[THRobinson]

Anyone know of a place in Ontario that cuts plastic cheap?

Basically, I have a few backplates that need made and aren't regular sized. I can draw them up in Illustrator as an EPS file... plan was to print, glue down to the 3-ply and cut but, if cheap enough I'd love to be able to just send a file and get some perfectly cut plates back in the mail.

 

[mhammer]

I don't know about Zurich, but our public library system in my city (Ottawa) has a public-access maker-space with a laser cutter. Many Maker-Spaces around the world often do as well. You might want to check into what is available in your area. It could be more convenient that shipping stuff around the world.

 

[THRobinson]

Your local library has a public access laser cutter?

Ours has books... videos... few computers. Not lasers!

would those actually cut through 3-ply? or just etch it?

 

[mhammer]

It was apparently paid for by the U.S. embassy. There are a couple of 3-D printers as well. This was a few years ago, under a, um, different government. The role of public libraries is changing. My younger son is finishing a degree in Halifax. Their new public library has several public-access recording studios, among other things.
Halifax Central Library - Vision

 

[THRobinson]

Well... libraries in large cities are changing, small towns and villages, we have books.

I been eyeing up those 3D printers, won't help for this project but, look pretty cool... but pretty sure the novelty would wear off after I've printed off a dozen Pokemon figures for the nieces/nephews and realized that toys costing $0.50 on eBay just cost me $10 each to make. Kind of like printing photos at home... usually just cheaper to get them done given cost of consumables.

Anyways... so far in my area it all seems to be for big items and bulk. Posted in a local buy/sell on Facebook where people ask those questions as well... give it a week and see. Failing that, I have the 3ply and jigsaw. I'm not good with it and plastic though, still need practice but for these projects, I'd rather pro looking ones.

 

[DerrickT]

Amazing! Our library in Welland has VHS & DVD movies. And books.

 

[THRobinson]

Yeah, I'm a little tired of hearing about you privileged Welland folk.... "oh, look at us, we have indoor plumbing and good hygiene"... makin' the rest of us look bad.

 

[Guest]

You might check with some CNC forums to see if there are any CNC hobbyists near you. Some sign companies have CNC also. You might hit the right shop for a cheap/free job.

 

[DerrickT]

Yeah, I'm a little tired of hearing about you privileged Welland folk.... "oh, look at us, we have indoor plumbing and good hygiene"... makin' the rest of us look bad.

...and 'gator huntin' off de back porch, but now I'se braggin'

 

[cboutilier]

It was apparently paid for by the U.S. embassy. There are a couple of 3-D printers as well. This was a few years ago, under a, um, different government. The role of public libraries is changing. My younger son is finishing a degree in Halifax. Their new public library has several public-access recording studios, among other things.
Halifax Central Library - Vision

That place is awesome.

 

[Adcandour]

I believe there is a place in Newmarket, ON at 1310 kerrisdale blvd called "NewMakeIt" that can help:

NewMakeIt | Digital Innovation Hub for Newmarket

 

[Scotty]

Your local library has a public access laser cutter?

Ours has books... videos... few computers. Not lasers!

would those actually cut through 3-ply? or just etch it?

wondering if he means 3D printer...

 

[Scotty]

Is there not a plastics dealer in the London area?

If you gave materials, check with some of the agri-fab outfits near you. Lots have shops have CNC operations - laser, waterjet, router etc.

PM me if you get stuck or need a source further out of your area.

 

[WhiteFalcon]

Lambton County library in Sarnia has a Makerspace too with laser cutter, 3D printers and such.

 

[mhammer]

I don't know how it is in other places, but my son was obliged to take a short safety course before being allowed to use the public-access laser cutter.

 

[THRobinson]

Posted on the local ad page on Facebook, and guy just got a CNC that does cutting. Said he never tried with plastic before, just got the machine, but for $5 if I have the dwg file and plastic he'll give it a shot.

Hopefully works... I'll post the results.