Water jet cutting for makers and designers

Product designers, artists, architects, signmakers, model makers, prototype builders and small workshops that don't own a cutter.

Charge by machine time plus material and set-up, often with a minimum order. Repeat work from local makers and small firms builds steady income.

• Reading drawings and using CAD or CAM files
• Careful, precise hands-on work
• Patient customer service with first-time customers

• Machine condition and servicing history, especially on second-hand pumps and cutting heads
• Power, water and drainage needs, plus noise, so check the unit lease and planning use with your council
• Disposal of used abrasive and cutting waste, check the waste rules with your council or the environmental regulator
• Public liability and, once you hire, employer's liability insurance, and check whether you need product liability cover
• Health and safety around high-pressure equipment, and checking that materials are safe to cut
• Customers' files may be wrong, so agree tolerances and who pays for scrapped material

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £25,000 to £70,000, depending on the machine, its condition and servicing history, and your unit. Check second-hand pumps and cutting heads carefully before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the work you win and the materials you cut. Agree tolerances and who pays for scrapped material, since customers' files may be wrong.

Check power, water, drainage and noise needs, plus the unit lease and planning use with your council. Also check used abrasive waste disposal rules, insurance including product liability, and health and safety around high-pressure equipment.