Designed for curious creators of all ages, MakerStation is a self-guided do-it-yourself workspace equipped with a 3D printer, sewing machine, Cricut® cutting machine, and button maker.
How It Works
- Prepare your ideas and design files before you visit. Review the design specifications for the equipment and prepare your design file before you come to the branch.
- Starting July 24, drop in any time during branch open hours. The equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis—no appointment is necessary.
- Visit staff at the service desk to get started. You’ll need to read the MakerStation Terms of Use and sign a waiver, purchase any necessary materials, and receive instructional materials to review.
- Start creating! Print, sew, cut, and create using one of the four pieces of equipment in the MakerStation.
The equipment is free to use, but you will need to purchase materials such as filament for the 3D printer, vinyl for the Cricut, and button materials for the button maker. We only charge for materials at cost. For the sewing machine, makers will need to bring their own suitable fabric.
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.
Equipment & User Guides
Please read the equipment information and user guides to help support your project planning and creation. If you have questions about using the equipment, please give us a call:
- Central MakerSpace: 905.639.3611 extension 1302
- Alton Branch: 905.634.3686
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
Materials: Filament is provided by BPL. We cannot accommodate requests for specific filament colours, nor can users supply their own.
Project Ideas: Key chains, jewelry, replacement parts, action figures, ornaments
Learning Links
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.
Project Size:
- Button Size: 1.5” Circle
- Use the Button Template for cut lines and bleed line recommendations
Materials must be purchased from BPL.
Materials Cost (includes tax):
- Pin-back button: 25 cents/button
- Magnet-back button: 80 cents/button
Project Ideas: Custom-designed buttons, magnets, name tags, school club pins
Learning Links
Cricut® Cutting Machine
Cut or draw on a variety of materials using an electronic cutting machine. Pronounced cricket.
Hardware: Cricut® Air 2
Software: Cricut Design Space
Custom designs can be created using CorelDraw or any other vector editing program.
Artwork should ideally be vector-based to provide the best results. The highest-quality raster-type image is the next preferred media type.
Please make sure your design is in one of the following file formats:
- PNG, JPG, SVG, DXF, GIF and BMP
Project Size: 12" x 12" maximum
Bring your own materials or purchase from BPL.
Materials Cost (includes tax):
- Vinyl: $2/foot (black & white)
- Transfer paper: $1/foot (black & white)
- Card stock: 50 cents/12”x12” sheet (black & white)
Project Ideas: Labels, gift tags, greeting cards, invitations, paper flowers, wall decals, cake toppers, vinyl stickers
Learning Links
Sewing Machine
Stitch fabric and other materials with thread.
Hardware: Janome 500E
Materials:
- You must supply your own fabric.
- White or black thread is provided free of charge.
Project Ideas: Tote bags, scrunchies, pouches, pajama pants, dish towels, stuffies,
throw pillows