I've always wanted to learn how to weld and finally decided to make the next step. After researching places to learn, I quickly found that Michael's course was the most comprehensive and unique studio, more so than any other out there in the NYC area that isn't an official class to get a NYS welding certificate. His class is comprehensive, informative, and so fun! He walks you through shop safety, the tools we use, and the three forms of welding. The best part is that you get to pick your own project and build it! I made a beautiful coffee table with some found object legs from Old Good Things combined with the materials he provided, included with the course. The satisfaction it brought is a powerful feeling and very inspiring. I've already signed up for the independent study! I highly recommend this class as he is a true artist, amazing at teaching his craft, and a good guy. read more

Michael Daniel Metal Design - Coffee Table - Interior Design Near Me - Long Island City, New York

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I just completed the intro class and then did 1 class of open study. In that time was able to learn MANY basic tools and pieces of welding equipment in addition to completing 2 pieces!!! Initially I was a little intimidated. I work in the fashion world and have NEVER taken any shop classes. I'm also a short and sassy lady...so I didn't know exactly how the environment would be. HOLY cow, by the time introductions had been made, everyone in the class felt like family. SUPER inviting, super encouraging, no one made anyone feel stupid for little mess ups (getting the welder stuck to the metal anyone LOL). Michael is an amazing instructor. Very patient and willing to work WITH you so your concept/project can come to life. Be prepared for yelling. It's super loud and for that reason you are also wearing earplugs. I also tended to lean forward and hit my helmet or mask either on the person I was talking to or my project, but this could be specific to me :) Overall the experience was amazing!!! I'm totally hooked and there are still MANY more projects that I want to plan out so that I can work and learn all the tools/techniques that Michael shows in the first 2 classes. Highly recommend!!! read more

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great class to get your feet wet. michael is very experienced and great to learn under. definitely got me excited about welding

I took a metal work class with Michael and retired after the third session. My English is rather good, but I have an accent, being a non-native English speaker. It felt like Michael was avoiding talking to me and when he did I felt like an idiot because my accent created a hearing barrier for him. This doesn't happen to me with other people and I felt very stupid trying to explain what I want and running into a wall of him repeating the same thing again and again, in the exact same words, as if I'm dumb, deaf or something. As for the project we did, I brought sketches in variations, in order to make sure that what I want to do is going to be possible using the tools he has. Michael gave green light, but in the middle I discovered that this cannot be done the way I wanted, because he didn't have the patience to dive into the details of my sketch. He said "just do a different thing...." my design was down to the details... doing a different things is going to make a different project. All of this could be avoided if he would dedicate 5 more minutes into understanding what I want to do, instead of avoiding me and my accent. read more

I just finished his intro class and I plan to take more classes in the future. I will start by saying how amazing the class was. Michael is a great teacher (very relaxed and thorough) and he allows his students to make their own mistakes and own corrections. I found this rather helpful. How else do you learn? My original sketch looked nothing like the final outcome. It was better! Michael allowed me to run with an idea that became almost obsessive after I saw one of his pieces after initial project approvals. I wasn't even sure halfway through the project if I was going to complete it but I did with his guidance. He made some great suggestions along the way and dedicated his time to anyone who actually needed it. There were hours when I was in the "zone" and did not require any attention. I found that independence rewarding. When I did need his help, he was there. The people in my class were lovely. I was the only female and I am short. My classmates would always allow me a good viewing position during demonstrations. Everyone was having a great time and enjoying the moment. It was a happy surprise to see everyones finished product and how inventive some of them were, very inspiring. I hope to see them all again in the future for advanced classes. Note: It is a loud environment due to all the working equipments and we all have to scream at each other in order to be heard, especially with all the safety equipment you have on. I would keep that in mind and not take offense when someone screams in your face or you do it in return. Thank goodness I am loud person by nature. read more

Michael Daniel does beautiful work. He has made a few pieces of custom furniture for me for very reasonable prices, and done quickly. He was very patient with me in the process of refining the designs. read more

He is an outstanding craftsman who specializes in instructing people of all skill levels. Students make their own piece to take home as part of the class. I have seen the commercial and residental work he does; it is top notch. read more

I am very pleased with my decision to take this course. I thought it was informative, hands on, and well planned. Michael is a great teacher that allows each student to watch and then perform the activity being taught. Not only have I learned the basics of a valuable trade skill, I have a completed side table to show for it. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of welding. read more

