This place is great. I needed to learn how to weld and what afternoon my instructor completely told me what to do and I've been doing it on my own ever since. I plan to go back for a refresher because they're so good. They also rent benches if you are a true welder, you can go in there and do your own work for a minimal fee. read more

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! read more

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Took a a welding class for women and had a great time, the instructor had 25+ years experience welding and was an engaging & fantastic teacher. Owner of the shop is very cool & accommodating. Seriously cannot recommend this place enough :) read more

Great school! Great environment. I did private sessions with Curtis. He's a pro welder and a great teacher. We worked on MIG, TIG, and stick with both steel and aluminum. I was able to learn in a few days what would take 6 months in a traditional school. This is exactly what I was looking for. I traveled quite a distance to take this class. It was worth it! The school has all the equipment and more that you would see in a pro shop. You will learn welding for all situations and conditions! Thanks again! read more

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, read more

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. . . . . . ." read more

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! read more

Arc Academy - Grinding metal in class with Steve behind the camera. - General Contractors Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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. read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

Arc Academy - Now to decide a project to bring to the shop to work on - General Contractors Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

For years I have wanted to learn how to weld. I decided to take a 2 hour class with Steve, and I am very impressed with the format he has created. While there is a lot of hands on experience, he explains the concepts very well and adapts quickly to your experience level. From meeting Steve, he has a great demeanor and is very patient. He stresses the fundamentals and safety. Great coaches focus on the fundamentals, and Steve is a great coach. His descriptions are very thorough, but far from boring. He stresses what is important, identifying the key skills which are required in a metal worker. I was skeptical about I would learn much from 2 hours, but I was wrong. Will you be a master welder at the end? No. But you will have a very solid understanding of the basics of welding, the joints involved, and the pitfalls you can make as an inexperienced welder. (and you will make them, and Steve will instruct you on how to correct) Most importantly, this is really one-on-one instruction. Steve focuses on you and walks you through the process. He is not distracted by other things. You get a real one on one focus. If you want to understand how to weld from a patient instructor who will tailor your instruction based on your experience/comfort level, talk to Steve. He knows his craft, and he will not only share his knowledge, but inspire a passion within you for metal working. read more

Don't fight the feeling....you know you wanna check it out. So here is the deal I have an Eddie Bauer bag that I faithfully over stuff and abuse throughout the work day. After years of service the bag fought back and one of the metal rings supporting the cross body strap chipped and broke. I was heart broken! I bought and threw away replacements while the beloved bag gathered dusted. I finally decided that maybe I should invest in getting the bag repaired rather than replacements and a quick yelp search led me to Arc Academy. I called in Thursday and was told to come in Monday after 1:00pm. I showed up monday at 1:10 and was confused. The address listed appears to be a hair salon. I called and called but got no answer. It seems a class had just let out and the owner had gone out to check the mail. I discovered this as I ran into him unknowingly. The place is behind the red grate immediately next to the hair salon. He welcomed me into the shop and took a look at my bag. He explained that Eddie Bauer uses brass and brass has magnesium which will liquifying and other things that sounded very impressive, but left me slightly confused. Noticing how agreeable i was to all of his recommendations he threw the broken ring in a vice grip and squeezed it back together in 2 minutes flat. Still worried the bag would break under the weight of the workload, I asked him if he could do anything else. He promptly found another piece of brass, asked me to step behind a protective screen while he enforced the newly reunited ring. 3 minutes later the clasp is repaired, the bag is back in working order and I was ecstatic. The owner was professional, friendly, quick and most importantly does great work. I am considering sending my boyfriend his way to learn some purse fixing/welding skills. Simply put this place is a gem! I Highly recommend ! read more

Me and my friend Scott has a great time learning MIG welding here, the instructor really jumps right into the meat of welding and make you comfortable with the terminology and equipment. I recommend this guy to anyone wanting to learn welding. read more

I've been looking for a welding class in Chicago for quite a while now. As it seems there are two ways to learn welding in Chicago: take a metal art class, take a welding certification class. Neither of those options fit me, I just wanted to learn the skill so I could apply it to my own projects. This class is perfect, and Stephen is a down dude. -a read more

