"By 'augmenting human intellect' we mean increasing the capability of a man to approach a complex problem situation, to gain comprehension to suit his particular needs, and to derive solutions to problems... We envision a future where an architect collaborates interactively with a machine to design physical structures—manipulating representations, testing constraints, and realizing ideas in real time."
— Douglas Engelbart, Augmenting Human Intellect: A Conceptual Framework (1962)
Maker is a conceptual framework and practical workbench for AI-Augmented Physical Fabrication and Design. It realizes Douglas Engelbart's 1962 vision by pairing human design intent, physical fabrication experience, and practical shop constraints with AI-agentic coding, FreeCAD 3D parametric modeling, cut list generation, and automated documentation.
Rather than expecting an AI agent to generate complex physical objects out of whole cloth, Maker establishes an intelligent, collaborative pair-designing loop:
- Human Partner: Provides domain knowledge, physical requirements, ergonomic intuition, freehand sketches, material availability, and shop fabrication feedback.
- AI Agent: Translates prompts and field notes into formal parametric CAD code, enforces vector math safety rules, breaks assemblies into modular component libraries, generates exact cut lists / BOMs, and maintains version control integrity.
The design and fabrication process follows a structured, evolutionary cycle:
┌───────────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Human Fabricator │ │ AI Coding Agent │
│ - Physical Intent & Goal │ ────►│ - Requirements Synthesis │
│ - Hand Sketches & Specs │ │ - Standalone Component Mod. │
│ - Shop Tooling & Feedback│ ◄────│ - FreeCAD Parametric Code │
└───────────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────────────┘
│ │
▼ ▼
┌───────────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Shop Fabrication │ │ Living Project Docs & Git │
│ - Table Saw / Weld Prep │ │ - REQUIREMENTS.md & CUT_LIST │
│ - Physical Test & Fit │ │ - Version Folders (v01..vXX) │
└───────────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────────────┘
Real-world physical assemblies are built from reusable commercial tools, standard hardware, and custom lumber/metal fabrications:
- Commercial & Purchased Tools (
components/): Items such as the Harbor Freight #91037 Propane Torch, STIHL Kombi tool attachments, fixed caster wheels, and clevis hitches are modeled once as standalone, independent 3D modules incomponents/. Once modeled, they become permanent, reusable building blocks for any host assembly. - Physical Assembly Projects (
projects/): Complete physical designs (e.g.kombi-kaddy,road-roaster) import these component modules and structure lumber/metal frames around them.
Physical design iterations follow Semantic Versioning (vMAJOR.MINOR.PATCH) paired with standard Lifecycle Status Badges (🟡 IN PROGRESS, 🔵 FABRICATION READY, 🟢 BUILT & VERIFIED, 📦 SUPERSEDED).
- Git-Native History: Historical CAD model iterations are managed natively in Git history via tags (
v0.0.0,v0.1.0...). - Visual Transformation Changelogs:
projects/<project>/CHANGELOG.mdandprojects/<project>/changelog/track the visual story of design evolution with historical thumbnails.
/home/phi/PROJECTS/phi-WORKS/maker/
├── README.md # Master framework vision, philosophy & workspace index
├── CHANGELOG.md # Master repository changelog & release history
├── WORKFLOW.md # Operating guidelines, CAD best practices & Git branching rules
├── GEMINI.md # Agent context & operating manual for Gemini CLI
├── ROADMAP.md # Component library roadmap & physical project goals
├── pyproject.toml # Python package metadata & build settings
├── src/ # Primary Python library source (phi_works_maker)
│
├── components/ # Standalone Reusable Commercial Tools & Hardware Library
│ ├── torch_hf91037/ # Harbor Freight #91037 Propane Torch module & 3D model
│ ├── propane_cylinder_1lb/ # 1 lb Propane Cylinder module & 3D model
│ └── propane_harness/ # Quick-release bottle harness module & 3D model
│
└── projects/ # Physical Projects & Master Assemblies
├── kombi-kaddy/ # STIHL Kombi Attachment Kaddy (Master active product & changelog)
└── road-roaster/ # Towable Flame Weeding Sled (Master active product & changelog)
1. Road Roaster
Towable Thermal Weed Shock Sled
| Project Master Render | Quick Specs & Master Links |
|---|---|
 |
• Application: Non-chemical gravel driveway weed management via thermal shock. • Active Master: v0.4.0 🟡 [IN PROGRESS]• 📐 SPECIFICATION.md • 📜 CHANGELOG.md • 🛠️ build.py • 📦 sled.FCStd |
2. Kombi Kaddy
Mobile STIHL KombiSystem Attachment Rack
| Project Master Render | Quick Specs & Master Links |
|---|---|
 |
• Application: Heavy-duty mobile 2x4 wooden rack for STIHL KombiSystem storage. • Active Master: v0.9.0 🟡 [IN PROGRESS]• 📐 SPECIFICATION.md • 📜 CHANGELOG.md • 🛠️ build.py • 📦 caddy.FCStd |
| Component Render | Specifications & Links |
|---|---|
 |
• Application: High-output propane burner with push-button igniter. • 🛠️ build.py• 📦 torch_hf91037.FCStd |
| Component Render | Specifications & Links |
|---|---|
 |
• Application: 3D parametric models for STIHL straight-shaft attachments. • 🛠️ build_trimmer.py• 📦 trimmer.FCStd |
# Build Kombi Kaddy Version 0.9.0 Master Model
/home/phi/AppImages/FreeCAD_1.1.3-Linux-x86_64-py311.AppImage -c "__file__='/home/phi/PROJECTS/phi-WORKS/maker/projects/kombi-kaddy/v0.9.0/build.py'; exec(open(__file__).read())"
# Build Road Roaster Version 0.4.0 Master Model
/home/phi/AppImages/FreeCAD_1.1.3-Linux-x86_64-py311.AppImage -c "__file__='/home/phi/PROJECTS/phi-WORKS/maker/projects/road-roaster/v0.4.0/build.py'; exec(open(__file__).read())"