About us:
 
Established in 2006, MW2 is a learning center where individuals can study metal work while creating projects that they have a vested interest in. Our learning center began operation in October of 2010, immediately assisting many students with their hobby or career in welding, metal fabrication and foundry.
 
Teaching metal arts including fabrication, welding and sculpture is our specialty. The foundry is under development with classes coming soon in mold making and wax. Custom fabrication services are available in sculpture, furniture, home and office fixtures upon request.
 
The class itinerary is an equivalent to any collegiate, entry level, metal sculpture course without the typical prerequisites. Understand that this IS NOT a certification class nor is it accredited. Rather, it is for people that have an interest in the medium and would like to develop upon that interest.
 
$100 (per person) pays for two hours of instruction on how to weld with a MIG welder. These basic principles provide a better understanding of carbon steel welding. All classes are private and are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Class size is limited to four students or less.
 
Press and Reviews:
 
Be sure and read our feature article, courtesy of Yellow Brick Home!
 
"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." - Robin D.
 
"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 a solid basic knowledge about welding. This is the perfect beginners class. I shall return!" - Amstaff Y.
 
"I took a two hour class with Steve and was thoroughly impressed with the depth of service and instruction he squeezed into that short session. It would be easy to set up a machine and then have your students make a few arcs but Steve explains the process, chemistry, theory and techniques of welding. I had a great time, learned a ton and will be back for more to further my amateur welding infatuation." - Nicholas K.
 
"I was 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 rather than pay some shop to do it for me. I met Steve at a motorcycle gathering and learned he had solid welding knowledge. I took his class and within two hours was confident I could weld my own frame and feel safe about it. Steve's a good man to know, charges a fair price and is a great teacher. I highly recommend his class." - Linas J.
 
"I took my first welding class at Midwest Metal Works and it was an awesome experience! Stephen is a really patient instructor and all around cool guy. I enjoyed learning the background info behind the process of welding. I can't wait to go back and learn more!" - Hilary L
 
Meet the Owner:
 
Originally from Flint, Michigan, Stephen Christena moved to Chicago in 1998 after graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in art. During his time at WMU, his primary focus was directed toward metal sculpture, photography and painting. He opened his first custom metal sculpture studio in August of 1998.
 
Armed only with a small portable MIG welder and an oxy-acetylene torch, he created high end furniture for some of the most well known designers and architects in Chicago. Custom metal banisters, fixtures, furniture and coffee tables would later become his trademark. Stephen has worked for several fabrication and sculpture companies across Chicago, including some of the top names in architecture and furniture.
 
After attaining a much needed industrial space, he began pursuit of his second passion ... teaching his craft to anyone interested in learning about it.

Note: If you've attended two or more classes at MW2, join us on Thursday evenings for open project events! $75 gets you in the door.
 
MW2 offers lessons in beginning MIG welding and fabrication for artists, hobbyists, and individuals with an interest in the field of metal work. The first class is an introduction to carbon steel (mild steel) welding with a MIG welder, basic joint welds, hand techniques, cutting and light fabrication.
 
The lessons are scheduled by appointment, taking into account the availability of single students or groups of up to four people. This is a pay-as-you-go system. Normally, after the first few classes, students begin their own projects such as:
 
 
Required materials include but are not limited to:
 
 
Rates for a two hour lesson (per student):
 
 
Payment is due prior to the date of each class. All protective gear is provided during the lesson. If you have prescription safety glasses, please bring them with you. It's important to note that the shop is only lightly heated. Please take outside temperature into consideration on the day of your class.
 
MW2 also provides classes which focus on assembly and use for those who've recently purchased a welder.
 
IMPORTANT: The class itinerary is an equivalent to any collegiate, entry level, metal sculpture course without the typical prerequisites. Understand that this IS NOT a certification class nor is it accredited. Rather, it is for people that have an interest in the medium and would like to develop upon that interest.