Woodturned bowls and gifts from a home shop

Craft fair and farmers market shoppers, online gift buyers, and small gift shops or galleries that stock handmade goods.

You sell finished pieces at a set price each, through markets, an online shop and wholesale to local stores. Higher-quality one-off pieces earn the most per item.

• Lathe skills and sharp tool handling
• Eye for shape and finish
• Basic pricing and selling

• Fine wood dust and finishes are a health risk, so check ventilation and protective gear
• Check home occupation permit, zoning, HOA or lease rules for noise and running a workshop at home
• General liability and product liability insurance, especially for items used with food
• Sales tax registration with your state if you sell taxable goods; check what applies to you
• Use food-safe finishes if you sell bowls for food, and be careful with claims

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the lathe and tools you need, your protective gear and ventilation, and how much wood stock you buy at the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on where you sell, your prices and how many pieces you can finish each week. It suits a part-time start of around 8 hours a week.

Check your home occupation permit, zoning, and HOA or lease rules on noise and home workshops. Also check ventilation for fine wood dust, insurance, state sales tax registration, and food-safe finishes if you sell bowls.