One-person jig and fixture workshop
Start lean with a few used machines in a garage or outbuilding and make jigs and fixtures for local shops.
- C$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A solo precision workshop with a manual mill, lathe and a small CNC machine. You make jigs, fixtures, small tooling and replacement parts for local manufacturers, often alongside a day job at first.
Your first three steps
- Check your municipality's rules on machining in a home garage or outbuilding, and your power supply and floor strength
- Buy a basic used mill, lathe and measuring kit, and set up a clean, safe layout
- Contact local machine shops and plant maintenance managers to offer overflow and quick-turn jigs and fixtures
Who pays
Small manufacturers, machine shops with overflow work, repair and maintenance teams, and inventors who need prototype tooling.
How it makes money
You charge per job based on machine time, material and setup. Small repair and one-off jobs bring in cash early, and repeat customers build steady work.
Skills that help
- Machining and toolmaking experience
- Basic CAD/CAM
- Accurate measuring
- Honest quoting and reliable delivery
Watch out for
- Check zoning and any home-based business licence from your municipality, as noise, deliveries and equipment may be restricted
- Check that your home insurance does not exclude business use, and get commercial general liability cover
- Heavy machines need proper floors, power and safe handling when moved in
- Check whether customers expect inspection reports or Red Seal credentials
- Keep customer designs confidential and agree who owns the tooling
- Heated space and power costs in winter can add up in a garage
- Fumes, coolant and metal swarf need safe storage and disposal under local rules
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: one-person jig and fixture workshop
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 jig and fixture workshop?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the machines you buy and what your space needs. Heavy machines need proper floors, power and safe handling, so check these before moving them in.
How much can a one-person toolroom earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on the hours you can work and the customers you win. Many people start alongside a day job, at around 15 hours a week or more.
What should I check before running a machine shop from home in Canada?
Check zoning and any home-based business licence with your municipality, as noise, deliveries and equipment may be restricted. Also check that your home insurance does not exclude business use, whether customers expect Red Seal credentials, and local rules for storing and disposing of coolant and swarf.
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