The Factory in my Shed: Backyard Manufacturing

This week I talk about my small home based manufacturing business and answer the question "Is that a giant pick and place machine in your shop?" (or are you just happy to see me)
Follow our carnival ride restoration here: • I Bought a Carnival Ri...
For the last 20 years I've been collecting equipment that makes small scale manufacturing possible. Sometimes referred to as boutique manufacturing, I've set up a number of workstations that enable us to turn out commercial quality electronic products in a 150 Square foot home based manufacturing space.
We haven't produced anything for the last few years due to supply side shortages, but I was compelled to fire up the "factory" and turn out a few items so I'm going to take you along.

[@PeteRondeau]

Follow our carnival ride restoration here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqrIm5dtgbd-g7M

[@knerduno5942]

Sorry, but after first time examining your videos. I enjoy the non carnival ride videos much better. Maybe a separate channel for those wishing to see other things than the rides.

[@PeteRondeau]

No, that won’t happen. This is a one off video. I don’t do this type of work anymore.

[@knerduno5942]

I was not referring to this one video, but you did others on other things like the 3D printed boxes for the Harbor Freight storage containers, for example. @@PeteRondeau

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

I’m a regular. Why do you think this video hit the algorithm so hard? I don’t think it’s just the electronics and e-makers crowed. The crazy dope shop and title maybe? Also why did you opt out of an ESP32 or at least as a secondary with an Access point or app control? What UV printer is that by the way? Also do you do work for others like small prototyping work, or are you too busy?

[@knerduno5942]

On your last question: He did mention why in my reply to me. @@ChrisS-oo6fl

[@jefflee3677]

You sir, have shown the need for backyard manufacturing in this country. We need more people like you.

[@pmacc3557]

In places like Thailand, don't you have little mini factories basically on any street. You could be living next door to a lathe operator who refurbish old car parts etc

[@DavidJohnson-yg8qm]

True but in the UK you can't get the insurance. The overall risks are 'too high'. What they really mean is, we want to screw every last penny out of you before you even start.

[@magisterrleth3129]

He's living my dream. This is what I want to do with my life.

[@changhulu4922]

​@@DavidJohnson-yg8qmWell, they do make money when things all go right. Try to keep some money on the side every month for emergencies? Make your own insurance

[@Riker626]

Less than 0.01% of the population understands how crazy this combined skill set is.

[@maxpuppy96]

It is beyond my skill set.

[@DespaceMan]

@@maxpuppy96 Nothing is beyond your skills, just need to learn or shown how it's done. My old man used to say to me you can make everything that has already been made by man you just need to know how & the perseverance with some $$$$, it's the $$$$ that holds up my projects hehehe

[@anderslennqvist6168]

This Guyana is wizard.

[@beetee4295]

Better make that .001

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

He automated his own toaster oven ffs…

[@jeffchristianson-ziebell7727]

WOW! It’s like a massive efficient factory shrunk down to a 150’ perfectly tidy & neat mini one man show. From CAD to engineering to manufacturing & production to QC… How he gathered & assembled everything is worthy of its own fascinating series as wel. Definitely a nerd of culture here no doubt 😄 (that’s a compliment btw LOL)

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks! lol

[@jessieadore]

As a millennial building my own manufacturing ecosystem this was soooooooo inspirational to watch. THANK YOU!

[@ericmunene8521]

Me too though am gen Z. But I build home appliances.

[@jessieadore]

Appliances?! That’s amazing.

[@ericmunene8521]

@@jessieadore yeah recycling freezers, reusing old PCs to security systems and building solar water pumps. I live in Africa there's a huge demand for what I do.

[@arandomuser3329]

​@@ericmunene8521dope

[@_..-.._..-.._]

@@ericmunene8521that’s awesome 👏

[@jooch_exe]

Oh, a vintage Philips pick 'n place! This was from the time when Philips was a household name in the electronics industry. So nice to see this one still at the job, great work!

