Every workshop needs the right tools for the job, and while handheld equipment will serve you well for certain tasks, heavy gear is also a necessity for lots of artisans.
With that in mind, here are just some examples of machinery that could transform your workshop operations and give you the edge over competitors, even if you are working on a relatively small scale.
Choosing fabrication machines, e.g. an ironworker
When it comes to versatility, there are few machines that can match ironworkers, as these empower fabrication processes with a range of functions including shearing, forming and punching.
More good news is that second-hand ironworker machines are an inexpensive addition to your workshop, and will increase the variety of projects that you can accept for clients, or that you can pursue under your own steam.
While there are manually operated ironworkers on the market, it makes sense to choose a powered counterpart, because in spite of the added cost, you’ll more than make up for this with throughput and productivity increases.
Many other types of fabrication products can be considered, ranging from press brakes and band saws to tube benders and beyond. If there’s a process you can complete manually, there’s a machine which will step into the fray to do this for you automatically.
Selecting cutting & embossing machines, e.g. a die cutter
Materials such as paper and metal can benefit from being worked on using die-cutting machinery, and you have ample choice in this category, depending on the size and scale of your operations.
From tabletop gear fit for domestic and enthusiast use to full blown units designed for use on the factory floor, die cutters can be chosen based on your needs.
Once in place, die cutting equipment lets you cut materials to a specific shape, as defined by the design of the die itself, or use less pressure to just emboss the surface instead of removing any material.
This type of machine is especially well suited to the crafty end of the artisanal spectrum, and it lets you combine bespoke designs with high output production techniques to great effect.
Assessing additive manufacturing equipment, e.g. a 3D printer
You might not think that a 3D printer has a place in an artisanal workshop, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Additive manufacturing processes are impressive in terms of their wide variety of applications, and even if you do not use this type of tech to produce the final product, you can turn to it for things like rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept design work which then informs your future decisions.
Indeed the versatility of 3D printers means that they are also handy to have in the case that you need to solve problems with your other machines, such as if a part or component breaks and you quickly need access to a replacement.
Converting design files to full three-dimensional items in a matter of hours has never been easier or more accessible.
Finding process equipment, e.g. a furnace or kiln
If your workshop deals in ceramics, then you’ll need an industrial-grade furnace or kiln to complete your pottery projects successfully.
As with fabrication machinery, it is better to look for second hand units in this category, rather than choosing new equivalents, both in terms of the saving’s you’ll make and also because of the speed with which the gear will be accessed.
Supply chain delays mean that new machinery is still taking longer to arrive than usual, so used kilns and other items are a way to level up your operations quickly.
