When I think of Las Vegas, I immediately reflect back on some of the pretty bad decisions I’ve made through the years… and the hangovers. Yikes. But just off the beaten path from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip lies a hidden gem for metal enthusiasts and artisans alike: Sosa Metalworks.

Sosa Metalworks is an unassuming workshop where metal is shaped and molded; it’s a haven where creativity meets craftsmanship, and where individuals from all walks of life come together to learn the art of metal fabrication from long-time fabrication aficionado, Cristian Sosa, during one of his metal shaping workshops. We sent our man, Alex Chapman, to document the experience first-hand.

Who is Cristian Sosa, you might be asking, and why would people want him to teach them how to shape and mold metal into something artistic or functional or both? Well, Cristian seems like the guy in the background making everyone else’s shit look cool, but not the alleyes-on-me-kinda guy. Cristian is the humble type but possesses all the talent in the world. “I’ve been working in these shops since I was 15 years old,” Cristian says. “So, I’ve been doing the metal shaping thing for about 24 years, something like that, and metal shaping is kind of my specialty.” But let’s not forget about some of the incredibly cool handbuilt motorcycles Cristian has built through the years.

“Most of the builds that I do, I do them one at a time, and they’re built from scratch, basically.” Cristian has been into cars and bikes his whole life. When he started working in fabrication he was always most interested in being able to make something out of nothing. As a long-time bike builder who’s been shaping and molding materials for over 20 years, it just sort of made sense for the natural progression to be offering up his workshops to serve anyone and everyone interested in learning the metal shaping craft.

Upon arriving at Sosa Metalworks, participants are immediately welcomed into a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and filled with the anticipation of what will unfold in the coming days. Cristian started hosting these metal shaping workshops as a way to give back to the community and pay forward the wealth of knowledge he’s developed through the years with the help from those who shaped and molded him into the talented fabricator that he’s become. Whether you’re an experienced metal shaper or a complete novice it doesn’t matter, there’s a place for you here. “I’ve been doing these classes for close to 10 years,” Cristian recalls. “Originally it started with people asking me to either come to my shop or somebody that owned a shop, and they would ask me ‘Can I go to your shop and spend the weekend with you or pay you so you can teach me how to do some stuff?’” As that became a more frequent occurrence, Cristian enjoyed doing them and the fabrication workshops on a more regular basis. “It slowly started growing into just opening up to the public and allowing whoever was interested in learning this kind of thing to join in,” Cristian says. “So, when we do these classes, it’s not necessarily always people that are in this field to begin with. Most of the time it’s people that are in some random type of work and they’re just interested in this, and they want to try it out.” And the diverse culture of clientele is what really makes the workshops unique as well. “I think that’s what makes it interesting,” Cristian explains. “But as far as the work, I mean, when you’re in there working in the classes, you’re very much on your own. Even though there’s people around you, each person has their own project that they’re working on and they’re focusing on whatever problems they’re going through.”

The workshop consists of a three-day journey, with an additional meet-and-greet session on day one. As students gather, the camaraderie among the 10 students and the dedicated staff members becomes apparent. Cristian and his team are there to guide, mentor, and facilitate the creative process. While he enlisted the help of someone he deemed worthy, Cristian’s ex-student, Carl Fisher from JapHands Kustoms in Canada, was up for the task. “Carl took my class in 2018 and he’s really good at it, so we became good friends and recently four classes ago I asked him if he wanted to jump in and help me run the class so that there would be two of us,” Cristian explains. “It makes for a better class because there’s more support around and also he can kind of teach his system of doing things, which he does a lot of stuff by hand.” Cristian thinks Carl’s participation has greatly improved the class because not everybody that leaves the workshop will have access to the machines. “It’s been an improvement having [Carl] around because he explains things in a way where you can go home and all you’ll need is a stump and a hammer and you can get started on practicing or making projects or whatever until you’re ready for a machine or to decide if you want to continue doing it,” Cristian says.

