Small fabrication shop for local businesses

Contractors, HVAC and signage companies, restaurants, equipment makers, architects and local manufacturers.

Per-job or per-part pricing based on material, machine time and labor, with repeat orders from regular business customers.

• Welding and metal cutting
• Operating press brakes, shears or similar machines
• Reading drawings and basic CAD
• Estimating and managing jobs

• Check zoning, your city or county business license and any fire department inspection for industrial use
• Get general liability, property and equipment insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Check any OSHA requirements for ventilation, machine guarding and protective equipment
• Big customers may ask for certified welders or quality documentation, so check what they require
• Equipment, rent and metal prices tie up cash, so build a buffer before taking larger orders

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000, depending on the equipment you buy, rent and deposit, and opening metal stock. These are estimates, so get quotes on machines and local rents before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your equipment, customer base and how many hours you run. Rent and metal prices tie up cash, so build a buffer before taking larger orders.

Check zoning, your city or county business license and any fire department inspection for industrial use. Also check OSHA requirements for ventilation, machine guarding and protective equipment, insurance needs, and whether larger customers require certified welders or quality documentation.