Small CNC machine shop in a rented unit
Run a small industrial unit making precision parts to drawings for local manufacturers and engineering projects.
- C$75k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small machine shop in a rented industrial unit with CNC mills and lathes, making accurate parts to customer drawings. You quote jobs, program and run the machines, inspect parts and deliver on agreed dates.
Your first three steps
- Line up two or three potential customers who would give you work, and get their typical part types and volumes
- Price used CNC machines, tooling and inspection equipment, and compare leasing with buying
- Look at industrial units in your area, and check zoning, power supply and lease terms before committing
Who pays
Manufacturers, equipment builders, engineering firms, trades and repair businesses, and sometimes agriculture, energy or transport suppliers in your region.
How it makes money
Quoted price per job or batch, or an hourly machine rate. Steady repeat customers and regular orders give the most reliable income.
Skills that help
- CNC machining and setup
- CAM programming and CAD
- Reading drawings and tolerances
- Quoting, scheduling and customer service
Watch out for
- Large equipment costs, so test demand before borrowing heavily
- Zoning, business licence and fire code rules for an industrial unit, check with your municipality
- Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules by province)
- Some customers ask for quality certification such as ISO 9001, so check what your target customers require
- Dependence on one or two large customers, and slow payment terms
- Machine safety training and coolant and metal waste disposal rules, check with your province
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: small CNC machine shop in a rented unit
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a CNC machine shop in Canada?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $75,000 to $300,000, depending on the machines you buy and your unit. Equipment is a large cost, so test demand before borrowing heavily.
How much can a small CNC job shop earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your machines, customers and the jobs you win. Relying on one or two large customers and slow payment terms are risks to watch.
What rules should I check before opening a CNC machine shop?
Check zoning, business licence and fire code rules for an industrial unit with your municipality. Also check insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, machine safety training, coolant and metal waste disposal rules in your province, and whether customers require certification such as ISO 9001.
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