Grey Bruce Makers Inc. upcoming events

LEARN TO WELD with Jeff Mills - April 14th (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Learn to Weld – MIG Welding (GMAW)

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599639

Cost: $189 + HST
Date(s): Tuesday, April 14th 2026 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.

INTRO TO MACHINING w/ Iain Campbell April 20th & 22nd (Monday, April 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

️Intro to Manual Machining – Lathe & Knee Mill

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599589

Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Monday, April 20th & Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 — 6:00–8:30 PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Machine Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

Course Description

Curious about the art and precision of machining? This hands-on course introduces you to the manual metal lathe and vertical knee mill, two essential tools for shaping and fabricating custom metal parts. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of how these machines work and learn to safely turn, drill, mill, and cut components to size.

Whether you're exploring machining for prototyping, repair, or creative builds, this course gives you the confidence and skill to take your ideas into the world of precision metal shaping.

Key Learnings

Safety & PPE:

Hazards of rotating machinery: flying debris, sharp edges, and noise
Proper use of safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and hearing protection
Importance of fitted clothing — no loose sleeves, jewelry, or neckwear

Machine Overview & Parts:

Lathe: Headstock, chuck, carriage, cross slide, compound rest, tailstock, tool post
Knee Mill: Column, base, table, spindle, vise, hand wheels, vertical crank
Functions and controls of each component

Techniques You'll Practice:

Turning parts to precise diameter
Drilling with the tailstock
Parting off, cutting threads, machining tapers and angles
Calculating RPM using cutting speed formulas
Milling flat surfaces, keyways, and drilled holes in shafts
Cutting a flat surface on round stock

✅ Prerequisites

Basic understanding of shop safety recommended.

What to Wear

Steel-toe boots
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Fitted, non-synthetic clothing (cotton or denim preferred)
Hair tied back; no jewelry or loose accessories

What to Bring

Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All tools and materials provided

‍ About Your Instructor

Iain Campbell is a retired mechanical engineer with over four decades of experience in machining and engineering design. He cut his first CNC project 40 years ago and has since built a career that bridges hands-on manufacturing with technical training. For 25 years, Iain worked as a Technical Trainer at IBM, where he taught operating systems, systems and network administration, Python, SQL, and server security. Now CNC Manager at Upper Canada Stretchers — a company serving professional artists worldwide — he continues to combine precision, creativity, and practical instruction. Iain’s deep knowledge of machining fundamentals and approachable teaching style make him an excellent guide for anyone starting out in the machine shop.

DECORATIVE WELDING w/ Daniel Alosio April 25th , 26th (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DECORATIVE WELDING

Cost: $379 + HST
Date: Saturday, April 25th & Sunday April 26th, 2026 — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Weld Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599771

Course Description

Artistic Welding Workshop

$379 + tax | 2 Sessions of Creative Firepower

Get ready to spark your imagination (and a few arcs)! In this 2-session intensive workshop, you’ll dive into the world of artistic welding—where heat, steel, and creativity collide. Whether you’re brand new to metalwork or already a maker looking to level up, this hands-on experience will leave you fired up and full of new skills.

Here’s what you’ll be playing with (safely, of course):

- MIG welding basics and beyond
- Metal shaping and texturing using hammers, and jigs
- Cutting, grinding, fitting, and bending steel into creative form
- Proper and safe use of power tools and welding equipment

This is not a certification course—this is where your metal art journey begins. You’ll walk away with new skills, new confidence, and probably a few sparks on your boots (okay, hopefully not literally).

Small group size = plenty of instructor time and guidance tailored to your experience level. Let us know your background when you register—we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you grow from there.

Prerequisites: No prior welding experience is necessary. This workshop is suitable for beginners who want to learn basic welding techniques in a short amount of time.

Equipment: All necessary welding equipment and materials will be provided, including a MIG welder, welding helmet, gloves, and welding wire. Participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeved cotton clothing and closed-toe shoes for safety.

Participants will be given the choice from 3 fun artistic projects to create.

