 - 50% Off Scholarship
- $400.00 - Full Price
Description
Metal Fabrication: Fundamentals Through Project-Based Learning
March 7 & 8 | 9am-5pm | At ISD 166 Industrial Tech Room
Instructor: Tobias Lawson This introductory metal fabrication course provides students with essential hands-on
experience in cutting, forming, and assembling metal components using common shop
tools and fabrication equipment. The class emphasizes safe work practices,
measurement accuracy, layout skills, and the fundamentals of welding and mechanical
fastening.
experience in cutting, forming, and assembling metal components using common shop
tools and fabrication equipment. The class emphasizes safe work practices,
measurement accuracy, layout skills, and the fundamentals of welding and mechanical
fastening.
Throughout the course, students will apply these skills to build their own fully functional
utility cart, gaining real-world experience in project planning, working from a drawing,
material selection, shop tools, and fabrication sequencing. By the end of the course,
students will have developed foundational shop skills, an understanding of fabrication
workflow, and a completed project they can take home.
Prerequisites: Students should have some basic MIG welding experience.
This course is focused on fabrication, not teaching students how to weld, however it is a great chance to learn tips and tricks to level-up your welding skills, including; how to deal with warpage, out of position welding, and joint design. This project will utilize mig welding, but could also be completed with stick or tig welding depending on experience.
Class may include basic woodworking like cutting plywood, sanding and basic finishing techniques.
There is a $100 material fee that covers metal, hardware, plywood and casters. You will
leave with a 3 shelf heavy duty shop utility cart approximately 18” wide, 30” long, and 30-
36” tall.
Materials Provided:
• Welding machine and equipment
• Safety gear (helmet, gloves, apron)
• Practice material for welding
Bring: Please bring clear eye protection-safety glasses (You can purchase them at any of the hardware stores in the county for around 1 dollar) and ear protection - ear plugs or ear muffs (You can purchase soft foam ear plugs at gas stations and also hardware stores in the county for roughly .50 cents.). Bring a container of water to drink throughout the day. Please make sure to wear closed-toed shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and jeans. You may want to bring additional layers to take on or off based on the temp in the room. You may also be requested to bring spray paint or wood stain to color your cart if you so choose - once registered look for an email with this information.
Tobias Lawson was born and raised in Grand Marais. After High school, he attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design and specialized in metal sculpture. Employed at the Science Museum for over 8 years, he built and installed exhibits for various museums around the country. He has extensive carpentry, welding, and fabrication experience, as well as a keen eye for creative aesthetics. Tobias recently moved back to Cook County to pursue his fire pit business Fireflypits.com. He enjoys exploring trails and back roads on his electric scooter, hiking, and tinkering with various electronics projects.