Hobbies
Many hobbies benefit from the work performed in a home machine shop. For those who build and race radio-controlled (RC) vehicles, custom parts for their cars, planes and boats can be manufactured in a home machine shop. These RC vehicles often need repair after a hard day of racing. So owning a machine shop means that the hobbyist can repair his vehicles on his own time rather than having to send away for replacement parts. Machine shop tools are also used to create custom, lightweight parts for RC hobbyists who build custom vehicles.
Gun Smithing
Gun smithing, gun restoration and repair work is another category of projects for the home machine shop owner. Gun enthusiasts can make new and replacement parts if they are restoring antique firearms. They can also modify firearms, making new stocks, or gun bodies, to meet their specific shooting desires.
Tool and Equipment Repair
A machine shop that includes welding tools is useful for those who live in rural areas and for farmers. Country living requires higher amounts of self sufficiency. For the farmer, this means the ability to repair broken machinery and tools so that the day's work can continue. With a moderately stocked machine shop, rural residents can repair metal and wood tools and make welding repairs of farm equipment.
Automotive Customization
For those who enjoy modifying, building and customizing cars, a home machine shop is not only a luxury, but an essential part of their garage. A machine shop is critical when rebuilding an engine. Parts must be reground and cleaned before they are assembled. In other applications, custom suspension, engine and transmission work often require fabricating mounts and installation brackets. By investing in a home machine shop, an auto enthusiast can complete projects that would otherwise be impossible with stock parts.