Grey Bruce Makers Inc. upcoming events

3D Printing 101 - Sep 2026 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

3D Printing Basics with Fred Deboard

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784178

Cost: $65 + HST
Date: September 10th, 2026 — 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Curious about 3D printing? This hands-on class with 3D printing expert Fred DeBoard introduces you to the fundamentals of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing. You’ll learn how to safely operate the 3D printers at Grey Bruce Makers and gain the skills needed to prepare, launch, and troubleshoot your own prints. Completion of this course certifies you to use GBM’s 3D printers independently as a member.

Key Learnings

Load and unload filament correctly
Calibrate the build plate for consistent prints
Select, prepare, and download 3D model files
Understand slicer basics and print settings
Troubleshoot failed prints and improve quality

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Avoid loose clothing or accessories
Safety glasses are optional

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for storing print files)
Notebook and pen
A design idea or STL file (optional)

‍ About Your Instructor

Fred DeBoard is a long-time 3D printing enthusiast and problem solver who has helped hundreds of makers get started with additive manufacturing. With a practical, patient teaching style, Fred brings deep knowledge and a passion for experimentation to every class. Whether you’re printing your first model or looking to troubleshoot your prints, Fred is the go-to mentor for learning the ins and outs of 3D printing at GBM.

LASER ENGRAVING 101 - Sept 2026 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving Basics

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784163

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, September 17th, 2026 | 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

‍ 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

PRINTING 101 -September (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

️ Large Format Printing Made Easy

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6783913

Cost: $75 (includes instruction, one 16"×20" print, and frame)

Date: Saturday, September 19th, 2026 — 1:00–4:00 PM
Workshop: Marketing Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Want to turn your photos into stunning, gallery-worthy prints? This hands-on workshop teaches you how to use GBM’s 44" HP DesignJet Z6DR large format printer to create beautiful, high-quality posters, technical drawings, or wall art. No photography background required — just basic computer skills and a great image on a USB stick.

Whether you're printing for your home, business, or a creative project, this workshop will guide you through every step of the process — from paper loading to trimming and framing. You’ll leave with a professionally printed and framed 16"x20" image you created yourself.

Key Learnings

Basic operation of the HP Z6DR printer via the control panel
How to load both roll-fed and sheet-fed paper
Use of HP Click software to send, size, and align your prints
Understanding print borders, sizing, and layout
Safe trimming and finishing of prints
Introduction to basic colour systems and ICC Profiles
Overview of paper types and their effect on print quality

✅ Prerequisites

Basic computer skills required.
No photography or graphic design experience necessary.

What to Wear

Comfortable indoor attire
Closed-toe shoes recommended

What to Bring

USB stick with at least one high-resolution image
Optional: additional photos for review
All materials provided, including frame and print paper

Participants are encouraged to send their image ahead of time to:
ed@edmatphoto.com

‍ About Your Instructor

Edward Matthews is a retired professional photographer and former engineer with a passion for precision, creativity, and sharing knowledge. His technical background includes work with Texas Instruments, Dell, OnStar, and MetaSolv, followed by formal photography studies at Austin Community College.

Ed has worked across multiple photography genres — from portraits and real estate to sports and landscapes — and now calls Lake Charles, Ontario home. At GBM, he combines his engineering mindset and photographic artistry to help members get the most out of the Marketing Lab’s powerful printing tools.

3D Printing 101 - Oct 2026 (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

3D Printing Basics with Fred Deboard

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784184

Cost: $65 + HST
Date: October 8th, 2026 — 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Key Learnings

Load and unload filament correctly
Calibrate the build plate for consistent prints
Select, prepare, and download 3D model files
Understand slicer basics and print settings
Troubleshoot failed prints and improve quality

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Avoid loose clothing or accessories
Safety glasses are optional

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for storing print files)
Notebook and pen
A design idea or STL file (optional)

‍ About Your Instructor

LASER ENGRAVING 101 - Oct 2026 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving Basics

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784166

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, October 15th, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

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

‍ About Your Instructor

PRINTING 101 -October (Saturday, October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

️ Large Format Printing Made Easy

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6783915

Cost: $75 (includes instruction, one 16"×20" print, and frame)

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026 — 1:00–4:00 PM
Workshop: Marketing Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Key Learnings

Basic operation of the HP Z6DR printer via the control panel
How to load both roll-fed and sheet-fed paper
Use of HP Click software to send, size, and align your prints
Understanding print borders, sizing, and layout
Safe trimming and finishing of prints
Introduction to basic colour systems and ICC Profiles
Overview of paper types and their effect on print quality

✅ Prerequisites

Basic computer skills required.
No photography or graphic design experience necessary.

