Cylinder head and small-parts machine shop

Independent repair garages, engine builders, hobbyists and racers, and motorists who bring in parts through their mechanic.

Fixed price per job, such as a head resurface or a valve job, with extra charges for testing, parts and rush work. Repeat business from a handful of garages usually forms the base.

• Precision measuring and machining
• Engine and cylinder head knowledge
• Careful record keeping and quality checks
• Building relationships with garages

• Zoning and local business license rules for a machining unit, check with your city or county
• Disposal of used coolant, solvents and metal swarf, check your state and local environmental rules
• General liability insurance and cover for customers' parts while they are in your care
• Workers' compensation once you hire, and workplace safety rules from OSHA or your state
• Used machines may need repairs or recalibration, and a bad machining job can mean an expensive engine failure and a dispute

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the rented unit, whether you buy used equipment, and how narrow your service list is. These are estimates. Used machines may need repairs or recalibration.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your service list, the garages and builders you win as customers and the hours you work. These are estimates, and the idea assumes at least 25 hours a week.

Check zoning and local business license rules with your city or county, plus state and local rules on disposing of used coolant, solvents and metal swarf. Also look at general liability insurance, cover for customers' parts, workers' compensation if you hire, and OSHA or state safety rules.