Grey Bruce Makers Inc. upcoming events

LASER ENGRAVING 101 - August (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving Basics

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599959

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, August 20th, 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Learn how to set up and operate the Epilog CO₂ Laser Engravers at Grey Bruce Makers. In this hands-on course, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of CorelDRAW for preparing artwork, explore materials suitable for laser engraving, and master the setup and safety procedures for using the machine independently. This class is a required certification for members who wish to use the laser engravers on their own.

Key Learnings

Import and prepare designs in CorelDRAW
Set up and focus the Epilog CO₂ Laser
Understand engraving settings for different materials (wood, slate, acrylic, etc.)
Perform test runs, basic troubleshooting, and safety checks
Clean and maintain the laser system

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
No loose or flowing clothing
Safety glasses (provided if needed)
Tie back long hair

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for bringing custom artwork)
Notebook and pen (optional)
Your creativity and curiosity

‍

ELECTRONICS 101 - August (Monday, August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Electronics 101

https://www.greybrucemakers.ca/event-6779671
Cost: $279 (includes take home kit value $130!)
Date(s): Monday, August 24th 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, August 26th 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Get started with the fundamentals of electronics in this hands-on introductory course. Learn how electrical circuits work, identify common electronic components, and safely use essential tools such as multimeters and breadboards. Through guided projects, you'll build simple circuits while developing an understanding of voltage, current, resistance, and basic troubleshooting techniques. Whether you're interested in DIY projects, robotics, home electronics, or making, this course provides the perfect foundation to begin your electronics journey.

Take Home Kit Includes:

Breadboard Kit
Soldering Kit
Make Your Own Flashlight Kit

Key Learnings

Understand basic electrical theory, including voltage, current, and resistance
Identify common electronic components and their functions
Safely use multimeters and other essential electronics tools
Build and test simple circuits on a breadboard
Read basic circuit diagrams and schematics
Measure voltage, continuity, and resistance
Troubleshoot common circuit problems
Develop a foundation for future electronics projects

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course. No previous experience is required.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable clothing suitable for a workshop environment

What to Bring

Water bottle
Notebook and pen

All tools, materials, and electronic components required for the course are provided.

About Your Instructor

From woodworking to welding, electronics to computers, Daryl Cober has done it all. He is the proverbial Jack of all Trades! He started driving heavy machinery over 50 years ago and since then has been in construction, achieved an inter provincial license as an electronics technician, toured North America as a live sound engineer, started several corporations, and finished off his career as an independent Software Developer and Systems Architect. Now retired, he spends his free time working in his greenhouse alongside his loving wife, doing home improvements, tinkering in his workshop, riding his Harley and now hanging at Grey Bruce Makers. "As the old saying goes, I have been there, done that and have the T-Shirt!"

VACUUM FORMING 101 - August (Monday, August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Vacuum Forming 101

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6779709

Cost: $65 + HST
Date(s): Monday, August 24th 2026 | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Discover the basics of vacuum forming and learn how to create durable plastic parts from custom molds. In this hands-on introductory workshop, you'll learn the complete vacuum forming process, from material selection and mold preparation to machine operation and finishing techniques. You'll produce your own formed parts while gaining practical knowledge of a manufacturing process commonly used for prototyping, packaging, product design, props, costume making, and small-scale production.

Whether you're a maker, designer, artist, or entrepreneur, this course provides the foundational skills needed to confidently begin working with vacuum-formed plastics.

Key Learnings

Understand vacuum forming safety and machine operation
Learn about common thermoplastic materials and their applications
Design and prepare molds for successful forming
Heat and form plastic sheets using professional equipment
Trim and finish vacuum-formed parts
Identify and prevent common forming defects
Handle materials safely and efficiently
Explore applications in prototyping, packaging, product design, and fabrication

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course. No previous experience is required.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable clothing suitable for workshop environments
Long hair must be tied back
Safety glasses are provided

What to Bring

Water bottle
Notebook and pen (optional)

All materials, equipment, and safety gear required for the course are provided.

About Your Instructor

Dave Trimbee is an experienced maker and educator with a strong background in digital fabrication and manufacturing technologies. Passionate about hands-on learning, he enjoys helping students understand material properties, and develop the skills to create with confidence.

ELECTRONICS 101 - August (Wednesday, August 26, 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Electronics 101

https://www.greybrucemakers.ca/event-6779671
Cost: $279 (includes take home kit value $130!)
Date(s): Monday, August 24th 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, August 26th 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Take Home Kit Includes:

Breadboard Kit
Soldering Kit
Make Your Own Flashlight Kit

Key Learnings

Understand basic electrical theory, including voltage, current, and resistance
Identify common electronic components and their functions
Safely use multimeters and other essential electronics tools
Build and test simple circuits on a breadboard
Read basic circuit diagrams and schematics
Measure voltage, continuity, and resistance
Troubleshoot common circuit problems
Develop a foundation for future electronics projects

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course. No previous experience is required.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable clothing suitable for a workshop environment

What to Bring

Water bottle
Notebook and pen

All tools, materials, and electronic components required for the course are provided.

About Your Instructor

LASER ENGRAVING 102 (Thursday, August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving 102- Advanced Laser Engraving Techniques

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6781108

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, August 27th, 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Take your laser engraving skills beyond the default settings with this hands-on Epilog CO₂ Laser course. Learn how to select and test settings for different materials, including wood, slate, and anodized aluminum. Explore image preparation, test grids, dithering, and techniques for engraving large or detailed images. Build the confidence to troubleshoot, experiment, and achieve consistent, high-quality engraving results.

This course is designed for those that have taken the 101 Laser intro class and have spent at least 6 months working with the laser on various projects and materials.

Key Learnings

Move beyond the default settings within the Epilog CO₂ Laser
Understand the logic behind the settings of Laser Engraving
Understand the steps to take when working with a new material
Understand how to edit images to get the best engraving results
Understand engraving settings for different materials (wood, slate, anodized aluminum, etc.)
Set up and test large images, run test grids and know when to us dither

✅ Prerequisites

**Must have completed LASER ENGRAVING 101

Mark will reach out to each registrant to ensure your current skill level matches this course.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
No loose or flowing clothing
Safety glasses (provided if needed)
Tie back long hair

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for bringing custom artwork)
Notebook and pen (optional)
Your creativity and curiosity

‍ About Your Instructor

Mark Brown is a lifelong maker and student of all things creative. After taking the Intro to Laser class himself in 2024, he became fascinated with the possibilities the Epilog laser engravers offered. Mark now works in slate, anodized aluminum, wood, acrylic, and porcelain tiles. He has a knack for turning complex skills into clear, digestible lessons.

With support from Grey Bruce Makers and the Business Enterprise Centre, Mark founded Fire and Shadow Alchemy — a laser art business focused on personal expression and technical precision.
www.fireandshadowalchemy.ca
Follow him: @fireandshadowalchemy on Facebook & Instagram