Setting up your welding and fabrication shop? Use this checklist to get every spark flying in the right direction — from tools to layout, we've got your setup covered.
From Empty Floor to Full Operation — What You Need to Build Smart
Starting a fabrication shop is no small task. It’s part dream, part grind, and all strategy. Whether you’re starting in a single bay or building out 17,000 square feet of workspace, the same truth applies:
by Brent Mathurin
Systems build success. Not just tools.
Here’s a full checklist recap of everything we’ve covered — from choosing your space to finalizing your shop for production.
📍 1. Choose the Right Location
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Zoning approval for industrial use
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Truck access and high-clearance doors
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Sufficient square footage and high ceilings
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Room to expand
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Existing power infrastructure or feasibility of upgrade
⚡ 2. Install 3-Phase Power
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Contact utility provider for cost and availability
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Budget for connection (e.g., $55,000 in some cases)
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Work with licensed electrician
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Size panel based on future growth
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Label and test all circuits
🔌 3. Plan Strategic Outlet Placement
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Lay out outlets based on machine placement
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Use separate breakers for high-load machines
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Install ceiling drops and wall mounts
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Plan for additional outlets later
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Group by voltage and use-case
💨 4. Run Air Lines and Pneumatic Systems
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Choose a 3-phase compressor
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Use rigid piping with a loop layout
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Install water traps, regulators, oilers
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Add quick-connect hose reels at stations
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Slope pipes for proper drainage
🧰 5. Invest in Core Equipment
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MIG/TIG/Stick welders
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CNC Plasma Table
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Ironworker
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Band saw or cold saw
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Grinding/prep tools
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Magnetic clamps and layout tools
🧠 Don’t buy everything — buy what helps you win jobs now.
🧭 6. Optimize Layout for Flow
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Map workflow: delivery → cutting → fit-up → weld → finish → delivery
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Group equipment in order of use
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Create wide paths for carts and forklifts
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Place power and air lines where needed
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Leave space to scale
🛡 7. Install Safety Systems
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Fire extinguishers, blankets, and signage
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First aid kits, eyewash stations, and exits
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PPE wall: helmets, gloves, respirators
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Ventilation and fume extraction
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Electrical shutoffs and LOTO kits
✅ Safety is what allows you to keep building — every day.
🧠 Final Thought: Build Like You Mean to Last
The shops that last the longest aren’t built with shortcuts. They’re built with:
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Strategic layout
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Reliable tools
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Clean power and air
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Clear safety systems
If you’re building your shop now — or rebuilding it like I am — this checklist is your map.
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Building a smarter shop starts with smart planning" Heres how we did it step by step.
#WeldingBusiness #FabricationShop #WeldingStartup #MetalShopSetup #WeldingTools #WorkshopDesign #WeldingWorkflow #ShopEfficiency
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