Work In Progress

Active Builds at The Backyard Shop

These are real, in-progress projects at the shop. Not a portfolio. This page shows what we're actively working on, who's involved, and where each build stands.

Active Projects

Currently in development or testing.

ActiveContinuous development

Factory-OS

Internal manufacturing operating system being developed and actively used inside the shop to manage engineering, fabrication, and quality work.

Core team, Student contributors

ActiveFabrication

CNC Training Fixtures

Standardized workholding and training fixtures for the student machining program. Designed to teach setup fundamentals with repeatable exercises.

Student machining team, Shop supervisors

ActiveInstallation

Welding Cell Upgrade

Expanding welding training capacity with additional stations and improved ventilation. Includes new MIG and TIG setups for student use.

Facilities, Welding instructors

TestingPilot testing

Tool Tracking System

RFID-based tool checkout and tracking system to improve accountability and reduce lost tooling across the shop floor.

Operations, Student developers

Pending Projects

Projects in planning or early stages. These are on the roadmap but not yet in active development.

PendingPlanning

Community Workshop Trailer

Mobile workshop trailer to bring basic fabrication tools to underserved neighborhoods and community events.

Community outreach, Facilities

PendingRequirements gathering

Student Certification System

Digital badge and certification tracking system to document student competencies and issue verifiable credentials.

Training, Student developers

PendingDesign review

Solar Tool Charging Station

Off-grid solar charging station for cordless tools, designed and built by students as a sustainability project.

Students, Electronics

Why we share active builds

Transparency is part of how we operate. Showing work in progress keeps us accountable, helps others learn from our process, and invites collaboration from people who want to contribute. If you're interested in getting involved with any of these projects, reach out.

Completed Projects

Past projects that have been delivered. These case studies document outcomes and lessons learned.

CompletedCompleted

Student CNC Bracket Run

Low-volume aluminum brackets fabricated under supervision for a local irrigation startup.

Students

CompletedCompleted

Student Fabrication Jig Plates

Precision aluminum jig plates manufactured by students for internal shop use and training exercises.

Students

CompletedCompleted

Community Bus Shelter Rebuild

A collaborative rebuild of a damaged bus shelter using modular panels and student labor.

Community, Students

CompletedCompleted

Community Mobile Pantry Cart

Custom mobile pantry cart designed and built for a local food bank to serve neighborhoods without fixed distribution sites.

Community, Students

CompletedCompleted

Startup Prototype: Floodgate Mechanism

Functional prototype of an automated floodgate mechanism for a local ag-tech startup.

Incubator, Students

CompletedCompleted

Startup Prototype: Modular Toolbench

Modular workbench system designed for a tool startup, optimized for flat-pack shipping and tool-free assembly.

Incubator