[@PeteRondeau]

Very vintage. I was a member of an old yahoo group for these machines and my operating system was different from everything they were talking about. It was a lot of trying to reverse engineer the code to understand how it was supposed to work. Several really important bits of information were not in the owners manual. I'm only the second owner and it was used in a lab rather than a production environment so its in pretty good shape. Thanks for watching!

[@andli461]

That screen layout and color gives me Philips 432 CNC controller vibes. You find them on old (early to late 80’s) Maho mills. Way ahead of its time then, now it can be a pain in some situations. 😬☺️

[@AlexPrivett]

@@andli461 How much do you know about the old Maho mills? Buddy of mine has one that won't fully boot.

[@andli461]

Sorry for the late answer. I’m no expert, and the truth being it’s been some years since I was at it more regularly. But if I can help in any way, please ask.

[@johndigiovanni]

Pete this is the first video I have seen of yours!! I am blown away! What an inspiration you are on so many levels. Thanks for sharing!!

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank you so much, glad you found it!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Me too. Why KZbin has been sending me girls traveling across Alaska in their bikinis I will never know. But today KZbin sent me this masterpiece. tHank you Neil, Todd, What's his name and ol Mr. Al Gorythm!

[@hullinstruments]

Dude..... The algorithm shined it's light upon you. So glad to have found your channel. Please make more electronics related content. Would love to see some teardowns and board troubleshooting Your combined skill set is very similar to the things I've had to learn to do my own small scale manufacturing. And also a little consulting work as a systems engineer. It's a really rare combination of skills..... especially to find on youtube. And I would very very much enjoy seeing more from you.

[@ChrisCoombes]

This is incredible! Even if I only had a few days left on earth I would still watch this. The organisation and cleanliness is inspiring. I wonder if good coffee plays a role in your life? Never seen your channel before - all hail the algorithm.

[@z135210]

Wtf

[@HLife719]

My thoughts exactly. Nothing to add.

[@05Matz]

Beautiful! I love seeing production machinery -- especially automated production machinery -- working in the small shops of people operating them as a hobby, for the advancement of science, or for bringing niche products to the customers that need them, rather than only for big, established, faceless corporations. There's something magical about designing something for a time, running off prototypes, refining the design, seeing it finally come out right, telling the robot to make four more, and going off to do the next task while it works. It's what drew me to 3D printing. Thanks for showing us hobbyists/amateurs how the 'big league' stuff operates on a small business scale workflow.

[@PeteRondeau]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@blurr9549]

I have to say this is a great video. Completely not what I thought it was going to be. I saw the picture of your shed with the two big stacks coming from the roof, i thought for sure you were a maple syrup producer. That is why I watched the video. Big surprise to you doing electronics manufacturing. Amazing skill, and you take great care and pride in what you do. Tons of respect to you sir, keep up the great work. This world needs more people like you.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks so much!

[@Guynhistruck]

Lol I figured drugs at first glance, but I live in the rural South, so that's probably just conditioning to my surroundings. Once I realized what it actually was I was way more excited. But honestly, any of these options is pretty feasible and wouldn't be all that surprising. 😂

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

If you know maple syrup @@Guynhistruck ,...then you know the side effects....missing work, middle of the night runs to buy pancake mix,...running red lights to find whipped cream. ( "...conditioning to my surroundings" Great words )

[@drewskeets]

What a celebration of your incredible skills and experience! Pete, I'm inspired. Thanks so much for contributing to what our communities need - more Backyard Manufacturing! I need to meet more folks like you and team up to build the important things in life. Thanks again, subbed!

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad to have you along!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Great spirit Drew! Happy New Year !

[@CaptainSwoop]

I just happened to stumble across your channel and wish to say, it is nice to meet an understated, pleasant genius. All the best from Australia.

[@PeteRondeau]

Rather high praise, don't know that I deserve all of that but thanks for watching!

