Garage machining for prototypes and repairs

Inventors, hobbyists, classic vehicle and motorbike owners, model engineers, and local firms needing quick one-off parts.

Hourly rate or quoted price per part. Small jobs and repairs bring in work while you build a name for quick, accurate turnaround.

• Machining experience on a lathe and mill
• Reading drawings or reverse-engineering a worn part
• Measuring accurately
• Clear communication with customers

• Planning permission or restrictions on noise and business use at home, check with your council
• Landlord, mortgage lender and home insurance may need to know, as standard cover often excludes business use
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Machine safety, swarf, coolant and electrical supply to the garage
• Parts used in vehicles or safety-critical items carry risk, be clear on what you will and will not make

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the lathe, mill and tooling you buy. These are estimates, so also allow for safety measures and any electrical work to the garage.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the jobs you take and your customers. These are estimates, and this works as a side business from around 8 hours a week.

Check with your council about planning permission and restrictions on noise and business use at home. Also check whether your landlord, mortgage lender and home insurer need to know, and arrange public liability and product liability insurance.