startinghomebiz.com

What will I be doing ?
Nearly every home has a saw blade, lawnmower blade, scissors, knife or other utensil that needs sharpening. The problem is that most folks list “sharpening” as their 47 th priority until they use the blade or until a saw-sharpening service reminds them.
That’s where you come in. Your saw-sharpening service can keep blades and tools dharp and safe for your customers as you make money at home.

What will I need to start ?
Sharpening is a skill that can be learned. It will take some studying and practice, but you can develop this skill in just a few weeks. If you already know the basics of sharpening, you’re ahead of the game. Books available through larger bookstores and libraries will show you how. Highly recommended is Don Geary’s How to Sharpen Anything (TAB Books).
You will also need tools. Which ones ? That depends on what you will be sharpening. While a bench grinder/sharpener is your first tool, there are other stationary power tools better suited to sharpening saw blades and related edged tools. You can find these tools in larger tool catalogs and industrial supply houses listed in phone books.

Who will my customers be ?
Who will hire you to sharpen blades ? That depends on the blades. For example, saw blades are sharpened for building contractors and woodworkers. Knife blades can be sharpened for lawncare businesses, lawnmower shops and individuals. Some sharpening services are under contract to local wood mills or other manufacturers to keep their blades sharpened.

How much should I charge ?
The shop rate for a saw shop is $30 to $60 an hour, but most services are priced by the unit. Sharpening a 10-inch circular blade may take 20 minutes of your time including setup. If your shop rate is $30 an hour, the price can be $10 (one-third of the hourly rate). However, if you have little competition and there is a great need for your services, consider charging 10 to 20 percent more. Then, during slow periods you can cut your price to draw business when you need it more.

How much will I make ?
Saw sharpening and filing services can earn the owner a very good net income once the business is built and all equipment is working efficiently. Some sharpening equipment is automated and will allow you to handle two or more jobs at once, increasing your income. What can you do when business is slower ? One enterprising saw-sharpening business bought used blades at garage sales and from industrial salvagers, then sharpened and slod them when business was slower. The hourly rate was slower than for other jobs, but it was better than nothing. Annual net income for a sharpening service ranges from $25,000 to $55,000.

How can I get started ?
There are numerous books, courses, classes, videos and other training aids for those who want to learn how to sharpen saws and other blades. Equipment manufacturers also offer instructions. If you need experience, buy up used blade tools and practice on them.
Remember that sharpening blades is a low priority for most consumers, so you will have to keep reminding them that you are in business to serve this need. Place a small ad in local telephone books and service directories. If you can, make sure your home-based shop has a large sign identifying your services (many neighborhoods don’t allow this so check with local zoning first). Even go to door-to-door if you must to find new business.
This SIC code for saw-sharpening services is 7699-24.

From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727

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