[@DazednConfused0]

Really cool to see this process. I wish we could produce electronics domestically like we used to

[@CB-mn4lf]

The USA is the second largest producer of electronics globally. $192 billion per year. The USA still produces electronics domestically like it used to - well, better than it used to!

[@greenman8]

@@CB-mn4lf I think with the Chips act, you'll continue to see the Industry grow in America.

[@SRHMusic012]

There are many turnkey PCB design and assembly shops around the country that do this. It's not gone.

[@rudysaldivar4228]

@@greenman8 Thank you President Biden!! His investment in our domestic production is a game changer. Whoever can’t see past their preconceived notions of the man is shooting the country in the proverbial foot! America First…. But this time it’s real.

[@snowgorilla9789]

Well that takes "cottage industry" to a whole different level

[@joeredman9354]

I worked for Panasonic Factory Automation and a DRAM manufacturer. While this SMT manufacturing setup is on a much smaller scale, it brings back fond memories. This was once a viable industry in this country before it was mostly all farmed out to overseas.

[@RickL_was_here]

One of my earlier jobs was operating a pick and place machine as well prepping the boards. This was cool to see someone with this stuff at home.

[@SurfingFLA]

You had me at, "Factory in my garden shed."

[@rharris22222]

A.K.A "What every engineer, tinkerer, maker dreams of for a 'Garden shed.'" 😊

[@CollisionPending]

This skill set is awesome. Keep showing people they dont have to be a cog in the system they can be the whole assembly line

[@briandeeley1599]

I think it is awesome that you are doing work at this level and providing a service to people that would be ignored by the large scale manufacturers.

[@nv1493]

I hope this continues to grow and other backyard businesses follow suit.

[@ds1755]

Wow I was in awe when I saw “Knobels” come up on the device you were testing. It’s great to know that the park is still around. I last visited them about 35 years ago. I’m way overdue for another visit to them..😂

[@markb8954]

Hahaah, me too. Grew up in Schuylkill County, just down the road from Knoebels Park.

[@andrewlacerenza667]

That machine that places the different components on the circuit board is awesome, i solder on components by hand so this machine would make assembly 100 times easier.

[@Wrockyy]

Absolutely fascinating. I don't know how this ended up in my watch list, but I'm glad it did.

[@marcellemay7721]

Yeah. me neither. But if you're into nerdy stuff like me and love to tinker...that's probably how it got in your feed.

[@TheDoItYourselfWorld]

Wow!! I am very impressed (and jealous) with your setup. My electronics shop is an 8 x 10 shed which gets quite crowded. That machine is a dream.

[@PeteRondeau]

This space is only about 12x14 so maybe about twice the space you have but not crazy big. Plus there is an player piano restoration project taking up one corner , an older cnc machine that was replaced with the current one and a sandblasting cabinet taking up the other. If those weren’t there I could get away with less space.

[@QuantumImperfections]

This made me miss being an analyst at a manufacturing plant. This was so satisfying - a semi-automatic masterpiece. You remind me of "Gerald" he was the old retired guy that was forced to work with us 'young, dumb and motivated peers' and he had his whole side business similar to this and had what could only be described as "every single tool known to human existence". I miss working with him now that I'm at a new job - it's always fun working with the senior engineers like yourself because even if i don't know what's happening I know i'll understand it by the end of our conversation.

[@Mike44460]

You certainly found your niche. I tried for years to get something going and had some success, but not as big as my dream. Congratulations, and very well done.

[@colinauta]

Rare and fascinating insights into small scale (only one man !) semi-automated electronic manufacturing. I learned a lot because each step was clearly demonstrated and succinctly explained. Very few educators seem to get this right. Thanks ! 😃

[@olasod1]

Eventhough Im have zero interest in electronics, and even less knowledge, I cant be anything but really impressed. My wife works with several cnc metal machines and I know how difficult it can be to solve strange upcoming issues. This guy is way better than their technicians. He works in a shed and they work in a multi billion industry. Way to go 🙏🤝👍🏼

[@stealthassasin1day291]

Have no idea how people make these things, it's pretty amazing.

