About us
Originally started as Markham Makers by Jay, the group evolved into Ylab, a maker space hosted by the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill.
The Maker Space at the DDO is now operated by the City of Richmond Hill. This meetup group is run by voluntter members.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION - just meetup, or makerspace paid membership
We use meetup.com for our discussion groups and announcements. All the meetup.com membership gets you is access t announcement emails. We don't sell or provide contact info to anyone else, and we don't sell access to the list. We may include information on other groups' events that we like... but only because we like them. We don't take money to do that.
We've been at the DDO since April 1 2015.
Membership has its privileges - and responsibilities. We are an all-volunteer organisation. Nobody gets paid.
Full details on our membership can be found on our website about us page.
OUR EQUIPMENT
We are well equipped with ylab-owned and member loaned equipment. We feature laser cutter with a 24" x 36" bed, PLA and ABS 3D printers, oscilloscopes, soldering tools, amateur radio gear and a variety of other equipment. As membership increases, 100% of the funds go back into the space.
Use of some equipment requires passing an appropriate certification class or supervision by a certified member.
WHAT WE DO
We host tech talks, classes and seminars at the DDO and in other location. Check out our blog entries. Most importantly, we work on projects and help each other. It gets better every week.
We welcome anyone who interested in software, Arduino, 3D Printing, laser cutting, robot making and toy hacking, amateur radio and whatever else we can think of.
Our main website is ylab.ca.
All skills levels are welcome.
Upcoming events
3
- CA$95.00
2D Design and Laser Cutting - Two night class - SPECIAL REGISTRATION LINK
David Dunlap Observatory, 123 Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill, ON, CAADDITIONAL SPOTS AVAILABLE - [CLICK HERE](Laser cutting Mon-Tue Feb 9-10 https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/richmondhill/activity/search/detail/139938?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true)
(We have to hold some spots for City of Richmond Hill!)
Two night class - Mon Feb 9 and Tuesday Feb 10 2026
18 YEARS AND UP ONLY.
Come out to the maker space and learn how to use 2D CAD software to engrave and cut materials like wood, plexiglass and fibreboard to make 2D and 3D shapes using our 90W laser cutter with a 24" x 36" bed. You'll get to create and cut your own graduation plaque!
The class will be over two nights - Monday Feb 9 and Tuesday Feb 10 2026, from 7 PM to 10:00 PM each night.
FOR BOTH NIGHTS, you will need to bring:
- Your own laptop - Windows, preferably, because we've tested all the software on there. MAC version works but be warned that our instructors are useless with Macs. The one person who loaded the Linux version had problems because his system was not recognising the scroll wheel on the mouse.
- You will need to pre-load the CAD software. Download it from here. You need the Pro Trial version.
- A USB memory stick for transferring your designs to the laser cutter
- A mouse with a scroll wheel. Trust us - the CAD program works better with it.
MONDAY night: 2D design using QCAD
After reviewing several programs, we picked QCAD because:
- It's free
- It's downloadable to your PC so we don't require Internet access during the class
- It has a a fair level of compatibility with AutoCAD, so it's not a dead-end product.
- It's upgradable to a really useful pro version for only $50. Other CAD programs require annual fees that are much higher.
- It's free
TUESDAY night: Usage, care and feeding of the laser cutter
- Introduction to our big G-Weike 90 W, 24" x 36" laser cutter
- Startup, shutdown and emergency procedures
- Process checklists
- Allowable materials
- Interfacing the software
- Etching, shading and cutting
As part of the class, you will be etching and cutting your own laser cutter class graduation certificate!
Please note: 18 year+ event. All participants and any assistants attending will be required to provide proof of age (18 or over) and sign ylab's waiver of liability. You can retrieve a copy here or we will have a copy for you at the session.
We love kids (many of us have our own), but this event is not intended for them. Check out Richmond Hill's David Dunlap Observatory site for kid and family events.
Check out all the Y Lab events here, on Eventbrite and at http://ylab.ca
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