Maker Services

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BPL currently operates MakerSpace at Central Branch, and will open its newest maker site, MakerStation at Alton Branch, on July 24, 2025. Our third maker site, MakerStudio, will open on September 15 in the relocated New Appleby Branch.

General Information

Here's what you need to know when planning your maker project.

Design Responsibly

If you need guidance on designing your project, please contact us. Review the file requirements for each piece of equipment before saving your design. Whether you are designing from scratch or using a ready-to-make pattern for your maker project, please be aware that the content must not be:

  • Prohibited by provincial or federal law.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or threaten the well-being of others.
  • In violation of another's intellectual property rights; for example, the 3D printer and scanner may not be used to reproduce materials subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

Production

In most cases, you need to purchase material from the library for our machines. We operate on a cost-recovery model. We only charge for materials and equipment usage at cost. Materials sold at the library are only for use within BPL's maker areas.

MakerSpace at Central

Book to use MakerSpace Equipment

 

MakerSpace is a small-scale do-it-yourself workshop where you can create designs and use equipment to complete your projects.

Come prepared to use the equipment independently to make the most of your maker experience. We offer free introductory sessions on how to use the equipment. Safety is our top priority inside the studio, and we ask you to follow the directions provided by our staff when using the tools, technology, equipment, and space.

Our experienced team can also offer troubleshooting help and production tips for your project. Please check the equipment information to help guide your project planning.

We recommend pre-booking a time slot so that you have dedicated time to complete your project. Due to high demand, you may book a maximum of two sessions per piece of equipment daily. If the equipment is available, walk-in projects are possible on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hours & Location

MakerSpace is located at Central Branch on the 3rd floor. Unless noted, the hours are:

  • Monday CLOSED from July 7 to September 29, inclusive.
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
    • OPEN 10am to 8:30pm
  • Friday, Saturday
    • OPEN 10am to 4:30pm
    • Saturday CLOSED 1 to 2pm
  • Sunday CLOSED

Equipment

If you have questions about using the equipment, please give us a call at 905.639.3611 extension 1302.

laser cutter

Hardware: Epilog Mini Helix 24 - 40w CO2 laser

All designs are sent to the laser cutter using Corel Draw. Please make sure your design is in one of the following file formats:

  • For projects requiring cutting: .PDF, .CDR, .AI, .DXF, .SVG
  • For engraving-only projects: .PDF, .PNG, .JPG

Project Size:

  • Cutting bed size: 12" x 24"
  • Cutting thickness: 1/4" maximum

Production Cost: $5/every 30 minutes of laser cutting time

Materials Cost (includes tax):

  • 1/8” Birch Plywood (1' x 2') = $9.75
  • 3mm Acrylic: Black, White, and Clear (1' x 2') = $15.00
  • Low Odour Laser Rubber (8.5" x 12") = $35.30
  • Mylar (8.5" x 11") = $2.00

You can supply your own materials for our laser cutter if they meet these requirements.

vinyl printer

Hardware: Roland BN-20 Vinyl Printer and Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter

All designs are sent to the laser cutter using CorelDraw. Please make sure your design is in one of the following file formats:

  • PDF, .CDR, .AI, .SVG

Project Size:

  • Vinyl printer 18" width maximum
  • Vinyl cutter: 22" width maximum

Materials must be purchased from BPL. You cannot use your own materials.

Materials Cost (includes tax):

  • Cutting Only: Black, White, Blue, Copper = $2/foot (length)
  • Printing & Cutting:
    • Transfer Paper = $1.00/foot
    • Permanent Vinyl (Matte or Glossy) = $4.25/foot (length)
    • Static Cling Vinyl (White or Clear) = $4.25/foot (length)
    • Wall Flair Vinyl = $5.25/foot (length)
    • Paper Adhesive Sticker = $5.25/foot (length)
    • Canvas for printing = $7.65/foot (length)
    • Heat Transfer Vinyl for printing = $11.65/foot (length)

3D printer

Print three-dimensional objects from your digital designs.

Hardware: Creality Sermoon D3

Please make sure your design is in one of the following file formats: .STL, .OBJ

Project Size:

  • 12" length x 10" wide x 12" high maximum
  • The project must be able to print in seven hours.

Production Cost: $2.50 per 30 minutes of print time

3D printing cost quotes: Please drop off your 3D design on a USB key. MakerSpace staff will provide an estimate for the cost of the job and then contact you when your project is complete and ready for pickup.

Materials: Filament is provided by BPL. We cannot accommodate requests for specific filament colours, nor can users supply their own.

Learning Links

large format printer

Hardware: HP Designjet T1300

All designs are sent to the printer via USB key. Please ensure your finished design is saved as a PDF.

Project Size: 41.5” width maximum

Materials Cost (includes tax):

  • Gloss or Satin Photo Paper = $13.55/foot.

button maker

Create customized 1.5” buttons. Draw or print your designs at home or in the library. Use the die cutter to punch out your design, and then assemble your button using the button maker. No experience is necessary. 

Project Size:

Materials Cost (includes tax):

  • Pin-back button: 25 cents/button
  • Magnet-back button: 80 cents/button

embroidery machine

Hardware: Janome Memory Craft 500E

Software: Janome Digitizer V5

Embroidery Size: 7.9” x 11” maximum

Production Cost: $2/every 5000 stitches (or part thereof)

We supply embroidery thread in a variety of colours.

You must supply your own fabric for embroidery machine projects. Acceptable fabrics for embroidery machine projects are:

  • Natural Fibres (Cotton, Linen, Wool)
  • Fine Fabrics (Silk, Satin, Taffeta, Velvet)
  • Knit Fabrics
  • Synthetic Fabrics (Blends, Rayon, Polyester)
  • Denim
  • Upholstery