If you have questions, we want to help! Contact us at 585-349-7110 or email info@rocafc.com

The Rochester Arc + Flame Center is located at 125 FedEx Way, Rochester, New York 14624. 

Got a quick question? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page

Click on an icon below to filter classes by welding, glass, smithing and jewelry. From here you will view information about your respective class category and associated techniques.

Arc + Flame runs classes on specific dates/times and you must signup by paying for the class in advance of the start date. Once you have paid for the class, you will be added to the class roster. Registration can be done online, in-person or over the phone. There is a maximum capacity for each particular class and signup is on a "first come, first serve" basis.

Students must be at least 16-years of age to attend class unless otherwise noted (Teen and Family Classes). Any student under the age of 18 must print this waiver (CLICK HERE) and have a parent or guardian complete the waiver. The student must submit the completed waiver to their instructor on the first day of class. 

NOTE: Students under the age of 16 MUST contact Arc + Flame Blacksmithing Director (Candace Martens) for an evaluation prior to enrolling in a smithing class. Candace can be reached at blacksmithing@rocafc.com or 585-617-9644.  Interested Students MUST COMPLETE this underage student APPLICATION prior to meeting with Blacksmithing Director.

Arc + Flame offers a variety of class formats to suit your availability, learning style and budget. There are variations for each class's course type, but the general outline is as follows:

• Sampler: 3 to 4-hour introduction to a particular process, typically offered on a weeknight
• Workshop: 8 Hour class session on a Saturday or Sunday 
• Multi-Day Workshop: Comprehensive, multi-day classes of varying lengths, typically held over a series of consecutive days or weekends
• Night Course: Weekly classes for comprehensive learning, typically 6:00pm-9:00pm
• Date Night: Couple's sessions on Fridays and Saturdays
• Professional Training: Qualification and career programs for tradespeople
• Studio Rental: Open class time for independent practice

The following explanations are designed to give you an idea of what each class is about along with what a student can expect to make.

WELDING: Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins metal together through fusion. Welding is not only a prominent career choice, but a useful skill for hobbyists and artists.

MIG Welding: Also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Wire Feed Welding, MIG is a versatile welding process that is relatively easy to learn. A MIG system includes a constant voltage welding power source, a wire feeder, torch, shielding gas, gas regulator, and welding wire. 

MIG is typically the process we recommend for those who have never welded before. It’s great for welding steel and the equipment is relatively inexpensive. MIG Welding classes at Arc + Flame are available as 8-Hour Workshops and a 30-Hour Night Course.

TIG Welding: Also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or "Heli-Arc" Welding, TIG is a welding process that utilizes a non-consumable Tungsten electrode to create an electric arc. Although usually more difficult to master than MIG welding, TIG is capable of precise, high quality welds. A TIG system includes a constant current welding power source (AC output for aluminum and magnesium, DC output for most other metals), torch, shielding gas, gas regulator, and ground cable.

TIG is the ideal welding application for exotic metals (aluminum, stainless, titanium) and thin sheet metal and tubing. TIG Welding classes at Arc + Flame are available as 8-Hour Workshops and a 30-Hour Night Course.

Stick Welding: Also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Stick welding is an electric arc process that uses a consumable flux-coated rod as the electrode and the filler metal. Required equipment is a constant-current welding power source, electrode cable with electrode holder, and ground cable with ground clamp.

Stick welding is versatile because it doesn’t require a shielding gass. Common uses for Stick welding include construction, agriculture, bridge and structural repair and equipment repair. Stick Welding classes at Arc + Flame are available as 8-Hour Workshops and 24-Hour Night Course.

GLASS: We have glass flameworking, glass beadmaking and glass fusing classes available:

Glass Flameworking: Using a table-top torch, glass rods are melted to a molten state, then shaped with tools and hand movements. This type of flameworking uses borosilicate (or boro) glass, which is ideal for creating pendants, sculptures and hollow forms. Glass Flameworking classes at Arc + Flame are available as 3-Hour Samplers, 8-Hour Workshops, Multi-Session Night Courses, Date Nights and Specialty Courses.

Glass Beadmaking: Using a table-top torch, glass rods are melted to a molten state, then shaped with tools and hand movements. This type of flameworking uses soft glass, which is ideal for projects involving bead making and surface decoration. Glass Beadmaking classes at Arc + Flame are available as 3-Hour Samplers, 8-Hour Workshops and Specialty Courses.

Glass Fusing: Flat pieces of cold, colored glass are cut and arranged into a pattern or design, then put in a kiln where the glass is fused together as one piece. The piece can then be slumped over a mold to make objects including plates, bowls, picture frames, sun catchers, and elements for making jewelry. CLICK HERE TO SEE A FUSING EXAMPLE VIDEO.

Fusing is great for people who want to make a practical finished project or have aversion to working directly with fire. Glass fusing classes at Arc + Flame are available as 3-Hour Samplers, Family Workshops, Date Nights. and Specialty Classes.

SMITHING: A metalsmith is a craftsperson that creates useful items out of various metals. Smithing is one of the oldest metalworking occupations. Shaping metal with a hammer and anvil is the most prominent component of smithing. Often the hammering is done while the metal is hot, having been heated in a forge.

JEWELRY: We have enameling, chainmail and metalsmithed jewelry classes available:

Metalsmithed Jewelry: Create jewelry using fundamental metalsmithing techniques such as soldering, forming, and texturizing. Projects include, but are not limited to, bracelets, earrings, cuff links, pendant and rings. Metalsmithed Jewelry classes at Arc + Flame are available as 3-Hour Samplers, Workshops, Night Courses and  Date Nights.