As a former bike shop mechanic (now an office worker), I missed the atmosphere, satisfaction and earned fatigue of actual shop work. I emailed Stephen to take his MIG welding intro class, something I've never done, and he setup a two-hour class on a Saturday morning. Last minute, I invited my girlfriend along, so I gave Stephen a call and he accommodated, no problem. Plus, there seems to be a shortage of skilled trades coupled with a reported resurgence in US manufacturing, so maybe this would spark a new career, if not interest? I echo the other reviews here - he's a clear, accessible instructor who puts you at ease. You'll be confidently inspired and reassured by his encyclopedic knowledge and evident skills (there is extensive metalwork, art, bikes, motorcycles - even a rehabbed VW bug around his shop). His combination of chalkboard explanations and hand-on demos ensure you'll have a solid understanding of welding basics. You'll wear the helmet, gloves, apron and practice tacking, then laying a fillet before you cut and grind two pieces of steel to weld together. You get to take it home, too. My girlfriend, who had no prior shop experience, ended up welding better than I did: a hallmark of Stephen's excellent instruction. He offered to snap a few photos of us in action so we could marvel at our spark-flying badassery later on. Flexible, friendly, and great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday. It'll make you want to come back for another class. read more

My son and just completed our second MIG class and we just love this place. Very patient and really relaxed atmosphere. We are looking forward to doing some shop time next and maybe joining the table class. I love that he teaches kids too. Best class for anyone who wants to learn welding fir the knowledge and fun of it. Pure fun. read more

Arc Academy - My 14 year old son using a Plasma cutter! - General Contractors Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was looking for an introduction to welding and found exactly what I needed as a novice at Midwest Metal Works. Stephen was patient, friendly, thorough, and adjusted his pace based on my comfort level. all of his tools are industry standard and up to date. Everything appeared to be in good working condition. His shop is clean, comfortable and safe... and HIDDEN!! Be careful to go around behind the storefronts and into the alley. I got some strange looks asking about welding in the beauty salon! LOL! It's evident Stephen is a prolific artist and highly skilled metal worker and he loves his art and craft. His sculptures line the walls and storage spots - all of which are mostly full! The few pieces of steel that I cut, cleaned, and fused together were just a few of the many I hope to permanently attach to each other as I progress through a longer class series. I've been trying to find the time to go back and will go as soon as I can! read more

Excellent Instruction with Flexible Hours Welding is a subject that I have always wanted to learn but didn't feel I had the time to invest. This changed after I spoke to Steve at Midwest Metal Works. What is particularly appealing is that he excels at explaining his craft in a very compressed time frame. This was important because my girlfriend and I wanted to learn welding but didn't have several weeks to devote to a formal class. We were able to schedule a class on a Thursday for the following Sunday afternoon, which turned out to be a great experience. Mixing classroom-like instruction with step-by-step hands training, Steve was able to explain welding techniques on a chalkboard and then carefully guide his students through various welding tasks. Both my girlfriend and I have science backgrounds so we were happy with the rapid pace of the class and thorough explanations. Previously, I had spoken to another metal working class instructor and was a bit discouraged by his communication skills. So, even though the prices were a bit steep on a per hour basis ( $50/person per hour x 2 people x 2 hours = $200), I was happy to pay a premium for an efficient use of my time at Midwest Metal Works. Lastly, let me say that safety is taken very seriously at this class. This was especially important to my girlfriend who, as a young surgeon, couldn't afford to injure her hands. If you are seeking personal growth or merely want an interesting date experience, considering taking the two hour class. It will be an excellent investment. read more

I took the intro to welding class with a few friends and it was FANTASTIC!!! Stephen is patient and explains thing really well. If he needs to correct you because of bad form or technique he does it in a way that is educational and supportive - not condescending or demeaning. Really fun to learn this skill! I hope to take a more in depth class with him one day. read more

I was in need of a table frame made and delivered in less than a week. I reached out to several vendors in Chicago and Midwest got back to me same-day. We worked with Steve who agreed to beat a quote we had by $100 and was able to meet our timetable and deliver for no additional fee. Nice guy, easy to work with and will go out of his way to make it work - even if this means meeting you at your local haunt to pick-up deposit. Definitely recommend and would work with again. read more