Just finished the Introductory class and can't say enough good things about it. But I'll try. Michael is a great teacher, fun, warm, friendly, and very skilled, and his shop is neat, organized and well-equipped. There was never a shortage of materials, tools, or his attention, and he is excellent at demonstrating all the techniques. He wastes no time getting the students handling the equipment so you are welding and cutting and doing all sorts of fun stuff right away. He was very supportive of each person's project - and mine was pretty silly - and provided guidance and assistance to all. This is a great class and if you have any interest in metalworking you should check it out. I had a blast and learned a ton. read more

I took the intro course with Michael earlier this year and I was very happy with his knowledge and teaching skills. If I were still in the NY area, I'd sign up for his follow up course. I did wish, however, that there was more time to practice some of the the techniques that were taught. Other than that, happy customer/student :-) read more

Wow! Looking for welding instruction and see Michael Daniel, designer of Kikkerland Flip Clock, gives classes! Awesome. Adding this to my to do wish list!! read more

Dina's experience was similar to my own, except I'm a POC. Totally annoying. Maybe something the teacher doesn't notice but it's totally a thing. read more

Hello Yelpers! I finished the metal welding introduction class with Michael yesterday. I could not be happier with the results. Michael is an incredibly talented metal artist/designer/welder and he is an even better teacher when it comes to explain the techniques and the safety procedures. All the people in the class had a blast. You will be surprised by the amount of learning you will get. I took many courses and this is by far the best learning experience i had so far. The studio is very clean, the tools are top notch and there is no question Michael is not able to answer when it comes to the best, safest and most efficient way to weld your project. read more

I took the intro class and then some workshop session to make a small side table. I had never worked with metal before, but Michael explained everything so well, thought us the various techniques and machinery and also ensured we all knew how to use them safely. I didn't quite know how to make the table that I wanted and he was very helpful, patient and was giving me advice and tips. I hope to have time again to go back and make something else....it's a lot of fun! read more

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I cant' say enough good things about Michael Daniel's welding classes. Michael is a great instructor. He is clear and patient but does not unnecessarily coddle the students. One of my pet peeves with these types of classes is when the instructor yammers on for 30 minutes telling you how to do something but never gives you the opportunity to actually do it for yourself. In Michael's class he provides just enough verbal instruction, a quick demonstration, and then puts the tools (welding machines, grinders, jigsaws, drills, etc.) in your hand for you to use. He provides additional instruction and pointers as you actually use the tools - the most effective way to teach, in my opinion. About half-way through the five sessions, you will have learned how to use all the tools in the shop and then will begin your independent projects. This is where you apply what you have learned to an actual metal project of your own design. Michael will help you with the design and also let you know if you are getting too ambitious with your first project. I made a bench with an area to store dirty boots, etc. Others made picture frames, planters, and tables. Michael also has "independent study" classes for those who have completed his basic welding class. In this class, it is all about students making their own metal works projects from their own designs. Some of what I have seen students do have been quite impressive. I am now on my second independent study and am loving it. Michael's shop is very well stocked with tools. Each student has their own workstation. Michael circulates around providing pointers and assistance where needed. The atmosphere in Michael's shop is very inclusive and welcoming - women, men, young (not me), old (me), naturally artistic (not me) and not (me). I would highly recommend his classes and independent studies for anyone curious about metal work as well as those who want to take on ambitious projects. read more

Michael Daniel Metal Design - Company logo that I made out of metal in the independent study. - Interior Design Near Me - Long Island City, New York

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Michael Daniel is a spectacular welding instructor. I'm an apprentice pile-driver and wanted to get a jump start on my welding education. I had never welded before and most guys i work with don't have the time to teach me because of the fast paced environment and liability. I spent two hours with Michael and he had me arc-welding in no time. He was able to teach me some theory along with a ton of hands on training. Michael was very hospitable, patient, and down to earth. The best part of the private lesson was the different scenarios and welds he was able to recreate with what he had in the shop to mimic what I'd be required to do in the future. Though it cant compare to splicing two 60ft. H-Beams together, I left feeling confident that I'd be on my way in no time with some practice and all of Michael's advice. So confident I'm actually picking my own mini-welder this weekend to start applying what I've been taught. I would recommend his private lessons to anyone. read more