How does anyone make isk manufacturing?

The problem with the Ligature is that the pieces it uses are also used in the Zeugma.
The ligature is too expensive to be “throwaway” on a covops, but not good enough for the minmaxers who would want a zeugma.

In general, always compare Buy vs Make, for each item and each component. Jita is the best market to Sell your items, as for most items there are buyers, either via orders or sell directly. Some items are oversupplied, so it is cheaper to buy them than to make them. Stay away from those and find your niche.