1. A decorative garden stake

2. A Metal Bird Sculpture

3. A hanging metal Sculpture.

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

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

Daniel Aloisio is a certified welder and instructor who blends technical skill with creative vision. With experience in MIG, TIG, and stick welding, as well as CNC machining and fabrication, he helps beginners see welding not just as a trade but as an art form. Daniel’s approachable teaching style and focus on safety empower students to transform raw steel into expressive works of sculpture.

LEARN TO WELD with Jeff Mills - April 28th (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Learn to Weld – MIG Welding (GMAW)

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599644

Cost: $189 + HST
Date(s): Tuesday, April 28th 2026 5:30–8:30 PM

Workshop: Metal Shop (Weld Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

Course Description

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

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.

LEARN THE CNC PLASMA CUTTER - May 11th (Monday, May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Learn the CNC Plasma Cutter

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599509

Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Monday May 11th, Wednesday May 13th, Saturday May 16th 10am-1pm

Workshop: Classroom & Metal Shop
Maximum Participants: 6

NOTE: PREREQUISITE - INTRO to V-Carve

Course Description

Ready to turn digital designs into sparks and steel? This hands-on course introduces members to the powerful world of CNC Plasma Cutting using the metal shop’s precision CNC table and Vectric V-Carve Pro software.

Over three guided sessions, you’ll learn how to prepare your files, safely operate the plasma cutter, and create high-quality metal parts, signs, and projects. This course is a required certification for independent use of the CNC Plasma Cutter at Grey Bruce Makers.

Whether you’re designing brackets, art, signage, or components, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to bring your ideas to life in metal.

Key Learnings

Introduction to CNC plasma technology and its capabilities
Create and prepare cut paths using Vectric V-Carve Pro
Understand kerf, pierce points, and toolpath planning for plasma
Material types and how they affect settings and edge quality
Machine setup, safety checks, and G-code export
Safe operation of the GBM CNC Plasma Cutter
Troubleshooting tips and post-processing your cut parts

✅ Prerequisites

PC (Windows laptop) required
Basic computer skills necessary.

What to Wear

Steel-toe boots
Flame-resistant, non-synthetic long-sleeved clothing (e.g., cotton, denim)
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Welding gloves (provided or bring your own)
No jewelry or loose clothing

What to Bring

Laptop with Vectric V-Carve Pro installed (trial available at vectric.com)
USB stick for file transfers
Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All other materials provided

‍ About Your Instructor

David Trimbee is a builder, educator, and digital fabrication specialist with a passion for teaching precision tools to creative minds. With experience in both woodworking and metal fabrication, David brings patience, humor, and clarity to every class — helping you cut clean, cut smart, and cut safe.

LEARN THE CNC PLASMA CUTTER - May 11th (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Learn the CNC Plasma Cutter

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599509

Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Monday May 11th, Wednesday May 13th, Saturday May 16th 10am-1pm

Workshop: Classroom & Metal Shop
Maximum Participants: 6

NOTE: PREREQUISITE - INTRO to V-Carve

Course Description

Whether you’re designing brackets, art, signage, or components, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to bring your ideas to life in metal.

Key Learnings

Introduction to CNC plasma technology and its capabilities
Create and prepare cut paths using Vectric V-Carve Pro
Understand kerf, pierce points, and toolpath planning for plasma
Material types and how they affect settings and edge quality
Machine setup, safety checks, and G-code export
Safe operation of the GBM CNC Plasma Cutter
Troubleshooting tips and post-processing your cut parts

✅ Prerequisites

PC (Windows laptop) required
Basic computer skills necessary.

What to Wear

Steel-toe boots
Flame-resistant, non-synthetic long-sleeved clothing (e.g., cotton, denim)
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Welding gloves (provided or bring your own)
No jewelry or loose clothing

What to Bring

Laptop with Vectric V-Carve Pro installed (trial available at vectric.com)
USB stick for file transfers
Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All other materials provided

‍ About Your Instructor

LEARN THE CNC PLASMA CUTTER - May 11th (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Learn the CNC Plasma Cutter

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599509

Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Monday May 11th, Wednesday May 13th, Saturday May 16th 10am-1pm

Workshop: Classroom & Metal Shop
Maximum Participants: 6

NOTE: PREREQUISITE - INTRO to V-Carve

Course Description

Whether you’re designing brackets, art, signage, or components, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to bring your ideas to life in metal.

