3D printers, laser cutters: Yukon gets a new makerspace

A community workshop that can help Yukoners build their dream projects is now open.

Members at YuKonstruct will pay about $40 a month to use the space and tools in the workshop on Industrial Road in Whitehorse.

• AUDIO: Click the audio link on the left to hear Philippe Morin explain what's behind Whitehorse's first makerspace

Its founders are part of a growing number of "makers" — people who take a do-it-yourself approach to construction and design projects, sometimes getting deep into the often opaque manufacturing process. Some people create their own tools; others build tractors from scratch. 

John Glynn-Morris, one of the founders of the workshop, wears a T-shirt that reads "Join the maker movement." 

"If we pool together our resources in a common space, then you get access to all these really cool things to make things happen," he said at the grand opening Tuesday night. 

Some tools are basic, such as hammers and drills. Others are more complex.

For example, a machine the size of a ping pong table called a CNC wood router, that allows people to program a shape and have it cut out. It normally costs about $14,000.

​"We have a woodshop and a couple of welders and some casting tools," said Tom Bamford, another one of the founders.

Other tools include a laser cutter, welding torches, drill presses, saws, a couple of 3D printers and a fleet of computers.

The 3D printers are definitely a point of interest for 13-year-old Sam Fleming, a core member of the YuKonstruct team who can create 3D plastic shapes as easily as printing a page of text.  

He's already printed a GoPro mount for his camera,  but says he needs a new one. 

​"Instead of going to GoPro.com and buying a $20 mount, I can built it here at YuKonstruct," he says. 

"Honestly, I just enjoy technology. I think this is super cool. And it's fun."

YuKonstruct is set to offer workshops in everything from repairing a chainsaw to making a Halloween costume with glowing lights.