Arc Academy

Took MIG1 & 2 from Daniel and had a great time. Other people in the class were fun to hang out with, I felt completely safe all the time, I felt like got good 1 on 1 instruction.

I will definitely book some shop time soon so I can practice and then finally weld that bumper I've been meaning to weld for a year!

I took the MIG 1 and MIG 2 classes last weekend. I have some experience welding but found this very comprehensive and very encouraging. The tools a great- Wexler welder, plasma cutter, fun stuff. There was an appropriate attention to safety and explaining how the process works. I am looking forward to using the lab for a series of projects I am working on.

What a great resource,

Loved the hands on experience, great mix of instruction and actual doing.
Great value.

I just finished a class tonight with Rich as the instructor. Rich is a fantastic teacher, able to explain things in a very clear and concise way.

The classroom was clean and equipped with modern welding and plasma cutting machines. Clean and well maintained.

I took the MIG1 and MIG2 classes in the same week. Easy to do, and I feel I got a higher value than the $175 it cost.

Would I go back? Absolutely. I plan to take another class using stick/arc welding, I plan to take it at Arc, and I would definitely recommend this place to a friend.

A friend and I decided to take a welding course and went with this one based on a couple of great reviews. The classes were booked almost a month out so be mindful of that.

I really liked that the class size was only 4 people and that you got a hands on experience along with the classroom part as to how it all works.

Stephen the owner/instructor was great. Super courteous and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the process and stressed safety but not to the point that it made you feel overwhelmed by it all.

Over all I had a great experie6and will be back to use the available shop time to keep practicing while working on some projects brewing in my head.

Me? A welder? Why yes . . . . . .and it's all thanks to Steve and Midwest Metal Works!

When a friend called to ask if I wanted to take a welding class with him, I was quite sure he had butt dialed the wrong person. For what would I do with a welding torch in my hand, I wondered? But he convinced me that my artistic nature would kick in and I could maybe make some of that beautiful garden statuary that I currently pay top dollar for. So after only a "spark" of hesitation, I was an emphatic "YES"!

We showed up on a beautiful Saturday, meeting a couple of other friends all attired in our "welding fashion" (natural fabrics, leather shoes, long sleeves, etc)

After a short lesson in butt joints and other welds- we were given some safety gear and soon a welding torch was in my hand. While it was counter intuitive to me to get my face so close to the shooting sparks, you really have to do it so that you can see! Steve was patient and encouraging acting like my weld was one of the finest he had seen!

The class ran for about 3 hours and cost around $80 each for 4 people.

The funny part? (if me in a welding beanie, work clothes and a welding mask isn't funny enough!) When I was done- Steve asked what each of us were planning to make. When I answered "copper statuary" he looked at me funny and said, "you know that's brazing not welding, right?"

"Right", said I as I shuffled out of the workshop. "Everyone knows that. . . . . . ."

I had always wanted to learn how to make yard art and my friend found this place on Yelp. We just finished the class and I already can't wait to take the next one! I left feeling very empowered and excited.

Steve is an amazing instructor and is clearly passionate about two things: welding and people. He knows his stuff, but as soon as it starts to feel really technical, he turns it around and makes welding feel fun and approachable. He also offered to take pics of us and they turned out so great.

We left with with our finished piece and a cool benie hat that we wore under our masks when welding. BONUS: The shop is in a great location, so we walked to Old Oak after and celebrated our victory with booze.

A few tips: The shop isn't heated, but as long as you dress warm, you'll be fine. LAYERS! For clothing, I recommend a long sleeve shirt with a thick hoodie over it, jeans, and leather boots. Also make sure to bring something to hold your hair back.

One last thing... Steve can teach up to 4 people per class so I suggest getting a few friends together to bond through welding!

There is nothing more satisfying than tackling something new and leaving with confidence and understanding.

I took the class with my husband and 2 friends, and almost wanted to bail as I wasn't sure what I really could do with this skill ultimately. But curiosity and commitment got the better of me, and I don't regret a single minute of it.

As the other reviewers said, Steve's coaching style was top-notch -- patient, thorough and encouraging.

His workshop is well-equipped to handle a small class, complete with stylish Stormtrooper-esque welding mask/helmet, apron, and gloves.

At the end of the class, we left with a souvenir of our butt-joint endeavor and an adorable beanie, which hides a bonus (I won't tell you what it is but it is truly nifty!)

Better yet, I left with an appreciation for the craft of welding and admiration for those who can do it well.

I took the MIG 1 class and it offered great learning material, as well as a great instructor. Classes are kept small to foster a productive learning environment. Great one-on-one feedback. Can't wait to take my next class!

I just completed my first MIG welding class and it was a great experience for me. The instructor/owner was a great teacher and gave us a hands-on experience that included cutting, prepping and welding materials. I still have a few classes to go, but would recommend this to anyone. Well worth the money.