[@refuztosay9454]

When the EMP hits and we’re de-automated back to the 1800’s this man will be quite the essential resource to have on hand.

[@PeteRondeau]

LOL my friend has been reminding me for years that I'm on his team.

[@DerekAdamPiano]

As someone who is a tinker. I love this video, amazing!

[@yamlcase230]

I have no idea how you wound up on my feed, but I'm glad!

[@patinsley]

Dude... amazing! Im going to go back to eating rocks now, because apparently i have done nothing with my life so far. Thanks for being so smart, the earth needs people smart and talented like you. :)

[@yurygaltykhin6271]

I also manufacture electronics, and I can tell this setup is amazing. The fact it was created by a single person makes it even more impressive! And finally, how it all is tidy and well organized, finishes the picture. Awesome job!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Very nice comment.

[@someotherdude]

It is very nice to see someone showing what they have, this kind of thing can be an immense help to someone who wants to get going in making prototypes or who wants to be a manufacturer. Thanks!

[@relicsofthe570]

Thanks so much for making this. I've actually gone to Kenobles since I was a little kid and was surprised when that logo popped up. To see the process of how components like this would be made Is fascinating

[@D.Hozzie]

Just awesome to see this done ….on this scale. I’m an electrician with the Indy Zoo and the event seasons are huge for us being a nonprofit. Thanks.

[@dd-oe8zv]

This is the coolest thing I have seen. The old pick machine, converted oven, shop itself

[@jimk5824]

Pete the mad scientist! Never saw a self opening oven before. Very cool, thanks for the demonstration.

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scottprather5645]

Interesting. Cool backyard manufacturing facility really helps keep overhead down. Glad to see things being manufactured here in the USA

[@dankyjoker]

That Pick and Place machine is the coolest retro machine I have seen in my life.

[@u2bemark]

You are a dangerous man, Pete Rondeau. Total Competence is a beautiful thing.

[@moepow8160]

I did something similar to this in what we called " In Shop Repaire " When I was in the AirForce, I loved it. We didn't make new boards we would troubleshooting bad or old boards, repaire them, test them and certified them as usable for the fleet of jets we had on or off stationed. Our bench stock had over 4 million dollars worth of parts and looked just about like yours. Again I really enjoyed this position, but we rotated and at some point it was back out to the flight line to repair jets. It was odd ordering a part to fix a jet and when you got the part the tage was signed by yours truly...very satisfying !

[@paulfitzgerald4933]

Watching this as I stare at my 3 3D printers printing things I sell. Man I love this and it's so inspirational (as many stated) I love the idea of having all the machines doing their job and getting more things done. A businessman once told me the key to success is replicating yourself. What he meant was train others to do the same job, have them work for you and through guidence of them you're making money. However that's also applied to manufacturing. Replicating ourselves, we know how to paint, solder, mount SMD's etc, but having machines do that is simply such a luxury. I'm currently trying to install Klipper into my 3D print system so I can get an idea how much faster I'm able to produce parts, which will determine how much lower I can consider the cost. AND the next stage is get or build a CNC to produce my own molds for plastic injection. It was a dream when I was a kid to own a manufacturing company. After years of random jobs, TV and video projects / photography I'm still on that path no matter what. It's rare I find a channel need to follow but you got me! Best!

[@FrancoisMoolman]

Wow!! As a production engineer who builds his own machinery, I have to say, I love how you have streamlined the process.

[@WrongTimeWatch]

That is awesome. So cool to have this entire production process put together by yourself.

[@GizaDog]

Looks like so much fun when everything works and you're watching Rudy while waiting. Great!

[@NY_Mountain_Man]

Wow. This is beyond impressive. American celebrities should be like you. (But I doubt they'll ever let that happen).

