Home workshop for small machined parts
Use a garage or outbuilding with a small lathe and mill to make and repair parts in your spare hours.
- C$5k-25k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small home workshop with a benchtop lathe and mill, taking on simple custom parts and repairs for hobbyists, small shops and local people, alongside another job.
Your first three steps
- Practise on your own projects and photograph finished parts for a simple portfolio
- Post in local car, motorcycle, farm and maker groups and visit nearby repair shops to offer your services
- Check municipal zoning and home business rules, and talk to your home insurer
Who pays
Hobbyists, motorcycle and vintage vehicle owners, small repair shops, makers and local businesses needing the odd part.
How it makes money
Fixed price per part or an hourly rate, plus materials. Some owners also take overflow jobs from larger shops.
Skills that help
- Basic to intermediate machining
- Reading drawings and measuring accurately
- Patience with small, detailed work
Watch out for
- A home-based business licence or zoning limits on noise and workshop use, check with your municipality
- Home insurance may not cover business equipment or customers, check and get commercial general liability cover
- Metal swarf, cutting oils and waste disposal rules, check local requirements
- Winter heating of an unheated garage and the electrical capacity of your supply
- Liability if a part you make fails, so avoid safety-critical work unless properly qualified
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to set up a home machine workshop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, depending on your lathe, mill and workshop setup. Check whether your home insurance covers business equipment, and look into commercial general liability cover.
How much can a home machining side hustle earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000 CAD, depending on the jobs you take and the hours you can spare. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week alongside another job.
What rules should I check before machining parts at home in Canada?
Check for a home-based business licence or zoning limits on noise and workshop use, and local requirements for metal swarf, cutting oils and waste disposal. Avoid safety-critical work unless you are properly qualified, as a failed part creates liability.
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