Compact water jet studio for makers and designers

Artists, sign and display makers, interior designers, tile and countertop installers, inventors and hobby fabricators.

Per-piece pricing or machine-time rates, with extra charges for design cleanup, material supply and finishing.

• Vector or CAD drawing
• Patience with detailed work
• Knowing materials such as steel, aluminum, stone and glass
• Marketing to creative customers

• Check zoning, lease and HOA rules, since a water jet is unlikely to suit a typical home garage
• Check power, water and drainage needs and how to dispose of used abrasive and wastewater
• General liability and equipment insurance
• Compact machines have size and thickness limits, so be clear with customers about what you can cut
• Demand can be uneven with custom work, so plan for slower months

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the machine you choose, your power, water and drainage setup, and the unit or workshop bay you use.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your customers and the pieces you cut. Custom work can be uneven, so plan for slower months.

Check zoning, lease and HOA rules, since a water jet is unlikely to suit a typical home garage. Also check power, water and drainage needs, how to dispose of used abrasive and wastewater, and insurance.