What to Wear

Comfortable indoor attire
Closed-toe shoes recommended

What to Bring

USB stick with at least one high-resolution image
Optional: additional photos for review
All materials provided, including frame and print paper

Participants are encouraged to send their image ahead of time to:
ed@edmatphoto.com

‍ About Your Instructor

LASER ENGRAVING 102- Oct 2026 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving 102

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784071

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 from 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

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

**Must have completed LASER ENGRAVING 101

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

3D Printing 101 - Nov 2026 (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

3D Printing Basics with Fred Deboard

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784187

Cost: $65 + HST
Date: November 12th, 2026 — 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Key Learnings

Load and unload filament correctly
Calibrate the build plate for consistent prints
Select, prepare, and download 3D model files
Understand slicer basics and print settings
Troubleshoot failed prints and improve quality

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Avoid loose clothing or accessories
Safety glasses are optional

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for storing print files)
Notebook and pen
A design idea or STL file (optional)

‍ About Your Instructor

3D Printing 102 - Nov 2026 (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

3D Printing 102

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784252

Cost: $65 + HST
Date: November 18st, 2026 — 6:00–9:00 PM

Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Take your 3D printing skills to the next level by exploring the world of resin 3D printing. Designed for those with basic 3D printing experience, this hands-on course introduces the complete resin printing workflow—from printer setup and resin handling to post-processing and curing. You'll learn how resin printing differs from filament printing, how to prepare models for successful prints, and how to produce highly detailed parts with smooth surface finishes.

Whether you're interested in miniatures, prototypes, jewelry, or highly detailed functional components, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to achieve consistently excellent results.

Key Learnings

Understand resin printer components and operation
Safely handle, store, and dispose of UV resin
Prepare models using resin slicing software
Orient models and generate effective supports
Learn exposure settings and printer calibration
Wash, cure, and finish resin prints
Troubleshoot common resin printing failures
Best practices for achieving high-detail, reliable prints

✅ Prerequisites

Completion of 3D Printing 101.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Avoid loose clothing or accessories
Nitrile gloves and safety glasses will be provided

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for storing print files)
Notebook and pen (optional)
A design idea or STL file (optional)

All resin, equipment, tools, and safety supplies are provided.

About Your Instructor

Fred DeBoard is a long-time 3D printing enthusiast with extensive experience in both filament and resin printing technologies. Passionate about helping others succeed, Fred guides students through every step of the resin printing process—from preparing models and optimizing print settings to post-processing and troubleshooting—so they can confidently create highly detailed, professional-quality prints.

LASER ENGRAVING 101 -Nov 2026 (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving Basics

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784169

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, November 19th, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

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

‍ About Your Instructor

PRINTING 101 -November (Saturday, November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

️ Large Format Printing Made Easy

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6783919

Cost: $75 (includes instruction, one 16"×20" print, and frame)

Date: Saturday, November 21st, 2026 — 1:00–4:00 PM
Workshop: Marketing Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Key Learnings

Basic operation of the HP Z6DR printer via the control panel
How to load both roll-fed and sheet-fed paper
Use of HP Click software to send, size, and align your prints
Understanding print borders, sizing, and layout
Safe trimming and finishing of prints
Introduction to basic colour systems and ICC Profiles
Overview of paper types and their effect on print quality

✅ Prerequisites

Basic computer skills required.
No photography or graphic design experience necessary.

What to Wear

Comfortable indoor attire
Closed-toe shoes recommended

What to Bring

USB stick with at least one high-resolution image
Optional: additional photos for review
All materials provided, including frame and print paper

Participants are encouraged to send their image ahead of time to:
ed@edmatphoto.com

‍ About Your Instructor

3D Printing 101 - Dec 2026 (Thursday, December 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

3D Printing Basics with Fred Deboard

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784190

Cost: $65 + HST
Date: December 10th, 2026 — 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Key Learnings

Load and unload filament correctly
Calibrate the build plate for consistent prints
Select, prepare, and download 3D model files
Understand slicer basics and print settings
Troubleshoot failed prints and improve quality

✅ Prerequisites

None — this is a CORE introductory course.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes
Avoid loose clothing or accessories
Safety glasses are optional

What to Bring

USB drive (optional for storing print files)
Notebook and pen
A design idea or STL file (optional)

‍ About Your Instructor

LASER ENGRAVING 101 -Dec 2026 (Thursday, December 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Laser Engraving Basics

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6784170

Cost: $65
Date(s): Thursday, December 17th, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Workshop: Digital Fabrication Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

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

‍ About Your Instructor

PRINTING 101 -December (Saturday, December 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

️ Large Format Printing Made Easy

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6783927

Cost: $75 (includes instruction, one 16"×20" print, and frame)

Date: Saturday, December 19th, 2026 — 1:00–4:00 PM
Workshop: Marketing Lab
Maximum Participants: 6

Course Description

Key Learnings

Basic operation of the HP Z6DR printer via the control panel
How to load both roll-fed and sheet-fed paper
Use of HP Click software to send, size, and align your prints
Understanding print borders, sizing, and layout
Safe trimming and finishing of prints
Introduction to basic colour systems and ICC Profiles
Overview of paper types and their effect on print quality

✅ Prerequisites

Basic computer skills required.
No photography or graphic design experience necessary.

What to Wear

Comfortable indoor attire
Closed-toe shoes recommended

What to Bring

USB stick with at least one high-resolution image
Optional: additional photos for review
All materials provided, including frame and print paper

Participants are encouraged to send their image ahead of time to:
ed@edmatphoto.com