Metal Cutting and Shaping

You will be learning saftey and many different techniques of cutting and shaping metal by using these tools: plasma cutter, cutting torch, angle grinder, chop saw, drill press, saw, file, sheers, snips, belt sander, and bench grinder. You will be making a project or multiple projects that use these techniques.

::MAKEARSPACE MEMBERS::

Reminder to our members, this is a Equired Metal Shop Course that covers Saftey and Proper Tool Use ... You must be signed off in this class before you can start using the metal shop independently. 

- Safety comes first so wear your Welders Best

which is: closed toe shoes, work clothes that can get dirty or singed, preferably jeans and a long sleeve 100% cotton shirt (synthetic fabrics can be flammable) and your hair up.

Your Class Ticket included all class fees, as well as tools, materials and personal instruction.

and you will be taking home you projects.

Sign Up With Friends!

We have all been cooped up during these strange and stressful times. Many of us are trying to find fun and safe activities to do with friends and family to help us reconnect after being apart for so all. Class sizes are on the small size and people will be spaced out.

Rest assured that the Makerspace staff are doing their best to keep this a safe environment with extra cleaning and safety protocols. High traffic surfaces are swiped down with clorox throughout the day but please help us out by following these protocols:

If you have been feeling sick please communicate with instructor to postpone or reschedule, open communication is Key!

Sign in when you arrive, Wear your masks, Have A Blast During Class, Wash your hands  periodically, Sign out once you take off for the night.

Your Instructor for this class will be Dustin Swiers, if you need to get ahold of him to schedule/ reschedule a class, ask him a question or advice about a project, or commission him to make something for you

please contact him here:

Dustin Swiers: dustin.swiers@gmail.com 507-273-0745

A Little about the instructor:

"Dustin is a very patient and encouraging teacher, all of the classes I have taken with him have been fun and informative. He has a nack for making you feel comfortable right away in the artistic process and eases any anxieties you might have about trying a new art form."

Dustin is a visual artist who has been honing his craft for over 10 years, he has his Bachelors of Fine Arts BFA and Masters of Arts MA degree in Metal Scuplture and Creamics from MNSU. He also is a professional Glass artist and is the sole proprietor of Flame In Hand Glass. He is a board member and our Metal, Glass and Ceramic Shop Lead here at the Mankato Makerspace, where he helps run the shop and teaches classes on Glass blowing/ Lampworking, Stained glass, Pottery, Welding and metal fabricating/ sculpture. You are in safe and capable hands with this knowledgeable individual.