Bespoke Machine Builder with a Small Workshop

Small manufacturers, farms, food producers, packaging firms and other businesses that cannot buy what they need off the shelf.

Fixed quote per project or hourly rate plus materials, often with a deposit upfront and staged payments. Repairs and modifications to your own builds add repeat work.

• Mechanical design and drawing (CAD)
• Welding, fabrication and machining
• Quoting and project management
• Basic electrics and controls knowledge

• No general licence is usually needed just to design and build machines, but check your state or territory WHS regulator and local council for any requirements that apply to your activities
• Public liability and product liability insurance, as a faulty machine can cause serious harm
• Machinery safety: check which Australian Standards and state WHS (work health and safety) rules apply to designing and supplying machines
• Electrical work usually needs a licensed electrician, check your state's licensing body
• Council zoning approval for a workshop and noise limits, check with your local council
• Clear written scope and deposits so changing briefs do not wipe out your margin

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the workshop, tools and equipment you need. These are estimates only, so price your set-up carefully before you commit.

Check your state or territory WHS regulator and local council for requirements that apply to you. Also check Australian Standards for machinery safety, licensing for electrical work, zoning and noise limits, and product liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and number of jobs you win. Clear written scope and deposits help stop changing briefs eating your margin. Expect at least about 30 hours a week.