MIG Welding: Design and Weld a Smokeless Firepit

About the Course

DIY Smokeless Firepit: Learn MIG Welding and Sheet Metal Fabrication in our South Philadelphia metal shop.

This metalworking series will cover the basics of mild steel MIG welding fabrication to create a double-walled, smokeless firepit. Kick-off this series by learning the ins and outs of the metal shop, covering safety and basic hand tools and equipment, including the bandsaw, and drill presses.  Next up you will dive into the complete MIG welding process, prepping material, fixturing, post-processing, and finishing. Consult with metal techs to sketch and prepare your firepit design then dive into cold forming, project planning, and material selection. Cut, shape, and weld your final design using sheet steel to construct the main drum shape and embellish the structure with various steel stock of your choosing.  This double-walled metal vessel achieves the “smokeless” effect, ideal for a firepit in a small rowhouse backyard or patio setting.

This series includes:

• Introduction to Metalworking and the Metalshop: Learn the basic hand tools and machines of the metal shop, including the bandsaw and sanders.
• MIG Welding: Introduction to Steel: Through hands-on instruction and practice, you’ll learn the preparation, settings, and techniques needed to achieve effective welds in mild steel.
• Cold Forming and Project Planning: Learn the bending arm, roller, and break (the folder).
  
• Group Session: Project Planning and Finishing: Discuss heat-resistant metal coatings, final design for fabrication topics, and dedicated assisted build time.
  
• Individually Scheduled Private Session: Welding Practice, Process Planning
• Individually Scheduled Private Session: Cutting, Prep, Fixturing, Welding, Review

This series is ideal for:

• Beginners who want an approachable way to learn MIG welding
• Intermediate welders looking to refine skills and unlock consultations with our skilled tech staff.

NextFab’s Maker Series is a two-month program that gives you up to 5 classes, unlimited shop access, and a cohort to learn alongside. Practice materials are included and project cost will vary depending on design. This Maker Series is currently closed. To be the first to know when our next series opens for enrollment, fill out the Maker Series Interest Form here.

Q. What is included in the Maker Series package?

A. Registration in a Maker Series grants you:

• The scheduled classes and training to complete the selected project (over $600 of class instruction)
• 2 months of active NextFab Membership, starting on the first class date (over $400 value)
• Adobe at Home Access ($120 value over 2 months!)
• Special member pricing to continue membership beyond the 2 months: $149/month (over 30% discount from standard membership)
• A cohort of peers, new skills and confidence gained, and a sense of community within the Philadelphia creative ecosystem (priceless value!)

Q: Is the Maker Series right for me? I have ZERO experience!

A: Yes! The Maker Series programming was developed with the true beginner in mind. In six weeks, you could go from zero experience to confidently navigating an active studio and future projects. 

Not only is NextFab’s Maker Series designed to teach you how to use the most common equipment within the area of your program, but also how to think about design when creating something from scratch. Knowing how to follow a blueprint or plan is incredibly valuable, but designing your own project plans is what will differentiate you from the hobbyist who is “just winging it.”

Q: If I am a previous member of NextFab, can I join the Maker Series?

A: Absolutely! If you are a previous member and looking to complete the class project or get a major refresh of skills you haven’t used for a while, the Maker Series is a perfect way to get your feet wet again.

Q: I have a schedule conflict with one of the class dates. Can I make it up?

A: Yes. The Maker Series package accounts for one (1) makeup class date per student at no additional cost. Advance notice/active communication with your instructor is required to coordinate when you can make up the lesson before the next scheduled class date. Subsequent absences from the pre-scheduled classes will incur an educational fee of $60/hr to make up the material. 

Q: Should I join the Maker Series or join as a regular member and take classes?

A: This depends on your goals. If you are feeling inspired and want to learn new skills but don’t have a particular project in mind, the Maker Series is perfectly suited to get your feet wet and help you find your way in the craft. 

If you have a particular project in mind and want to learn all the skills needed and complete your specific project, Monthly Ultimate membership ($319/mo) is your golden ticket. Ultimate membership comes with $200 of class credits monthly, so you can get started taking the classes you need, on your schedule. You can even book Private Training sessions with those credits if you need hands-on help completing your project. 

What’s Next:

• Complete our Metal Forging I class to create a custom fire poker!