Stop losing money on
Machinist projects.
One bad offset or a client changing specs mid-cut turns a thousand-dollar block of aerospace-grade alloy into a useless paperweight on your dime. Without a signed paper, you are one broken end mill away from paying a customer for the privilege of working in your own shop.
Pro Contractor Tip
Include a 'Material Pre-payment' clause so the client's cash covers the stock before the first spindle turns.
Client Ghosting
Without upfront financial commitment, clients can disappear mid-project.
Infinite Revisions
Without a documented scope of work, you risk doing unpaid tweaks forever.
Chasing Checks
Waiting 30 days for a paper check severely impacts freelance cash flow.
Why use a written agreement?
Handshake deals are risky. As a Machinist, "scope creep" is your biggest enemy. A clear agreement ensures everyone understands the deliverables before work begins.
🛡️ What this retainer covers:
- ✓Deliverables List
- ✓Payment Terms
- ✓IP Rights
- ✓Revision Limits
- ✓Cancellation Policy
Platform Features
ESIGN-Compliant Workflow
Digital signatures built directly into the platform.
Upfront Deposits
Clients can pay immediately upon signing via Stripe integration.
Statement of Work
REF: 2026-0011. Project Background
This Agreement is entered into by and between the Client and the Contractor. The Client wishes to engage the Contractor for professional Machinist services.
2. Scope of Services
The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:
- CNC Program Development and G-Code Simulation
- Raw Stock Preparation and Squaring
- Multi-axis Precision Milling and Turning
- Manual Secondary Machining Operations
- Deburring and Surface Edge Breaking
- Dimensional Inspection and Tolerance Verification Report
- Hazardous Chip and Coolant Disposal
3. Performance Standards
The Contractor agrees to perform the Machinist services in a professional manner, using the degree of skill and care that is required by current industry standards.
Legal Disclaimer: MicroFreelanceHub is a software workflow tool, not a law firm. The templates and information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if the client changes the tolerances after the setup is already done?
You hit the E-stop and don't restart until they sign a change order; your contract should state that any deviation from the original blueprint resets the timeline and triggers a new setup fee.
How do I handle a customer who refuses to pay because the finish isn't 'pretty' enough?
Your agreement must define acceptance based on objective Ra finish values and blueprint specs, so their subjective opinion can't be used as an excuse to withhold your check.
Who pays for the specialized carbide tooling required for their high-temp alloy job?
The client pays, and you make sure 'Consumable Tooling' is a non-refundable line item in your written agreement so you aren't financing their project's overhead.