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How to Start a Stainless Steel Fabrication Workshop in Kenya: Tools, Materials, Pricing and Customers
- Grinders, chop saw, TIG welder
- Start with tables, sinks, rails
- Price = materials + hours + overhead + profit
- Use 304 for food work
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Tools List for a Stainless Workshop
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Small angle grinder (115–125 mm) | Cutting, grinding welds, flap-disc finishing |
| Large angle grinder (180–230 mm) | Heavy cutting and grinding |
| Chop / mitre saw | Square, repeatable tube cuts |
| Drill and impact drill | Holes for fittings and fixing |
| TIG welder (with argon) | Clean, strong welds on thin stainless |
| Orbital sander, polishing wheels | Brushed and mirror finishes |
| Heat gun, clamps, squares, tape | Bending films, holding and measuring |
| Sheet bender / folder (or outsourced folding) | Folded edges on tops and sinks |
Bosch Tools on H-TECH’s Price List
Bosch – GWS 700 Professional Angle Grinder.KSh 6,990
Large Angle Grinder GWS 2000-180KSh 11,990
Bosch GWS 2200-230 Angle Grinder Professional (9 Inches)KSh 15,800
BT CHOP/MULTICUTSAW GCO 240 PROFESSIONALKSh 28,500
Bosch GKS 140 Circular Saw 7-1/4"KSh 15,830
Impact drill GSB 550 + 41 accessoriesKSh 7,800
Bosch GSB 180-LI 18V Cordless Impact DrillKSh 15,990
Bosch Orbital Sander GSS 2300KSh 12,700
GHG 180 PROFESSIONAL HEAT GUNKSh 7,990| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Bosch – GWS 700 Professional Angle Grinder. | KSh 6,990 |
| Large Angle Grinder GWS 2000-180 | KSh 11,990 |
| Bosch GWS 2200-230 Angle Grinder Professional (9 Inches) | KSh 15,800 |
| BT CHOP/MULTICUTSAW GCO 240 PROFESSIONAL | KSh 28,500 |
| Bosch GKS 140 Circular Saw 7-1/4" | KSh 15,830 |
| Impact drill GSB 550 + 41 accessories | KSh 7,800 |
| Bosch GSB 180-LI 18V Cordless Impact Drill | KSh 15,990 |
| Bosch Orbital Sander GSS 2300 | KSh 12,700 |
| GHG 180 PROFESSIONAL HEAT GUN | KSh 7,990 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 13 October 2026).
Materials to Stock
stainless steel Sus sheets (1 mm 304)KSh 14,000
stainless steel Sus sheets 1.5mm 304KSh 18,500
stainless steel Round Tubes (51diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 4,800
stainless steel Round Tubes (38diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 3,850
stainless steel Round Tubes (25diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 2,800
Stainless Steel Rod bar(16mmx5.8mtrs g304 round bar)KSh 11,600
Stainless Steel Castor wheels(4" Fixed)KSh 2,500
Stainless Steel Castor wheels(4" Swivel)KSh 2,500| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| stainless steel Sus sheets (1 mm 304) | KSh 14,000 |
| stainless steel Sus sheets 1.5mm 304 | KSh 18,500 |
| stainless steel Round Tubes (51diarx1.2mm g201) | KSh 4,800 |
| stainless steel Round Tubes (38diarx1.2mm g201) | KSh 3,850 |
| stainless steel Round Tubes (25diarx1.2mm g201) | KSh 2,800 |
| Stainless Steel Rod bar(16mmx5.8mtrs g304 round bar) | KSh 11,600 |
| Stainless Steel Castor wheels(4" Fixed) | KSh 2,500 |
| Stainless Steel Castor wheels(4" Swivel) | KSh 2,500 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 13 October 2026).
Keep stainless separate from mild steel: carbon steel dust and shared grinding discs cause rust spots on finished stainless. Use dedicated discs and brushes.
Welding Stainless
TIG welding gives the neat, sanitary welds customers expect on food equipment. Learn the basics in how to weld stainless steel (TIG basics), then clean and passivate welds so they do not stain.
What Sells
- Kitchen work tables, sink tables and shelves for hotels, schools and restaurants.
- Trolleys and racks with stainless castors.
- Balustrades and handrails for homes and offices.
- Dairy and food items: tanks, tables, milk can stands.
- Repairs and modifications.
How to Price a Job
- Materials from the cut list, plus 10–15% for off-cuts.
- Labour hours × your hourly rate (cutting, welding, finishing, fitting).
- Consumables: discs, gas, filler rods, polish.
- Overheads: rent, power, transport.
- Profit margin on top.
Example only: a 2 × 4 ft table with 1.2 mm 304 top might be 1 sheet, 4 tubes, 4 feet, 1 day of labour plus discs and gas. Compare with our work table prices and fabrication cost guide.
Workshop Basics and Licensing
You need a space with a reliable power supply (single-phase for small tools, three-phase helps for bigger machines), ventilation for welding fumes, a fire extinguisher and a county single business permit. Register the business with the Business Registration Service if you will invoice companies.
Financing tools? See asset finance for business machines.
Watch: Fabrication and components
Frequently asked questions
What tools do I need to start a fabrication business?
Angle grinders, a chop saw, a drill, a welder (TIG for stainless), clamps, measuring tools and a strong bench.
How much capital do I need for a stainless workshop?
It depends on the welder and stock you start with; many begin with hand tools and a TIG welder, then add bending equipment.
Which welding is best for stainless steel?
TIG welding for clean food-grade work; MIG is faster for thicker parts.
What stainless products sell best in Kenya?
Kitchen tables, sinks, shelves, trolleys and balustrades.
Why does new stainless work rust?
Usually contamination from mild steel dust or shared discs, or unpassivated welds.