Start with the work.
Build everything around it.
An approachable, evidence-first path from market need and machine selection through facility readiness, installation, tooling, safe operation and stable production.
Build the production system around real work.
A machine shop starts with customer and part requirements, then connects the correct machine to a building, complete cell, qualified people, operating controls and enough cash to prove the process.
Choose the First CNC Machine for a New Shop
Translate target parts, tolerances, materials, volumes and delivery expectations into a machine envelope and support requirement.
Open guide →02 / MACHINE SHOP SITE & FOOTPRINTCNC Machine Shop Layout and Access
A catalog footprint is not an installed cell. Plan operator access, doors, rigging paths, maintenance clearance, material flow, utilities and future moves.
Open guide →03 / MACHINE SHOP POWER & UTILITIESCNC Machine Shop Power, Air and Utilities
Verify the delivered machine's exact voltage, phase, frequency, current, protection, air, cooling and environmental requirements against the facility.
Open guide →04 / FOUNDATION, RIGGING & INSTALLATIONCNC Machine Rigging and Installation
Separate freight, unloading, building entry, final placement, foundation work, leveling, anchoring, utility connection, commissioning and acceptance.
Open guide →05 / TOOLING, INSPECTION & SAFE OPERATIONMachine Shop Tooling, Metrology and Safety
Build the production system around the machine: holders, workholding, cutting tools, inspection, coolant control, chip handling, guarding, training and energy control.
Open guide →06 / TOTAL INSTALLED MACHINE COSTCNC Machine Total Installed Cost Guide
Build a complete acquisition model before committing capital: equipment, inspection, freight, permits, rigging, building work, utilities, tooling, training and startup risk.
Open guide →07 / NEW MACHINE SHOP LAUNCH CHECKLISTNew CNC Machine Shop Launch Checklist
A sequenced checklist connecting customers, parts, facility, equipment, people, quality, safety, cash and production readiness.
Open guide →Eight questions before the first machine.
If one answer is missing, keep it visible as an assumption rather than turning it into a hidden cost.
What work will the shop win?
Identify target customers, parts, materials, tolerances, volumes and delivery expectations.
What process makes those parts?
Define operations, setups, inspection, deburring, finishing and outside services.
Which exact machine fits?
Match capability, capacity, support and configuration to the work.
Can the building accept it?
Verify access, footprint, structure, power, air, environment and code.
Who moves and installs it?
Assign freight, permits, rigging, placement, utilities, commissioning and acceptance.
What completes the cell?
Price tooling, workholding, inspection, software, coolant and chip handling.
How will the shop control risk?
Build safety, quality, maintenance, cybersecurity, insurance and environmental controls.
How much cash reaches stable production?
Model total installed cost, working capital, prove-out, utilization and contingency.
Location and paperwork still matter.
- Business plan, market research and startup-cost model
- Entity, tax, banking, accounting and insurance setup
- Zoning, occupancy, building and local operating permits
- Environmental and waste obligations for actual processes
- Customer terms, quality expectations and data requirements
Education, not professional approval.
Machine Blue Book connects the questions and official source paths. It does not replace an OEM, engineer, electrician, rigger, safety professional, environmental professional, attorney, accountant, insurer or authority having jurisdiction.
Use the national network built to help manufacturers.
NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. SBA provides business planning, location, registration, permit and launch guidance.
Buying, operating or selling?
Use the complete buyer-readiness and seller-economics systems to connect this decision to the machine, the site and the final number.
Choose the process, then prepare the shop around it.
A new shop needs an application-fit decision and a facility plan that work together. These briefings lead into the deeper buying, power and installation references.
Application fit · 22.5 secondsBuy the fit.Start with the part, material, tolerance, volume and process before comparing horsepower, axes and feature lists.Watch and continue the research →
Facility readiness · 22.5 secondsCan your shop run it?Check access, footprint, floor, electrical power, air and installation scope before the delivery truck arrives.Watch and continue the research →