DAY ONE: SHAPING THE FOUNDATION

The first day is all about getting acquainted with the tools and techniques of metal shaping. Cristian Sosa and Carl lead the way, demonstrating the use of power hammers and hand tools, like the English wheel and the versatile planishing hammer, also known as the “panel beater.” Students are introduced to the art of transforming flat sheets of metal into beautifully crafted bowls. This initial step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the days ahead.

DAY TWO: CRAFTING THE BLUEPRINT

Day two takes a different turn as students shift their focus to creating wire frames. These frames serve as the blueprint for constructing custom fuel tanks for motorcycles. As students work diligently, they also gain proficiency in welding, ensuring they can securely assemble their creations. While some arrive with welding experience, Cristian and his team are ready to assist anyone who needs guidance.

SOSA’S RIGHT-HAND MAN:

CARL FISHER

I’m Carl Fisher, also known as JapHands Kustoms on YouTube, and I’ve been involved in metalwork for a long time. My journey with Cristian Sosa began back in 2013 when we crossed paths while building motorcycles. Since then, we’ve stayed connected, and in 2018, I had the opportunity to take Cristian’s metal shaping class, a decision that truly changed my life.

The workshop experience is an immersive four-day adventure. It all kicks off with a lively meet-and-greet on Thursday night, where we bond over tacos and beers. This informal gathering is essential because it helps build connections and eases us into the class.

As for my role in these workshops, I’ve been assisting Cristian for the past four classes. My primary goal is to support the participants, answer their questions, and help Cristian manage the class. It’s about ensuring everyone gets the most out of this incredible learning opportunity. People come from all over the world to take this class, showing how farreaching the impact of Sosa Metalworks is. Whether you’re from Canada, like me, or Spain, the class attracts metal enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of this workshop is witnessing those “aha moments” when students grasp a concept they’ve been wondering about. It’s these moments of understanding that make the experience truly special. In a nutshell, Sosa Metalworks’ workshop is a transformative journey, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

On Friday, we dive headfirst into the world of metal shaping, starting with crafting symmetrical bowls. It’s a hands-on experience with various machines that allows us to understand metal’s behavior and the tools at our disposal. We also explore hand metal shaping, including using my own creation, the “Mother Tucker Hammer.”

Saturday shifts the focus to wireframes and patternmaking. It’s a quieter day, where we hone our design skills and create templates. By Saturday night, we’re ready to begin shaping our projects. Sunday is the culmination of our efforts as we spend the entire day shaping our metal into fuel tanks. It’s a rewarding experience to see your project come to life.

For those considering entering the world of metal shaping, this class is an excellent starting point. You don’t need any prior knowledge or welding skills; you can come in green and leave with valuable insights into your metalworking interests.

DAY THREE AND BEYOND: FROM FRAME TO FINISH The excitement and anticipation grow on day three as students progress from wireframes to shaping metal panels around their frames. This is where the real magic happens. With the wire frame as a guide, students transform flat sheets of metal into intricate, three-dimensional fuel tanks. Each tank is unique, reflecting the individual creativity of its maker. By the end of the workshop, some students will have completed their fuel tanks, while others may still be perfecting their craft. There’s no judgment or competition here; everyone is encouraged to progress at their own pace and ask questions without hesitation. The Sosa Metalworks experience isn’t just about learning; it’s about forging connections, building friendships, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of metal shaping. Students leave with newfound skills, a sense of accomplishment, and the knowledge that they’ve learned from one of the best in the industry.

THE TAKEAWAY

Sosa Metalworks isn’t just a workshop; it’s a journey of self-discovery and creative expression. It’s a place where metal meets mastery, where beginners become artisans, and where a shared passion for craftsmanship brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned metal shaper or a curious novice, Sosa Metalworks welcomes you to join their community and embark on a transformative experience. Who knows? You might just discover a newfound passion for shaping metal and bringing your unique creations to life.

If you’re ready to embark on this incredible journey of metal shaping and creativity, don’t hesitate to register for the next Sosa Metalworks workshop. With Cristian Sosa and his team as your guides, you’ll not only learn the art of metal fabrication but also become part of a community that shares your passion for crafting beauty from raw materials. HB