It’s a popular idea for many fabricators and welders to start their own shops. Self-employment means freedom for you to decide which projects and clients you’d like to work with, as well as the hours for your business. We have a quick guide to starting your own metal fabrication shop to help you succeed in this venture.
Decide on Your Services
Various services fall under the term “fabrication.” A few of these services include grinding, cutting, welding, shaping, renovation, or repair. The tools your shop will need will depend on which type of work you will provide for clients. Look at your strengths and then purchase the equipment you’ll need to perform those fabrication services.
Pick a Suitable Location
Your fabrication shop is going to need an ideal location. The building needs to be large enough to fit all your tools with enough space to move around. Proper ventilation is also crucial, especially if you’ll be performing quite a bit of grinding and metalwork.
Get the Appropriate Insurance
This step is vital when starting your own metal fabrication shop. You and any employees you hire will be dealing with dangerous tools, materials, and equipment each day. There are chances of injury and accidents occurring during the workday.
Medical expenses can be astronomical from these accidents. You can avoid these expenses by lining up the correct insurance. Check with major insurance providers who will provide you with quotes to take time to purchase.
Acquire the Accreditations
You need to acquire specific legal papers before you begin projects for clients. These papers include:
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- A business license
- Unified Business Identifier (UBI)
Depending on which state you live in, you may also need special permits to do your work. Visit a local government office to learn more about the required documents.
Have the Correct Tools
You should have the correct tools for the services you’ll be providing. There are essential equipment and tools needed to start your own fabrication shop. These include clamps, welding machines, heavy welding gloves, grinder for cleaning up the metal, anvils, a measuring device, a table with a metal surface, and others.
You should also consider a vertical drilling machine. These precise and powerful tools will help with versatility in your shop.
We hope this quick guide to starting your own metal fabrication shop will help you on this adventure. Feel free to refer back to this blog when needed.