Start a small CNC shop for replacement machinery parts

Local manufacturers, maintenance departments, farms, sawmills, food plants, equipment dealers and repair shops that need parts fast.

You quote per job or per part, based on machine time, material and setup. Rush jobs earn a premium. Repeat supply for the same customers gives steadier income.

• Machining or CNC programming
• Reading engineering drawings
• Precise measuring and quality checking
• Quoting and job scheduling

• Check zoning and the business licence for an industrial unit with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, and product liability cover for parts that go into other people's machinery
• WCB/WSIB coverage rules by province once you hire anyone
• Check whether customers need quality documents such as material certificates or inspection reports
• Check heavy-load power needs for the unit and machine safety rules
• Large startup spending before you have steady customers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $50,000 to $250,000 CAD, depending on machines, premises, tooling, power needs and insurance. It is a large outlay before steady customers, so plan your funding carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on machine capacity, the mix of jobs and how steadily customers order. Revenue is before rent, materials, tooling and wages.

Check zoning and business licence rules for an industrial unit with your municipality. Also check liability and product liability insurance, WCB/WSIB rules if you hire, customer quality documents, and the unit's power needs and machine safety rules.