Are you interested in learning more about the Langley Maker Cube Makerspace?
This may sound cliché, but I haven’t been able to stop talking about Maker Cube since my first visit, and I rushed home to my computer to write this article and tell you all about it! Simply put, Maker Cube in Langley is a community hub and co-working space where creators can come together in a workshop environment and create.
Whether you are a visitor attending a drop-in class or you become a member, you can get access to their suite of facilities, including a huge woodworking shop, welding shop, 3D printing machines, sign printing, laser cutting machine, and more. Members can even rent their own workshop space and craft right in Maker Cube, running a business or having a dedicated space for their hobbies.
My biggest question is: how do so many people not know about this? No, seriously, with so many wonderful classes and a great resource for locals, I want to make sure everyone knows about Langley Maker Cube Makerspace! So let’s dig in with more details.
What is Langley Maker Cube Makerspace?
Maker Cube is the brainchild of three friends, Adam Ali, Jacqueline Ali, and Doug Chan, who had the idea to transform a warehouse into an innovative space for creators. They wanted artists and crafters to be able to access resources like a large woodworking shop and have a place where they can run their small businesses. Since 2017, Maker Cube has been welcoming members and guests through its doors, sparking innovation, one creative project at a time.
Where is Maker Cube?
Located in downtown Langley City, you can find Maker Cube nestled into the industrial area near Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Their address is: 104B 5947 206A Street in Langley, BC.
What Maker Cube Offers
Maker Certifications
Once you become a member, you can become certified in different skills such as woodworking or pottery. Members can proudly display their certifications on the membership board. Once certified, you’re allowed to use the equipment unsupervised and at your leisure. The spirit of Maker Cube, though, is that makers are encouraged to share their skillsets and help other creators with projects, mentoring, problem-solving, and of course, creating!
Studio & Office Rental
Appropriately named “Cubes,” You can rent your own studio or office space at Maker Cube. As soon as I walked through the entrance, this was one of the things that popped out to me the most. Being able to see the open-air cubes, or studio spaces, with a variety of creators each in the space, was a really neat business model. Some were there full-time, running a business out of their cube. Others you could tell were hobbyists. With prices for cubes ranging from $464 to $1150 for a private upstairs office, this is an affordable way for creators to have a dedicated space for their art.
Tools and Equipment
The facilities felt like they kept going on as we toured around Maker Cube! There are so many different resources available at Maker Cube in Langley. Let’s break them down room by room!
Woodworking Shop
The woodworking shop is a huge space and a carpenter’s dream as it has a comprehensive set of tools that, once you are certified, you can use.
Here’s the list:
– Two SawStop Cabinet Table Saws
– 4′ x 8′ Panel Saw
– 8″ Jointer
– 20″ Planer
– 14″ and 9″ Band Saw
– Two Jessem Router Tables with Lifts
– 4′ & 9′ Track with Plunge Cut Circular Saws
– Two Bosch Dual-Bevel Glide Mitre Saw
– 17″ Floor Drill Press
– Mortiser
– Jigsaw
– Bosch Orbital Sanders
– 6″Disc and Belt Sander
– Oscillating Spindle and Belt Sander
– Brad Nailer
– Pin Nailer
– Trim Routers
– Plunge Router
– Biscuit Joiner
– Palm Sander
– Automated Dust Collection
Metal Welding Shop
Makers can access both MIG and TIG welding equipment, along with essential tools like angle grinders and safety gear. To ensure safe and effective use, Maker Cube offers hands-on welding classes, such as MIG Welding Basics and TIG Welding 101, where participants can build projects like rocket stoves and stainless steel storage boxes under the guidance of experienced instructors. These classes are designed for all skill levels and are open to individuals aged 14 and up. Here’s a comprehensive list of the tools available in the welding shop:
– Lincoln Electric 210A Multi Process Welder (Stick, MIG, TIG)
– Lincoln Electric 200 TIG Square Wave Welder
– Thermal Dynamic Plasma Cutter
– 7″ x 12″ Horizontal Band Saw
– 12″ Metal Hand Shear
– 17″ Floor Drill Press
– 45 Ton Hydraulic Press
– 12″ Slip Roller
– 8″ Bench Grinder
– Polishing Wheel
– Angle Grinders
– Sand Blaster
CNC Tools
Curious about CNC machines? A CNC machine is a machine that uses a computer to control tools that cut, shape, or carve materials like metal, wood, or plastic.