Key Learnings

Introduction to CNC plasma technology and its capabilities
Create and prepare cut paths using Vectric V-Carve Pro
Understand kerf, pierce points, and toolpath planning for plasma
Material types and how they affect settings and edge quality
Machine setup, safety checks, and G-code export
Safe operation of the GBM CNC Plasma Cutter
Troubleshooting tips and post-processing your cut parts

✅ Prerequisites

PC (Windows laptop) required
Basic computer skills necessary.

What to Wear

Steel-toe boots
Flame-resistant, non-synthetic long-sleeved clothing (e.g., cotton, denim)
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Welding gloves (provided or bring your own)
No jewelry or loose clothing

What to Bring

Laptop with Vectric V-Carve Pro installed (trial available at vectric.com)
USB stick for file transfers
Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All other materials provided

‍ About Your Instructor

Intro to V-Carve w/ Iain Campbell May 23rd (Saturday, May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Intro to V-Carve with Iain Campbell

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599583

Cost: $99
Date(s): Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 10:00 AM- 4:00PM
Workshop: Classroom
Instructor: Iain Campbell
Max Students: 10

Course Description

Learn the fundamentals of V-Carve, the software that powers CNC design for both routers and plasma cutters. Guided by Iain Campbell, CNC Manager at Upper Canada Stretchers, this course introduces you to the essential functions needed to take a design from screen to machine. Through hands-on practice, you’ll gain the confidence to create, edit, and prepare projects for CNC production.

Key Learnings

Creating a new file
Understanding sheets and layers
Basic geometry, lines, circles, ellipses
Editing entities, trimming, chamfers, fillets
Understanding vectors and bitmaps- Intro to simple 3D shapes

Prerequisites

No previous CNC or V-Carve experience is required. Beginners welcome.

What to Wear

Comfortable clothing suitable for a workshop environment. Safety glasses will be provided if required for demonstrations.

What to Bring

A Windows laptop with V-Carve installed (trial or licensed version)
Notebook and pen for notes
Light lunch for break time

Iain Campbell is CNC Manager at Upper Canada Stretchers, where he oversees the production of custom panels and structures for artists around the globe. A retired mechanical engineer, he cut his first CNC project 40 years ago and has since built expertise in blending design with advanced fabrication. His 25 years as an IBM Technical Trainer sharpened his ability to make complex systems clear and approachable, whether teaching shell scripting, Python, SQL, or digital workflows. Author of Reliable Linux (Wiley & Sons, 2002), Iain brings the same clarity and precision to his V-Carve instruction — guiding learners through design setup, toolpaths, and the skills needed to confidently turn digital ideas into physical creations.

DECORATIVE WELDING w/ Daniel Alosio May 23rd, May 24th (Saturday, May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DECORATIVE WELDING

Cost: $379 + HST
Date: Saturday, May 23rd & Sunday May 24th, 2026 — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Weld Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599800

Course Description

Artistic Welding Workshop

$379 + tax | 2 Sessions of Creative Firepower

Here’s what you’ll be playing with (safely, of course):

Prerequisites: No prior welding experience is necessary. This workshop is suitable for beginners who want to learn basic welding techniques in a short amount of time.

Participants will be given the choice from 3 fun artistic projects to create.

1. A decorative garden stake

2. A Metal Bird Sculpture

3. A hanging metal Sculpture.

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

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

INTRO TO MACHINING w/ Iain Campbell May 25th & 27th (Monday, May 25, 2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

️Intro to Manual Machining – Lathe & Knee Mill

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599595

Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Monday, May 25th & Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 — 6:00–8:30 PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Machine Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

Course Description

Whether you're exploring machining for prototyping, repair, or creative builds, this course gives you the confidence and skill to take your ideas into the world of precision metal shaping.

