2D Design and Laser Cutter Class - Jul 28-29 - Two night class

Two night class - Mon July 28 and Tuesday July 29 2025

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 July 28 and Tuesday July 29 2025, 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