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Upcoming Courses

    • Tuesday, August 26, 2025
    • Thursday, August 28, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 5
    Register


    Learn Woodworking – ADIRONDACKCHAIR

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6283545

    Cost: $199 + HST
    Date(s): Tuesday August 26th, Thursday August 284th, 2025 — 6:00–9:00 PM

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    This hands-on introduction to woodworking is perfect for beginners ready to explore the world of tools, materials, and creative building. Led by expert maker Will Elliot, each session focuses on a simple project — such as a raised planter box or small piece of furniture — that helps you build confidence using core tools and shop techniques.

    You’ll leave this course with a completed project and a solid foundation for future woodworking classes and personal builds.

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use common woodshop tools

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Read and follow project plans and tool setups

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines including:

      • Resaw bandsaw

      • Jointer & planer

      • Chop saw

      • Router table

      • Panel sander

      • Air nailer

    • Gain confidence in measuring, marking, and building with wood

    ✅ Prerequisites

    None — this is a CORE introductory course.

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • All materials are provided for the project

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Wednesday, August 27, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E, Owen Sound, ON
    Register

    3D Printing Basics with Fred Deboard

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6283444

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 — 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.


    • Thursday, August 28, 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4KV1
    • 2
    Register


    Learn to Weld – MIG Welding (GMAW)

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6283578

    Cost: $189 + HST
    Date(s): Thursday, Aug 28th, 2025 — 5:30–8:30 PM
    Workshop: Metal Shop (Weld Bay)
    Maximum Participants: 4

    Course Description

    MIG Welding — also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) — is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly welding processes used in metal fabrication, construction, and manufacturing. In this three-hour hands-on workshop, you’ll learn welding fundamentals and gain practical experience making strong, clean welds.

    Led by professional welder and educator Jeff Mills, this workshop is designed for total beginners or hobbyists looking to take the first step into metalworking. You’ll leave with the foundational skills needed to weld safely and confidently.

    Key Learnings

    • Understand MIG welding equipment, shielding gas, and wire feed systems

    • Learn essential safety practices, PPE use, and fire prevention

    • Practice tack welds, butt joints, and fillet welds on steel

    • Control the welding arc, monitor weld quality, and troubleshoot common problems

    • Learn to recognize a good weld vs. a flawed weld

    ✅ Prerequisites

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

    What to Wear

    • Long-sleeved, non-synthetic (cotton) clothing

    • Closed-toe leather or steel-toe shoes

    • No jewelry or exposed skin

    • Safety gear (helmet, gloves, jacket) is provided — feel free to bring your own

    What to Bring

    • Water bottle

    • Notebook and pen (optional)

    • All welding tools and materials are provided

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Jeff Mills is a certified welder/fabricator with nearly two decades of industry experience across residential, industrial, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. He’s taught welding and fabrication for Georgian College’s Red Seal Millwright Program and currently serves as an Academic Technologist with deep credentials, including:

    • CWB Level 1 Welding Inspector

    • TSSA certifications (6G position in SMAW & GTAW)

    • CWB tickets in SMAW, GMAW, MCAW, FCAW

    • Instructor in layout, blueprint reading, trade safety, and multiple welding processes

    Jeff brings a positive, practical, and deeply knowledgeable approach to his teaching and looks forward to building skills and confidence with each new class.

    • Thursday, August 28, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E Owen Sound, ON
    Register

    Laser Engraving Basics

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6283413

    Cost: $65
    Date(s): Thursday, August 28th, 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


    • Saturday, August 30, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E Owen Sound, ON N4K5N8
    Register

    ️ Large Format Printing Made Easy

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6277894

    Cost: $75 (includes instruction, one 16"×20" print, and frame)
    Date: Saturday, August 30th, 2025 — 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.

Grey Bruce Makers is a not-for-profit organization supported by membership fees, course fees, sponsorships and donations. We are a proud regional centre for creativity and community.

Executive Director

Dan Herrick

226-974-7399

info@greybrucemakers.ca

1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON
N4K 5N8
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