REQUIREMENTS
SI701— Safety and Introduction to neon
N702—Letter construction
N703—Sign construction
N704—Script lettering/cursive
N705—Bombarding and pumping
N706—Neon equipment and set up
N707—Repairs
N708—Lab techniques
N709—Neon independent study

SI701— Safety and Introduction to neon
This class is a beginning familiarization with the types of glasses, equipment and process utilized to the making of a luminous (neon) tube. It will emphasize the safe use of all equipment and procedures. Layout for a neon project will be the major concern in this beginning class. All five beginning bending techniques will be discussed, including a straight weld, double back bends, right
angle bends, drops and lifts. Safety, again, will be stressed regarding types of clothing to be worn while bending, what to do if one is injured, and what can be done to help prevent any accident. A
project will be initiated by preparing the layout of the neon piece to be bent. Completion of the first piece will be up to the individual. Instruction with a maximum of eight students will allow the instructor to give one-on-one instruction. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N702—Letter construction
This segment of the neon (illuminous tube) class instruction will be directed toward students who want to go forward with the construction of a neon project. It will emphasize the layout of initial
patterns and use of simple upper case block lettering. It will discuss the use and composition of the electrodes that are used to illuminate the neon project. The student will be shown the different procedures it takes to fabricate all lettering in the alphabet. Older methods of sign construction will also be discussed, including design and composition of antique signage. The theory of the transformer in illumination will be discussed and the current types of traditional transformers and electrical connectors will also be explored. Prerequisite SI701.  Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N703—Sign construction
This third class is directed toward the evolving student who wants to continue with time on the torch (fires) and learn the different types of lettering that can be used to make unique signage. Both upper
and lower case block and stylized block lettering will be discussed and fabricated. A project from the instructor will be given with the entire completion of the piece to be accomplished by the student.
The bombarding process will be demonstrated and discussed. Again, safety will be stressed in the bombarding segment of fabrication. The total construction of a sign from start to finish will be observed. Prerequisite SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N704—Script lettering/cursive
This segment of neon instruction is for the advancing student. It will discuss most cursive (script) bending procedures and will give the student a different outlook on the fabrication of the “script
sign.” The placement and beginning of the script sign will be discussed and fabricated. Students will lay out and bend a script sign of their choice and complete the process. Emphasis
will be placed on the visual compatibility and fabrication necessary to accomplish a project that is visually pleasing. Aesthetics of script signage will be discussed and employed. Types of glass
will again be discussed in fabrication and time on the torch will be directed. Prerequisite SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N705—Bombarding and pumping
This course will be concerned mostly with pumping and filling the neon (illuminous) tube. Safety in the utilization of the equipment will be discussed and employed. The vacuum manifold system will
be discussed including the use of the butyl phylate (filling) gauge and the vacuum gauge. The color of the unit to be filled will be discussed including color shown while one is pumping a vacuum and what
causes a leak in the process. Hands on instruction will be given on the use of the vacuum manifold. The bombarding segment will be accomplished by the instructor with emphasis, again, on safety.
Prerequisite SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N706—Neon equipment and set up
This segment is for those who want to set up their own neon operation for independent work, course review, discuss all equipment, including the fabrication of an air-gas manifold, torches and hook up. The pumping system will also be discussed. Vendors of both new and used equipment will be given to the student. Construction of the equipment will also be demonstrated with an emphasis on building your own utilities. An air-gas manifold will be a glass project in this segment. All vacuum utilities will be fabricated, and a vacuum manifold will be explored. Types of vacuum pumps will be discussed. Hook up of the entire bending and pumping facility will be demonstrated. Prerequisite: safety and intro SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N707–Repairs
This segment of the neon course will be directed totally toward repairs of signage and illuminous applications. It will discuss all types of variables to explore and the instruction of a testing coil.
Troubleshooting will be of main consideration in this segment. The student is urged to bring in a neon sign to repair. Testing of used transformers will also be demonstrated. The student will be given total comprehensive one-on-one instruction on the initiation of the repair. A finished repair of a neon (illuminous ) tube will be the accomplishment of this course, with the majority of emphasis on troubleshooting the repair. Prerequisite: safety and intro SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N708—Lab techniques
This course is for advanced students and allows them time to focus on their specialty for bending, pumping and installation of a neon (illuminous) tube. It will stress the installation of the finished product. All instruction will be given to the final installation of the finished piece. The remainder of the class will be directed toward sharpening skills in bending the glass. Safety in the shop and in the field will again be explored and discussed. Prerequisite SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.

N709—Neon independent study
This advanced class will be based on personal goals set forth by the student with guidance from the instructor. Students will advance their skills to create work that reflects their personal style. Mastery of tools and techniques, drawing, and a strong understanding of the medium will allow the students to excel. Prerequisite SI701. Tuition $600 Lab fee $45.