Fabrication Lab
A supervised makerspace with professional-grade fabrication tools available to trained members.
Members gain access through safety orientation and tool-specific training badges. The lab allows builders, students, and local professionals to design, prototype, and fabricate projects using real shop equipment.
Classes, memberships, and supervised shop time for builders of all skill levels. Beyond individual membership, the shop also supports local businesses and engineering teams through corporate partnership programs.
Corporate Tooling Partnerships
Many small manufacturers, contractors, and engineering teams occasionally need access to equipment that is expensive or impractical to maintain in-house.
The Backyard Shop offers corporate partnership programs that allow companies to use shop infrastructure for prototyping, fabrication, testing, and small-batch manufacturing.
This program is designed for:
- • Engineering teams building prototypes
- • Contractors fabricating small components or fixtures
- • Product teams validating designs before production
- • Local businesses that occasionally need welding, machining, or fabrication capacity
Partnership options may include:
- • Scheduled access to fabrication equipment
- • Prototype and fixture development support
- • Tooling and fabrication consulting
- • Access to trained operators or shop mentors
- • Dedicated project workspaces for short-term builds
This model allows businesses to access real manufacturing capability without the cost of building and maintaining a full fabrication shop.
Corporate partnerships also directly support the nonprofit mission of the Backyard Shop by funding workforce training, equipment, and student access to tools.
Organizations interested in partnership access can contact the shop to discuss project needs and availability.
Tools & Equipment
Professional-grade equipment available to members. Most tools require safety training and badge certification before use.
Training Required: Most equipment requires completion of our safety orientation plus tool-specific badge training. This ensures safe operation and extends equipment life for all members.
CNC & Digital Fabrication
Training RequiredCNC Router
4x4 ft table, wood and soft metals
Requires: CNC Router Badge
Laser Cutter
24x18 in bed, wood/acrylic/leather
Requires: Laser Badge
FDM 3D Printers
Multiple machines, PLA/PETG/ABS
Requires: Safety Orientation
SLA 3D Printer
High detail resin printing
Requires: 3D Print Badge
Metalworking
Training RequiredMIG Welder
110V and 220V machines
Requires: Welding Badge
TIG Welder
Aluminum and steel capable
Requires: Welding Badge
Stick Welder
For heavy structural work
Requires: Welding Badge
Plasma Cutter
Handheld cutting
Requires: Welding Badge
Metal Bandsaw
Horizontal cutting saw
Requires: Safety Orientation
Bench Grinders
Various grits
Requires: Safety Orientation
Metal Brake
Sheet metal bending
Requires: Metal Fab Badge
Sheet Metal Shear
Up to 16 gauge
Requires: Metal Fab Badge
Woodworking
Training RequiredTable Saw
Cabinet saw with sliding table
Requires: Woodshop Badge
Miter Saw
12 in sliding compound
Requires: Woodshop Badge
Bandsaw
14 in resaw capacity
Requires: Woodshop Badge
Jointer
8 in bed
Requires: Woodshop Badge
Planer
13 in thickness planer
Requires: Woodshop Badge
Router Table
With fence and dust collection
Requires: Woodshop Badge
Drill Press
Floor standing
Requires: Safety Orientation
Sanders
Belt, disc, and orbital
Requires: Safety Orientation
Electronics & Assembly
Soldering Stations
Temperature controlled
Requires: Safety Orientation
Hot Air Rework
SMD work capable
Requires: Safety Orientation
Oscilloscope
Digital 4-channel
Requires: None
Multimeters
Bench and handheld
Requires: None
Power Supplies
Variable DC bench supplies
Requires: None
PCB Etching
Chemical etching setup
Requires: Electronics Badge
Hand Tools & General
Hand Tool Wall
Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
Requires: None
Pneumatic Tools
Impact wrenches, nailers, sanders
Requires: Safety Orientation
Measurement Tools
Calipers, micrometers, squares
Requires: None
Clamps & Fixtures
Various sizes and styles
Requires: None
Workbenches
Multiple stations with vises
Requires: None
Training and safety onboarding
Safety orientation
A 90-minute walk-through of our safety standards, PPE, and shop access rules.
Tool-specific badges
Hands-on sign-off sessions for high-risk tools like CNC, welding, and laser.
Open lab readiness
Once you hold your badges, you can reserve time and build independently.
Membership tiers
Community
$75/mo
Open lab access and member nights with entry-level tool badges.
- • 20 hours of open lab time
- • Member events and project critiques
- • Discounted classes
Builder
$165/mo
Expanded tool access for serious makers and working professionals.
- • 60 hours of open lab time
- • CNC router badge
- • Storage locker
Studio
$325/mo
Dedicated bench space, priority training, and project support.
- • Unlimited lab time
- • Priority equipment reservations
- • Quarterly project review
What this is
A shared, safety-first makerspace designed for learning and small-scale production.
What this is not
A 24/7 facility or a production factory. We prioritize training, supervision, and a calm, focused environment.
How to Get Access
Safety Orientation
90-minute walk-through of shop rules, PPE, and emergency procedures. Required for all members.
Tool-Specific Badges
Hands-on training and sign-off for high-risk equipment. One badge per tool category.
Open Lab Access
Once badged, reserve time and work independently during open lab hours.
Classes and training
Our classes are designed for hands-on learning, with safety baked into every session. Start with the basics, then move into advanced industrial training when you are ready.
FAQ
Ready to build?
Tour the shop and pick the membership that fits your schedule.