Engine machining workshop

Mechanics and garages, specialist engine builders, performance and classic car owners, 4WD and diesel owners, and farms or small fleets.

Charge per job or per operation (for example boring a block, resurfacing a head), plus a margin on parts and consumables. Repeat trade from garages gives steady work.

• Engine machining or a mechanical trade background
• Precision measuring and attention to detail
• Building relationships with garages

• Council or zoning approval for industrial use and noise limits at your chosen unit
• Disposal of coolant, oils and metal swarf, check your state EPA and trade waste rules
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as a faulty rebuild can be costly
• Work health and safety duties for machine guarding and workers compensation once you hire
• Second-hand machines can need repairs or recalibration, so inspect before buying
• Quality is judged on measurements, so keep records of tolerances for each job

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $60,000 to $200,000, depending on the unit and the machines you buy. Second-hand machines can need repairs or recalibration, so inspect them before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your machine range, location and how many garages and workshops you win as customers. These are estimates only, so check them against your own costs.

Check council or zoning approval for industrial use and noise limits, and your state EPA and trade waste rules for coolant, oils and swarf. Also check public and product liability insurance, work health and safety duties, and workers compensation once you hire.