Columbus Metal Shop

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) Columbus Metal Shop is one of four Instructional Fabrication facilities that provide a professional, nurturing learning environment. The Columbus Metal Shop is a general access facility set up to provide instruc­tional and material resources for the school’s students, faculty, and staff. This is a creative forum for you to work cooperatively with the staff and other artists to realize your concept and develop responsible working practices.

Policies and Procedures

To ensure the safety of everyone working in this facility, students and staff must follow the policies and procedures detailed in the Metal Shop Introduction. It is your responsibility to understand and abide by the procedures outlined in this handbook, and to follow any other instructions provided by the staff. Please read this Handbook and ask questions if you don’t understand something. 

 

These policies are minimum acceptable standards. Every project has a different set of problems resulting in innumerable concerns. If you are uncertain about the best way to accomplish a task, please ask a member of the staff how to perform the necessary steps.

Columbus Metal Shop Canvas Page

Tools

  • Forges
  • Torches
  • Band saws
  • Plasma cutters
  • Belt and disc sanders
  • Various hand tools
  • Hossfield bender
  • MIG & TIG Welders
  • Oxygen fuel welding and cutting
  • Sheet metal power hammer

 

Access

Open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Authorizations

  • Basic Metal
  • Arc
  • MIG
  • TIG
  • Oxy Fuel
  • Plasma
  • Forge
  • Grinding Room

 

Workshops

  • Cold Fastening Systems
  • Power Hammer
  • Blacksmithing
  • Hossfield Bender

 

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