Your go-to workshop for quality craftsmanship and community in welding in Chicago, IL
LEARN IT. WELD IT. MAKE IT.
LEARN IT. WELD IT. MAKE IT.
Arc Academy is a welding and fabrication workshop, makerspace, and community organization. We do not offer certifications, and no prior experience is required. We put the knowledge, access, and equipment in your hands.
Arc Academy is a welding and fabrication workshop, makerspace, and community organization. We do not offer certifications, and no prior experience is required. We put the knowledge, access, and equipment in your hands.
About Arc Academy
Join our community for hands-on welding and fabrication classes.
At Arc Academy, we offer a friendly place to learn welding and fabrication. Our courses are designed for everyone, whether you're new to welding or want to improve your skills. We give you the tools and guidance you need to bring your ideas to life.
Our experienced instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills. They will help you learn in a safe and supportive environment. With our hands-on classes, you will get the chance to work with real tools and materials to create your own projects.
Join us at Arc Academy and become part of a community where you can explore, create, and connect with others who share your love for making things.
BECOME A MEMBER
BECOME A MEMBER
You are eligible to become a member after the completion of the first two MIG classes. Membership is $105 a month, giving you access to the shop from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. any day we are open.
Classes - MIG (Start Here)
Classes - MIG (Start Here)
Get started with our MIG classes
Get started with our MIG classes
MIG 1
MIG 1
If you have never welded before take this class first
In this class, you learn the basics of the electrode arc welding process. After developing basic metal inert gas welding knowledge you will cut, grind, and learn basic welding techniques.
MIG - Start here$120 — MIG 1
$120 — MIG 2
$216 — MIG 1 & 2 BUNDLE (SAVE 10%)
$216 — MIG 1 & 2 Women in Welding
MIG 2
MIG 2
MIG 2 continues to develop welding techniques for all of the basic weld joints while focusing on filet welds. In addition, you will learn how to cut with a plasma torch and prep metal to be welded.
MIG 3
MIG 3
MIG3 focuses on MIG welding on aluminum with a spool gun. This class will cover converting the MIG gun to a spool gun and welding on aluminum with a lecture on the comparisons to other materials such as stainless steel.
Women in Welding
(women only)
Women in Welding
(women only)
This is a five-hour class, with a half-hour break, that is the equivalent of MIG 1 and 2.
TIG - Intermediate
TIG - Intermediate
(MIG 1 is a prerequisite for TIG classes)
(MIG 1 is a prerequisite for TIG classes)
TIG
$135 — TIG 1
$135 — TIG 2
$243 — TIG 1 & 2 BUNDLE (SAVE 10%)
$175 - TIG 3 Aluminum and Stainless Steel
TIG 1
TIG 1
learn the basics of Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG). Development of limb independence and torch control. Gaining a better understanding of the elements of welding in order to control them as you move through the weld zone with the TIG torch.
TIG 2
TIG 2
Have you heard of “stack of dimes”? That was originated in TIG welding. In this class, you will learn how to identify a good TIG weld and develop arc control techniques.
TIG 3
TIG 3
We will focus on stainless steel and aluminum welding and the weld positions and joints you learned in TIG 1 and 2.
Flux
Flux
Flux
Flux
$125 — SMAW (Stick)
SMAW (stick)
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), informally known as stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld.
Flux Core
Flux Core
Private class only — SMAW (Stick)
Wire feed welding is similar to MIG welding but instead of a shielding gas it uses flux similar to stick welding. Great process for outdoor use. The class will focus on flat and horizontal positions and four of the basic weld joints.
Arc Forge
Arc Forge
$175 — Intro to Forge
$175 — Intermediate Forge
$315 — Forge BUNDLE (SAVE 10%)
$175 — Intro to Forge
$175 — Intermediate Forge
$315 — Forge BUNDLE (SAVE 10%)
Forge 1 - Introduction to Blacksmithing
Forge 1 - Introduction to Blacksmithing
This course gets students acquainted with the basics of forging. It covers the history, terminology, and functionality in blacksmithing. Students will use traditional techniques with an anvil, fire, tongs, and a hammer to create a functional item to take home.
Forge 2 - Intermediate Blacksmithing
Forge 2 - Intermediate Blacksmithing
Intermediate will focus on further skill development in thin section tapering; upsetting; spreading/flattening; dishing; hot cutting/punching development.
Private Classes
Private Classes
Private - One on One
Private - One on One
One-on-one classes are $550 for three hours. One-on-one classes focus on what the individual would like. Any combination of MIG, Stick or TIG welding. This also includes different weld positions, dissimilar materials, alloys, machine setup (machines can be brought in by students). We will craft the class to your needs. An additional hour can be added for $150.
Please call or email us to schedule private lessons.
info@arcacademy.com
312.912.8622
Private - Group
Private - Group
Private group classes are $900 for three hours, groups of up to four people. Each additional hour is $125, Each additional person is $125. (Example: Five hours for six people - 2 additional hours $250- 2 additional people $250. 900+250+250=$1400. Additional hours not to exceed two (five hours total) Additional students not to exceed two additional (six students total)
Group class can be but is not restricted to basic MIG, Stick, or TIG. Classes are based on our established classes and will be considered equivalent toward membership status.
Private Forging classes are $300 per person for up to four people for three hours.
Please call or email us to schedule private lessons.
info@arcacademy.com
312.912.8622
Courses
Courses
Fab 105
Fab 105
$475— FAB 105 - TABLE MAKING (MIG 1 and 2 are required to take Fab 105)
This course includes three classes, each with a three-hour duration. This is the extension of MIG 1 and 2 and is only available to those who have completed those two classes.
Weld Camps
Weld Camps
Teen Weld Camp
Teen Weld Camp
$1250 - For minors ages 13 - 18 years only
This is a one-week welding course day camp. Each day the student will learn the basics and intermediate level of the electrode arc welding processes, in MIG, Stick, and TIG. Over the course of a week, the student will also learn to use grinders, chop saws, plasma cutters, measuring tools, and fabrication instruments.
Welding Boot Camp
Welding Boot Camp
WELDING BOOT CAMP $1250 - 16 and up welcome
This is a one-week welding course day camp. Each day the student will learn the basics and intermediate level of the electrode arc welding processes, in MIG, Stick, and TIG. Over the course of a week, the student will also learn to use grinders, chop saws, plasma cutters, measuring tools, and fabrication instruments.
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