Calling All Students! Skill Up with Spring Training 2024
Take a break from books and spend a week learning hands-on skills and powerful tools and equipment at Phoenix Forge. Join us at the GWCC Makerspace for the annual Spring Training workshop series during Spring Break, March 11-15th. This event is free for all students enrolled at any college in the Maricopa County Community College District.
Try your hand at woodworking, metalworking, welding, jewelry, sewing and electronics through fun, project-based workshops designed for makers of all skill levels.
Learn everything you need to wire up your own bike light, weld a high efficiency stove, create a personalized ring, and more. Plus, take one of our extra orientations to gain access to our equipment and workshops for your own future projects.
Ready to sign up? Click the button below to choose the classes you’d like to take based on your interest and availability. Space is limited, and classes will be filled in on a first come, first serve basis.
Workshop Schedule
Workshops will be held throughout the day during normal operating hours, 1pm-9pm. For a calendar view of available workshops, download our 2024 Spring Training flyer.
MONDAY
Get acquainted with Phoenix Forge and learn important policies and practices with the tools and equipment in our various work areas. You’ll need these orientations to keep working at the makerspace on your own projects after Spring Training.
- Metal Shop Orientation: 1-3pm
- Wood Shop Orientation: 2-4pm
- Welding Orientation: 3-5pm
- General Orientation: 3-4pm
- Prototyping Orientation: 4-5pm
- General Orientation: 6-7pm
- Prototyping Orientation: 7-8pm
TUESDAY
In this workshop students will learn and use the basics of cutting and sewing machine operation to create a customizable laptop or tablet sleeve that they will be able to use for school or work.
This course is an introduction to the lathe. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of lathe safety and the fundamentals of turning wood.
Come create a multipart puzzle keychain with use of a laser engraver in this make and take workshop! Bring your own image or use one provided, and take a personalized project home. (Assembly Emphatically Required)
Unleash your artistic flair in our Vinyl Sticker Crafting class! Dive into the world of vinyl cutting as you learn to transform vector designs into vibrant, layered stickers. From mastering the vinyl cutter to precise weeding techniques, you’ll craft a stunning, personalized sticker to decorate your water bottle. Join us for a hands-on session of creativity and take home your unique, self-made masterpiece!
WEDNESDAY
A 1-hour introduction required for new members of Phoenix Forge. Emphasis on proper safety protocol (with review of safety handbook), proper clothing, procedures for reserving and using equipment, and how to gain access to different work areas.
This course is an introduction to the metal working tools available for member use at Phoenix Forge. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of shop safety and procedures as well as best practices for each stationary power tool.
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of welding safety and the fundamentals of MIG welding. During the two hour class, students will learn the safe and proper usage of the MIG welders including how to set-up the equipment. Students will practice different MIG welding techniques using a variety of different joints
Students will learn the basics of soldering by creating a sterling silver initialed ring.
Technique, process, or skill covered: Melting scrap metal, forming a ring band, stamping, soldering, polishing
This class will provide makers, both new or experienced, with the basic knowledge and skills needed to begin using 3D printers. This class will include an introduction into how the 3D printing process works, object file types, preparing your file for printing, and starting your print on one of our 3D printers.
THURSDAY
In this workshop students will make their own table top ring toss game called “bimini”. Students will use a range of woodworking techniques to mill material to thickness, cut material to length, assemble their table top game, and even add some laser engraving, if desired.
Once done, they will have a table top game that will provide hours of competitive enjoyment.
This class will provide makers, both new or experienced, with the basic knowledge and skills needed to begin using laser cutters in their making processes. This class will include an introduction into how laser cutters work ,file creation and preparation for laser cutting and laser cutter operation.
In this class students will be using MIG welders and angle grinders to assemble a small rocket stove. Rocket stoves are highly efficient wood burning stoves that can be used to cook using only a minimal amount of fuel. The design we will be using is small and portable.
FRIDAY
An introduction to the wood working tools available for member use at Phoenix Forge. Emphasis on proper safety protocol, shop procedures, appropriate use of machine tools, and best practices when choosing wood as a medium to create. This class will provide time for students to create a small woodworking project to demonstrate safe use of equipment.
Join us for an engaging workshop where you’ll dive into Arduino programming and 3D printing while putting together your very own bike light. Explore the synergy of electronics and coding as you learn to make a sequence of LEDs flash with a simple button press. This class offers a hands-on journey into the fascinating world of DIY electronics. No prior experience needed – just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn!
Ready to start making?
Click the button below to make your workshop selections and secure your spot