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. read more

Arc Academy - General Contractors Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband and i took a 2 hour welding class with Steve this past weekend. IT WAS GREAT! His shop is really cool, and tucked out of the traffic on Chicago AVE. Steve was patient, kind, and humorous. He really took extra time to explain everything about how welding works, and was supportive when I was slightly nervous to begin the hands on portion. We are looking forward to taking his second class in a few weeks! Ever thought of learning to weld? Take this class!!!! read more

I already knew how to stick weld...but out of practice. Anyway, I recently bought a Miller MIG welder and wasn't getting the results I wanted being a novice at it. After reading Stephen's book, I've been wanting to stop by his shop and take a class. The classes sounded just like what I wanted...stop in and learn to weld. I currently don't have time for a class at the local technical college. I finally got the opportunity to spend a day in Chicago and take MIG1 and MIG2 with my 11 year old son. The class was excellent. In those two sessions, Stephen provided the tips and instruction I needed to start making better MIG welds and my son got the opportunity to learn at the same time. Since then I've successfully fabricated a new framing for the bottom of my motor home that had rusted out due to an improper plumbing repair by the prior owner...Doing that job myself paid for the welding equipment and the classes. read more

Searched on Yelp for a welder to help with a 3 compartment sink. Asked for Steve as I noted his name on many of the reviews. Steve was professional and honest over the phone - when I told him the issue I was having - he said " Let me save you some money " -- since when are businessmen in the business of saving customers money ?-- At Midwest Metal Works -- they are. And I would be remiss if I did not mention his upbeat tone over the phone - what a pleasure --- NOT doing business with you - you saved me hundreds -- maybe thousands of $$. He suggested a different approach to remedying my problem and guess what -- it worked. I feel honesty, professionalism, and businessmen passionate for what they do should be rewarded. Support this neighborhood business. I know I will if I ever have another welding issue. read more

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! read more

Arc Academy - General Contractors Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was familiar with all the concepts of welding and machining and I have never had formal training. The training offered here by Steve was great! From they way he taught welding you could tell that he knew and respected his craft and wants to share it with the world. He would point out the mistakes that I was making and would make suggestions in manner that carried no weight of arrogance. He really wanted you to learn and respect welding, not just go through the motions. After the first class all I can do now is look at all the furniture around me and figure out how to weld it. I can't wait to take more classes! The only down side is that I now need to move to a place with a garage so I can start my own welding projects! read more

My wife and I took Stephen's introductory class together. He's grounded, knowledgeable and patient. If you want to learn to weld, this is the teacher to hire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YxIK0tRoZsg read more

I just completed the MIG1 class and couldn't be happier. Stephen pitches the content and pace of the class just right. He covers the concepts, equipment and safety without labouring it, he keeps you safe without talking to you like you're an idiot. His approach to teaching is great, some things are hard and fast rules. Other things that need to be done he is clear to point out that there are personal preferences on what works for you. He was very good at giving advice on how to position your work piece and yourself based on your height, length of your arms etc, tailored to each individual in the class. The shop is well laid out for the classes of up to 4 people, plenty of room to move without fear of showering each other in molten metal. The equipment is also industrial quality, he's very knowledgable when asking about buying your own gear. That said, the quality and cost of the gear he has in the shop makes the Open Shop time option look like a really good deal. I could pay for something like 60 hours of shop time for the same cost as just one of his welding rigs, never mind the benches, grinders, saws etc etc. read more

Signing up could not be easier. I had the pleasure of taking Mig 1 today with Steve and had a blast. He was very concise, to the point and well rounded in his explanations. Encouraging and helpful in his critique and an all around gentleman. read more

That was informative and the trainer and others in the class were great. I learned the basics of Mig welding which is just what i wanted.. basic welding so i could do stuff around the house etc. You have to walk around back to get to the shop FYI. read more

I found Stephen's class through Dabble, had a blast (pun unintended, nothing blew up). He clearly knows his craft, kept everything safe and clean, ensured everyone knew what was going on and how to handle the equipment. Coming into the class, I had no idea what I was doing. Leaving it, I thought, "huh, I should make little robot sculptures." Awesome time. read more

