Start an Engine Machining Workshop

Independent garages, classic and performance car owners, race and rally teams, tuning firms and specialist engine builders.

Priced per job or per operation (for example boring a block or skimming a head), plus parts and full rebuild packages. Repeat trade work from garages builds steady income.

• Engineering or machining experience
• Precise measuring and attention to detail
• Knowledge of engine design
• Building trade relationships with garages

• Public liability, employer's liability (once you hire) and cover for faulty workmanship or product liability
• Planning permission or use class for your unit, check with the council and landlord
• Machine safety, training and maintenance, check HSE guidance on work equipment
• Disposal of waste oil, coolant and swarf, which may need a licensed carrier and waste records
• Costly rework if you get a tolerance wrong, so set up quality checks and written quotes
• Start-up costs depend heavily on whether you buy used or new machines, and on unit deposit, three-phase installation and initial stock

Startup costs are typically around £60,000 to £200,000, depending heavily on whether you buy used or new machines, the unit deposit, three-phase installation and initial stock. These figures are estimates, so get quotes before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on the work you take on, your pricing and how many garages and enthusiasts you serve. These are estimates, and rework from a missed tolerance can eat into income.

Check public liability, employer's liability once you hire, and cover for faulty workmanship or product liability. Also check planning or use class with the council and landlord, HSE guidance on work equipment, and waste oil, coolant and swarf disposal.