Welcome to machinePod 442.

The wotzBotz machinePod is a makerspace concept built around access to high performance CNC and related equipment that would be difficult or impossible for most people to have at home - either because it costs too much, or because they simply don't have the space to put it. One thing that separates a machinePod from other makerspaces with a CNC machine is that the Pod is fully supervised. We check over all your programs and setups before you run the machine, and keep and eye on things as they run. This is part of all memberships and has no extra fee. If you need more help than a basic setup check, we can also provide you with pro level CNC and CAD services for a very modest fee.

machinePod 442 is our first space, located at the intersection of Queen and Dufferin Streets in downtown Toronto, and will open in January 2015. We hope to pack this location with enough goodies to make virtually any small building project possible, and some large ones too! Whether it's an exotic wood coffee table or a billet aluminium Han Solo blaster replica, we aim to have you covered. We are also set up for Workshop classes, long term group projects, and CNC service providing.

This Fundrazr page is to help raise about $10000 to ensure we open in January fully ready to go, with wall and lights and everything! It's also a convenient way to sign members up and fill our first few courses in advance giving us some time and money to get things prepared.

The space.

The physical space at 442 dufferin is a 30 foot square, with clear ceilings to 12 feet and peaks at 20 feet. It's small, but our layout is efficient and allows several CNC machines, 6 CAD workstations, kilns, woodworking tools, storage, and work benches, all with easy access while up to10 members work at once.

Machines.

The heart of a machinePod is of course the machines! We currently have one 18"x40" travel CNC routerin operational, with 4 more 12"x12" travel versions due to show up by march. These machines are primarily for cutting wood and plastic, but the 12x12 machines will set up for some different tasks. Carbon fibre laminated sheet cutting, and light aluminium and brass milling will be available on they are installed. The 18x40 router also does metal, but we are currently restricting that to paid service projects, as it's somewhat finicky (read: easy to screw up and break something).

We also have in our space a 1987 Maho MC5HS horizontal machining center with pallet changer, 48 tool changer, 8000rpm spindle, 10 micron precision and 20"x16"x16" travel. This machine functions well mechanically, but requires a new non intel 8088 based controller which we will be building as a group project over 2015. In late 2015 we will also perform a complete overhaul, hopefully having the machine online and in service for early 2016. We haven't decided on the rules for this machine yet. It is a complex machine that requires a lot of training to run.

To compliment our arsenal of CNC gear, we also will also have a range of useful machine, such as the SCM minimax c260, a compact panelsaw, planer, jointer and shaper in one wheel mounted package. It tucks away under a shelf when not in use to free up space. We also have a drill press, a small bandsaw (later to be replaced by a larger one). There will also be a makerbot 3D printer for use and perpetual modding.

Not a machine technically, we have 2 large computer controlled kilns in the space. These are primarily meant for glass casting (lead crystal), but can be used for some other interesting things, like curing a prepreg carbon fibre bicycle frame. 

Workstations.

We have a fleet of quad core 8gb ram workstations - 6 of which will be set up as CAD /CAM stations. We will be running Autodesk Fusion 360 Ultimate on these stations, a powerful package with high end machining path generation built on HSMWorks. We chose this software because it is cloud based on a monthly subscription, and Autodesk provides a number of affordable options - even some free - for our members to use at home.

The computers will also be equipped with a host of other useful software including photoshop (only one license for now), 3DSMAX (one floating license), and more.

We also expect to get a 3d scanner, although we have not decided which one yet. We have access to some of the low cost hand held models, but are itching for something more advanced.

Other tools.

In addition to machinery and computers, we have a host of power and hand tools, clamps, workbenches, etc to round out the space.

Memberships.

The core of any makerspace is it's members. We want to make this space accessible to as many people as possible, so we have tried to make our memberships carry a lot of value and be very flexible.

Oneshot User (this is not available as a perk here, message us for more information)

• Fees.

  • $40 per day.

  • $100 per hour professional assistance with machine running, programming and design.

  • All cutting tools, special fixtures and materials extra (bring your own).

  • $20 rebate on any monthly membership.

• Up to 2 hours of booked supervised machine time (scheduling determined by a weighted system).

• Up to 2 hour of usage in a single block.

• Unlimited use of computer workstations and other tools.

• 10am to 10pm hours of usage (hours will expand later).

Occasional User

• Fees.

  • $75 per month.

  • $190 per 3 months in advance.

  • $630 per year in advance.

  • $75 per hour professional assistance with machine running, programming and design.

  • All cutting tools, special fixtures and materials extra (bring your own).

  • $15 per month mini locker for your personal stuff.

• Up to 8 hours of booked supervised machine time per month (scheduling determined by a weighted system).

• Up to 1 hour of usage in a single block.

• Unlimited use of computer workstations and other tools.

• 10am to 10pm hours of usage (hours will expand later).

Enthusiast User

• Fees.

  • $200 per month.

  • $510 per 3 months in advance.

  • $1680 per year in advance.

  • $50 per hour professional assistance with machine running, programming and design.

  • All cutting tools, special fixtures and materials extra (bring your own).

  • 10% off courses and other events.

  • Free mini locker for your personal stuff.

• Up to 24 hours of booked supervised machine time per month (scheduling determined by a weighted system).

• Up to 3 hour of usage in a single block.

• Unlimited use of computer workstations and other tools.

• 10am to 10pm hours of usage (hours will expand later).

We will also have a power user membership in the future, that allows a lot more access and freedom. This will come with special training to use the machines unsupervised at any hour.

You can gain free membership time by helping with group projects, donating tools and materials we need, teaching a course, or being one of our interns.

For the moment, you must be over 18 to be a member of the machinePod. This is for safety reasons. We may change this in the future somehow.

Courses.

The machinePod is not just a place to come and use some tools, it is a place to LEARN!

On Saturdays and Sundays, we will be having an ever expanding array of single and multi day courses for people to learn how to make something cool. The courses will be focused and complete, and of course, be based around using CNC machines.

Courses that we have already locked down are building a telecaster guitar, creating molds for chocolate and candy (SIGN UP FOR THESE TWO COURSES NOW!), a multi-week course creating cast lead crystal sculptures from an old CRT monitor, and making a carbon fibre bicycle saddle. For our courses, you only have to bring yourself, all materials are included, and you don't need to be a member to sign up. Some member levels entitle you to a discount on our classes.

If you can create and teach a course, we offer a number of incentives in the from of a fixed fee or free membership time.

Long term group projects.

We will also be hosting long term projects - things that can't be organised into an easy couple of days. An example of this would be designing and making a slip cast set of pottery dishes. This takes many sessions over several weeks to complete. For these projects we offer a materials bundle, and instructions so you can move forward on your own time, yet still get help from the group.

In addition to the pottery project, we have several of these ideas planned, including some carbon and steel bicycle frame building projects. Like courses, we offer incentives to people who can devise a project for the group.

Services.

We can provide many CNC related services. CAD design, programming, fixture setup, machining, mold making, and woodwork are available for reasonable fees starting at $100 per hour with great discounts to members.

Partners.

Our partners are companies and groups that are teaming up with wotzBotz to extend the value of the machinePod even further. Would you like to be a partner? Message us and we can discuss it!

We are currently partnered with TapLabs in Ajax who are providing us with a nice 3d printer and scanner in trade for a cnc milling machine.

We have also partnered with Corina Clarin, a local baker, for mini cheesecakes to keep us all fed. OK, just me fed. i don't share cheesecake... MINE!!!