Tool Training: Oxy-Acetylene Welding, Cutting, Brazing, & Heating

Description:
The oxy-acetylene (O/A) rig is arguably the most versatile, potentially dangerous, and misunderstood piece of equipment in any metal shop. Used properly, the O/A rig can allow you to:
Rapidly cut 3-inch-thick steel plate
Weld when the power is out, in pouring rain, while you're standing in a puddle of water
Heat a 1-inch steel bar until it's soft enough to bend with just a pair of pliers
Braze together a lightweight steel bike frame, or a cracked iron casting
This versatility helps explain… Show more why this 100-year-old technology can be found in automotive and metalworking shops around the world. Arc welding processes have several important advantages, but O/A equipment is often cheaper and always more versatile.
Class Goals:
This class will teach you how to set up, operate, and shut down an oxy-acetylene rig without harming yourself, other Asylumers, or the equipment. It will demonstrate welding, cutting, brazing, and heating. It will NOT include in-depth process training.
Prerequisites:
None.
Materials:
A $15 materials fee will be required, payable at the front desk on the day of class. The fee covers mild steel, cutting torch tips, filler rod, nickel silver brazing alloy, and paste brazing flux. Shade #5 goggles will be provided for each student.
Also a textbook (included): The Oxy Acetylene Handbook, provided by ESAB
Instructor Biography:
Ethan Labowitz has studied metalworking since 2005 in a variety of contexts, including precision machining, structural welding, blacksmithing, bicycle framebuilding, and museum modelmaking. Since 2010, he has taught metalworking to over 200 undergraduates, middle schoolers, and engineers. He has hands-on experience joining most metals by all major processes, including welding, brazing, and soldering, and holds national certifications in structural welding and brazing. Before founding the Boston Institute for Clean Energy Prototyping (BICEP), he worked for several startups and small companies, in roles ranging from drafting to research & development to prototype fabrication.

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