Home workshop jig and fixture maker
Use a well-kitted garage workshop to make one-off jigs, fixtures and tool repairs for local firms.
- £8k-30k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
937 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 25730 “Manufacture of tools”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small home workshop with a manual mill, lathe and measuring gear, making one-off jigs, fixtures, gauges and small tooling repairs. Suits an experienced toolmaker or machinist working alongside a job or building up a customer base.
Your first three steps
- Check your lease, mortgage terms and local council about running a machine workshop from home, including noise and any planning needs
- Get a few good-quality used machines and a basic inspection kit, and test your accuracy on sample parts
- Contact local engineering firms and product developers to offer quick one-off jigs and repairs, with a few sample photos to show your work
Who pays
Small engineering firms, prototype and product developers, inventors and workshops that need quick one-off parts without a big minimum order.
How it makes money
Hourly rate or fixed quote per job, plus materials. Small, quick-turnaround jobs are the core, with repeat work from a few regular customers.
Skills that help
- Manual machining experience
- Precision measuring and inspection
- Reading engineering drawings
- Clear communication with customers
Watch out for
- Planning permission, noise and neighbour complaints, check with your council
- Home insurance may not cover business equipment or visitors, get business cover and public liability insurance
- Power supply, swarf and cutting oil disposal, and safe machine use in a small space
- Taking on work above what your machines can hold in tolerance, be honest in quotes
- Your own time: balancing the work with another job can mean slow turnaround
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a home toolmaking workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the manual mill, lathe and measuring equipment you buy and the state of your garage. These are estimates, so work out your own kit list first.
How much can a home jig and fixture maker earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your machines, customers and the hours you can spare. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so allow for materials and tooling.
What should I check before running a machine workshop from home?
Check planning permission, noise and neighbour issues with your council. Check your home insurance, as you may need business cover and public liability insurance. Also check power supply, swarf and cutting oil disposal, and safe machine use in a small space.
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