Home workshop metal fabricator

Homeowners, farmers and rural properties, hobbyists, local tradies and small businesses that need one-off or short-run parts.

Quote per job based on materials, your hourly rate and finishing. Repeat work from tradies and small businesses can fill quiet weeks.

• Welding (MIG or TIG)
• Reading drawings and measuring accurately
• Quoting jobs fairly
• Safe use of cutting and grinding tools

• Council approval for running a home-based business, as noise, fumes and fire risk can be issues
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for your tools and stock
• Structural or safety-critical items (trailers, load-bearing frames) may need certification or engineering sign-off, check your state's rules
• Fire, fume and eye safety, and the cost of steel and gas going up between quote and job

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the welding and cutting equipment you need, your steel stock, and how much of your shed or garage is already set up. Steel and gas prices can change between quote and job.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the jobs you take, the hours you put in and your local demand. Quote carefully, as material costs can rise before a job is finished.

Check whether your council needs to approve a home-based business, as noise, fumes and fire risk can be issues. Structural or safety-critical items such as trailers or load-bearing frames may need certification or engineering sign-off, so check your state's rules.