Attended class with my son who has no prior experience, I had some experience. The class starts with good basics and points on safety. Through the class Stephen is always professional and focused. He encourages first timers and provides constructive criticism. He does good demos and works one on one with each class member which is possible because class size is small, ours was 4. The shop is fully equipped with needed tools. He also provides recent and clean equipment and work jackets and gloves, which makes the students comfortable. The shop is just that a shop, if you are a real worker you'll appreciate the clean and well kept area, if you are not comfortable getting dirty forget welding all together. My son and I did the first class to check it out, I would recommends the 5 class pkg, we will be going back several more times, I highly recommend the shop and Stephen to anyone who is interested in learning welding. read more

I inquired about classes from Midwest Metal Works because of a recommendation. I never followed through because I felt the guy on the phone was somewhat arrogant and didn't relay much information. I later looked at samples of his work and felt that he was working at more of an amateur level. You might want to consider it if you are an extreme beginner only!! read more

Don't be afraid, this is the first step in learning how to weld. Stephen is an excellent teacher and the class is a total blast. I really had a good time and came away with solid basic knowledge about welding. Perfect beginners class. I shall return! read more

I surprised my husband with the 2-hour introductory MIG welding for our 2nd wedding anniversary. As echoed by everyone's reviews, it was fantastic. Steve is a very knowledgable, down-to-earth, all-around nice guy. He wastes no time and starts to teach you about welding, setup and safety immediately. He covers a lot of ground but you learn what is essential to get you to you the next stage - actually welding. By the end of the two hours you'll have learned, practiced and actually run a bead (take his class to find out what that means!). And if you get hooked, he offers a follow-on 2-hour class, after which you will be able to sign up for open studio time where you pay to use his studio and equipment for your own independent projects. The possibilities are endless! We can't wait until our next class with Steve. Don't hesitate to try. You won't regret it. read more

The previous review from Jason B, is spot on! Having just purchased a MIG welder and was searching the web looking for "How To" videos I stumbled across Yelp's review of Midwest Metal Works. Having a small class size(1-3 students) allows Stephen to adjust the class to fit the student with plenty of hands on instruction. Having welded a long time ago, Stephen tweaked the class as refresher course on the fly, which was prefect! The 2 hours class flew by, most of time was spent welding, Stephen demonstrating a technique and then working with me to perfect it. As mentioned, the shop is located in the alley, I called on a Thursday and was able to take the class the next day. Upon arriving I mentioned that my MIG welder had just arrived, his reaction was classic, "Oh man you should've brought it, we could've set it up!" It's nice to see the enthusiasm of someone that likes to share their knowledge with others. Over all a great class.. read more

I've been complaining about not being able to weld for awhile now. My girlfriend must have been fed up with my complaining and for my birthday got me welding lessens with Stephen. I couldnt be happier with the training he provided. He is incredibly knowledgeable in his craft. His instructions were straight forward and tought from a down to earth point of view. If anyone is interested in learning the craft i wouldnt hesitate to shoot midwest metalworks an email! read more

I had a great experience here. I took Stephen's MIG 1 and 2 classes so I could learn how to build a metal frame for a piece of furniture. Stephen is an extremely nice guy, gave very full lectures and the welding was challenging and fun. my only wish - would be great if the classes were a little longer so we could do a bit more welding immediately after learning the skills. You learn the techniques and want to practice them right away. I quickly signed up for Stephen's open shop night two times after my second class and received additional advice and coaching from him during those sessions. Net result: standing desk complete. Stephen was there to help me with the mistakes I made -- And i have complete confidence, after the open shop sessions, to be able to competently, if not beautifully yet, weld without supervision. I plan on returning to take the TIG classes soon. Thanks! read more

I'm building my first cafe bike, and desperately needed some welding help. In the end I wanted to be able to say that I built that bike, not just paid some shop to do it for me. I met Steve and a motorcycle gathering and he seemed like a nice enough guy with solid welding knowledge. I took his class last week and within 2 hrs I was very confident I could weld my own frame and feel safe about it. Steve's a good dude to know, charges a fair price and is a great teacher. I would highly recommend his class. read more