Instead of a person turning knobs or pushing levers, the machine follows exact instructions from a computer program. These instructions tell the machine exactly where to move, how fast to go, and how deep to cut. Because of this, CNC machines can make parts that are very accurate and repeatable—the same piece can be made over and over with the same quality.
The CNC tools available at Langley Maker Cube Makerspace are:
– 4′ x 4′ Onefinity Foreman Elite with VFD Spindle (up to 1/2″ collet)
– 32″x32″ Onefinity Woodworker X-35 with VFD Spindle
– 4′ x 4′ Hypotherm Plasma CNC Cutter
– Gweike 36″ x 24″ Laser Cutter
– Anycubic Mono X Resin Printer
– Bambu Lab X1 Carbon FDM Printers
– Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D Printer
– Creality CR10 S5 FDM Printer
– Accurate CNC PCB Mill
– 24″ Vinyl Plotter
Ceramics Studio
A full pottery studio, kiln, and classroom are available for members at Maker Cube. Personally, I’ve got my eye on their sushi platter class as I think that would be a neat introduction to the art of pottery. The ceramics studio includes:
– Skutt KM-1227 Ceramic Kiln
– Nidec Variable Speed Potter’s Wheel
– North Star Slab Roller
– Clay Extruder
– Assorted bulk glazes
– Assorted detail and shaping tools
3D Printing Lab
What is 3D printing, and how does it work? With classes to teach you this evolving craft and two different machines to print on, you can learn all about 3D printing and craft your own unique creations.
Educational Programs at Langley Maker Cube Makerspace
New to creating and looking for inspiration? Take a Langley Maker Cube Makerspace class!
Workshops and Classes
Two large calendars are on display at the front entrance, showcasing the hands-on classes that are available to both the public and members at Maker Cube. This is a great way to try out the studio, learn a new skill, and have a great time! We were there for an etching class, where we got to create our acrylic to-do lists using hand design, laser engraving, and sanding tools. They offer a variety of classes such as woodworking (charcuterie board class), ceramics (sushi platter set), welding (rocket stove), 3D printing, electronics, and more!
Youth Programs
While the physical space may look like it’s only for adults, kids are welcome too at Maker Space! With special classes and camps, children aged 8-17 are invited to check out their schedule and find a program that suits their interests.
Maker Cube Memberships
For those looking to invest in their creative pursuits on a regular basis, it is worth looking at a Membership with Maker Cube. Members can access mentorship, guidance, and a network of like-minded individuals to help bring their projects to fruition.
They have two types of memberships available:
Maker Passport: $28.00/month – “Perfect for occasional makers who want flexible access. Get access 7 days a week, low day-use rates, and member CNC/Laser pricing. Reservations for CNC/Laser include your day access — just book and build.” With this membership, you then pay a day-use fee of $20 weekdays / $25 weekends and a CNC/Laser fee of $38/hr (reservation includes day access).
Maker Passport Plus: $208.00/month – “Best value for frequent makers. Everything in Maker Passport plus unlimited day access and half-rate CNC/Laser at $20/hr. If you’re here more than a couple times a month — or you live on the CNC — this pays for itself fast.” With this membership, you get unlimited day access, 7 days a week and a reduced CNC/Laser fee of $20/hr.
Langley Maker Cube Makerspace FAQs
Do I need to be a member to take classes?
No, classes are open to everyone.
What is the youngest age someone can use the facility?
The minimum age is 8 for supervised youth camps. For regular classes, the minimum age is 14 with a parent/guardian supervising.
Can I use the facility just for a day or two?
Maker Cube does not provide drop-in services. All users must be members and complete the required safety training.
How to Get Started at Maker Cube
There are three ways you can get your creative journey started:
- Book a Tour – Call and book a private tour of the space. I’m sure you’ll be inspired like me and leave wanting to sign up!
- Register for Classes – Dip your toe in the creative waters and try a class!
- Contact Information – For more details, visit the Langley Maker Cube Makerspace website or contact them directly.
Hopefully, I’ve inspired your creative instincts, and you can sign up for a class or tour to see the Maker Cube in person! With so many amazing amenities, great classes, and a collaborative community, it really is a special place in Langley City. Happy creating!
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