01.00 Introduction

Overview

This first module introduces the metal shop and the fundamental tools, materials, and processes used for metal fabrication. We will begin with basic metal cutting, surface preparation, and safe use of common shop equipment before moving into welding and tubular fabrication in the following weeks.

The bicycle will serve as the starting structure for exploring these processes. A bicycle frame is a useful fabrication exercise because it combines thin wall steel tubing, welded joints, mechanical components, and a structure designed to respond to forces generated by a human body. Students will select an upcycled bicycle frame from the Ohio City Bike Co-op and investigate how it can be cut apart, rearranged, extended, duplicated, or combined with other bicycle components to create a new kinetic sculpture. The finished work might remain rideable and pedal-powered, or the bicycle components may become part of a completely different mechanical or sculptural form.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common metal shop tools and describe their basic functions.
• Follow appropriate safety procedures when working with metal-cutting and surface-preparation equipment.
• Identify major bicycle frame tubes and mechanical components.
• Recognize how an existing manufactured object can be treated as raw material for sculpture.
• Safely cut and disassemble portions of a steel bicycle frame.
• Prepare painted or coated steel surfaces for welding and fabrication.
• Generate multiple sketches that explore structural and kinetic transformations of an existing bicycle.
• Consider how structure, movement, material, and evidence of fabrication can contribute to the meaning and experience of an artwork.