Key Learnings

Safety & PPE:

Hazards of rotating machinery: flying debris, sharp edges, and noise
Proper use of safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and hearing protection
Importance of fitted clothing — no loose sleeves, jewelry, or neckwear

Machine Overview & Parts:

Lathe: Headstock, chuck, carriage, cross slide, compound rest, tailstock, tool post
Knee Mill: Column, base, table, spindle, vise, hand wheels, vertical crank
Functions and controls of each component

Techniques You'll Practice:

Turning parts to precise diameter
Drilling with the tailstock
Parting off, cutting threads, machining tapers and angles
Calculating RPM using cutting speed formulas
Milling flat surfaces, keyways, and drilled holes in shafts
Cutting a flat surface on round stock

✅ Prerequisites

Basic understanding of shop safety recommended.

What to Wear

Steel-toe boots
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Fitted, non-synthetic clothing (cotton or denim preferred)
Hair tied back; no jewelry or loose accessories

What to Bring

Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All tools and materials provided

‍ About Your Instructor

INTRO TO MACHINING w/ Iain Campbell June 22nd & 24th (Monday, June 22, 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

️Intro to Manual Machining – Lathe & Knee Mill

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599906

Cost: $199 + HST
Date(s): Monday, June 22nd & Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 — 6:00-9:00PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Machine Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

Course Description

Whether you're exploring machining for prototyping, repair, or creative builds, this course gives you the confidence and skill to take your ideas into the world of precision metal shaping.

Key Learnings

Safety & PPE:

Hazards of rotating machinery: flying debris, sharp edges, and noise
Proper use of safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and hearing protection
Importance of fitted clothing — no loose sleeves, jewelry, or neckwear

Machine Overview & Parts:

Lathe: Headstock, chuck, carriage, cross slide, compound rest, tailstock, tool post
Knee Mill: Column, base, table, spindle, vise, hand wheels, vertical crank
Functions and controls of each component

Techniques You'll Practice:

Turning parts to precise diameter
Drilling with the tailstock
Parting off, cutting threads, machining tapers and angles
Calculating RPM using cutting speed formulas
Milling flat surfaces, keyways, and drilled holes in shafts
Cutting a flat surface on round stock

✅ Prerequisites

Basic understanding of shop safety recommended.

What to Wear

Steel-toe boots
Safety glasses (provided or bring your own)
Fitted, non-synthetic clothing (cotton or denim preferred)
Hair tied back; no jewelry or loose accessories

What to Bring

Notebook and pen
Water bottle
All tools and materials provided

‍ About Your Instructor

Intro to V-Carve w/ Iain Campbell June 27th (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Intro to V-Carve with Iain Campbell

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599893

Cost: $99
Date(s): Saturday, June 27th, 2026 10:00 AM- 4:00PM
Workshop: Classroom
Instructor: Iain Campbell
Max Students: 10

Course Description

Key Learnings

Creating a new file
Understanding sheets and layers
Basic geometry, lines, circles, ellipses
Editing entities, trimming, chamfers, fillets
Understanding vectors and bitmaps- Intro to simple 3D shapes

Prerequisites

No previous CNC or V-Carve experience is required. Beginners welcome.

What to Wear

Comfortable clothing suitable for a workshop environment. Safety glasses will be provided if required for demonstrations.

What to Bring

A Windows laptop with V-Carve installed (trial or licensed version)
Notebook and pen for notes
Light lunch for break time

DECORATIVE WELDING w/ Daniel Alosio June 27th, 28th (Saturday, June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DECORATIVE WELDING

Cost: $379 + HST
Date: Saturday, June 27th & Sunday June 28th, 2026 — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Workshop: Metal Shop (Weld Bay)
Maximum Participants: 4

https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6599954

Course Description

Artistic Welding Workshop

$379 + tax | 2 Sessions of Creative Firepower

Here’s what you’ll be playing with (safely, of course):

Prerequisites: No prior welding experience is necessary. This workshop is suitable for beginners who want to learn basic welding techniques in a short amount of time.

Participants will be given the choice from 3 fun artistic projects to create.

1. A decorative garden stake

2. A Metal Bird Sculpture

3. A hanging metal Sculpture.

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

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