[@therealdohos2607]

sick man i want to get into creating my own synthesizer modules and watching this video truely inspired me and the fact you can do it all at home is really motivating me

[@PeteRondeau]

So glad to hear that! Good luck!

[@knerduno5942]

He does not mention who makes the PCBs. There is a place in August, GA which makes boards, but I am sure they are not as competitive in pricing compared to China.

[@gyrogearloose1345]

Congratulations on your achievements Mr Rondeau. It's amazing and inspiring what you are doing. Thanks for sharing, and best wishes for all your endeavours!

[@karlgabel9822]

Very cool - love the way you fix older machines and put them to work. My profession is electrical engineering and I wear many differnt hats but am at heart a maker. Congrats on a superb shop!

[@billhayward1585]

Isn't Utube a wonderful place. You never know what you are going to find. People have so many interesting hobbies and creative jobs. Love your shop. I;m a wood worker but I can appreciate what you're doing. Good Luck Bill on Mayne Island

[@MrSprinkles]

Wow, I can’t believe this is for Knoebles!! I remember going there a few times when I was younger, must have been like a decade ago. I’m happy to see that they’re still around!

[@AW-Services]

It's absolutely incredible. Wow. I love electronics and know what it's like to drill and file holes in an enclosure. The level of expertise, quality, and attention to detail is phenomenal

[@margis.5873]

Pete, Your knowledge and skill are amazing! Also, your videos are very well done. You are articulate and organize the information intelligently. I appreciate your achievements. 💖

[@blindsspecialist327]

My buddy Greg came in very handy as a private components supplier during the pandemic 😷… I was blown away with what I learned. Sounds like a classic trade in high demand for years to come. These genius people…. Have ALL my respects. Thank you 🙏 for sharing your story.

[@33ordie]

Nice to see someone that have those skills and the equipment to be productive and make actual products in house.

[@twixy..therianz]

I’m blown away! Inspiring stuff!

[@Graham_Wideman]

I'll just add my voice to cheer you on doing independent small-scale manufacturing of niche products. I too have a Controleo-based reflow oven. I don't have a PnP machine, though I do have access to a small production line that includes a Samsung, and sometimes get called to solve a breakdown on it. The docs are extensive but very confusingly translated from Korean -- so I certainly relate to your comments about "a lot of figuring out how it actually works"!

[@kajyakuzonik9130]

YES! I love it! And hat's off for using that old pick-n-place machine

[@dougtaylor7724]

Fascinating material. Thanks for showing us the process!

[@PeteRondeau]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Alcorob]

Wow! So many kids agree with you like this equipment is like from the Industrial Revolution.

[@danielclawson2099]

This is the most impressive inspirational fir small scale manufactiring I've sern in ages. Thank you so very much for sharing.

[@paulreynolds9003]

Wow , I found this really interesting and watched the whole video. Am not into computers at all but can appreciate this guys skill level.

[@snooter28]

I would LOVE to see more content like this. You may be the holy grail for my dreams to have this capability..

[@johnmcgill4864]

Nice shop! Very organized. I’m glad everything worked out without any major issues

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank you - it is a constant effort to keep after it. I will admit to maybe doing a touch of cleaning before recording this video. LOL

[@ericmetzdorff8905]

Outstanding, a rare collaboration of esoteric skills. Love it!

[@saturnnights2271]

Thanks for sharing that entire process! Your shed/factory is amazing!

[@jimmcdonald3004]

It was really cool to come cross your video. I have ran a few CNCs and part pickers in previous jobs. I built a shed in my backyard last year and have been throwing around ideas to put it to use.

[@backwoodsnomad1387]

Finally the algorithm is working! Great video. I was stoked to see Knoebels’ logo pop up.

[@andremartinez5127]

When the oven was finished and opened, i dont know why, but it made me remember Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Who didnt love that movie when we were kids .

[@kinger557]

so cool! I am humbled and amazed by minds like this. Bless you

[@user-gc3yi3xq2k]

Mad respect for this man.

