Discover practical guidance for running a profitable small machine shop.
This book compiles a century of practical insights drawn from the American Machinist’s study of small shops, turning a wide range of articles into a single, usable reference.
The text surveys the future of small shops and how owners can compete with larger plants. It covers economics, financing, accounting, and management, along with how to select work, equipment, and methods. Readers will find real-world examples, cautionary notes, and concrete steps drawn from a broad spectrum of shop types—from aging equipment to up-to-date tools—focused on helping small shops stay viable and productive.
- Insights from a large-scale study of 400 shops and how those lessons apply today
- Practical guidance on inspection, quality, and cost control in small settings
- Strategies for selecting work, budgeting, and managing equipment and tooling
- Approaches to profitability, workload, and the daily realities of small shop life
Ideal for owners and managers of small machine shops, technicians, and those seeking a clear, field-tested path to better results.