[@Bijoux_DerWunderCatsen]

For brevity, this is simply amazing.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank you so much

[@leapnlarry]

Hey Pete, i came across your channel for the first time today and watched a few videos, seeing the success of this video, i would make more content like this, love to see a video about your story, history, education, jobs, what brought you to what you are doing now with the vintage amusement rides, and why you love them so much. Larry

[@user-bp6dx1mm2q]

You are who I want to be when I grow up!!!❤️ Much love from New Orleans

[@rndmlogin]

Fun video! You have a great shop there and looks like you are turning out some quality products! I love to see when people save machines/technology from going to the junk heap and utilize it!

[@PerrynBecky]

Very fascinating. Love the backyard manufacturing concept.

[@gridwork8938]

Very cool! Good to see another hidden factory in the wild. Knobels is one of the best amusement parks!

[@stephmo371]

This shop is like a dream shop, I'm shocked. Incredible stuff

[@Premier-Media-Group]

Loved going to this park as a kid growing up in NEPA!

[@kennethvanallen4492]

What a cool shop! Thanks for posting this.

[@AccidentalScience]

I love the old stuff and equipment that in spite of the age is still working and im good shape, while new stuff often get broken and worn in few years. I have a friend who has a small factory, a little bit larger than yours, and I helped him with electronics design and firmware, so I can relate.

[@RedDogForge]

Pete this is outstanding. I'm a third into your presentation and simply blown away. We both share a passion. For restoring industrial equipment though I'm focused on early Machining I do understand and appreciate the love of it.

[@KeepPrayingCA]

Soooo cool! You’re amazing. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@kendavis5686]

Absolutely brilliant, am very impressed with what you and all that kit can do.

[@PeteRondeau]

Thank you very much!

[@CNCDude]

Very inspiring to see an electronics factory in a backyard shop. You have a really cool collection of very nice finds! Thanks for the tour and sharing!

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Wow an incredible trip back to the 80's. They didn't seem that far back in my mind till I thought how old I am. Enjoy your work, we are dinosaurs!

[@jakemeyer8188]

This is amazing. A couple years back I started my long, slow march to nearly exactly what you have there....coincidentally in a backyard shed as well haha

[@descj001]

This was one of the most impressive videos I've ever seen. What talent!

[@elcheapo5302]

Very neat, Pete. Thanks for sharing!

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheFleetz]

Throughly enjoyed your journey on manufacturing your product. 👍 I am a retired electronics engineer which had my own business designing and manufacturing TV broadcast interface equipment. We did all our PCB designing in house but used fab houses to assembly the components on the boards but did all our testing and QA in house. Any metalwork machining, powder coating, silk screening etc etc was done but wonderful contract companies we dealt with over many years. So have a high respect for skills and ability to do all in house yourself! Today I keep my hand in and brain active and design PCBs for my grandchildren. I use KiCad and JLCPCB which blows me away. Anyways appreciate how brilliant you are at being able to all the processes in house! 👏

[@PeteRondeau]

Thanks for watching and sharing your story. I use eagle to design boards, then I send the files to seeed studio to have the boards and solder paste stencils made, but everything else is done here.

[@rpmking691]

That was incredible!

[@peterparsons7141]

Very interesting. Tremendous amount of thought and effort configuring that shop. Really gives me a better appreciation of what goes into building those little boxes than run everything .

[@paultaylor2054]

you're what I aspire to achieve and I'm slowly getting there

[@curtisemery807]

I probably only understood two thirds of what was going on, but it was clear to see Mr. Rondeau is one very talented electronics guy. So interesting to watch and I'm stunned that it was all going on in one little shed. Well done.

[@philerdley8809]

Always cool to see Knoebels pop up when youre not expecting it!

[@mzimmerman1988]

Really cool. Part of me wants to build these skills! But I suppose you can't learn everything.

[@eddy66t6]

Man, im from ireland, but let me tell you, wjem that Knoebels logo came up, some beautiful memories came flooding back!