Taps and Patience | Business and Machining Podcast

Fund our IMTS Meetup: https://patreon.com/TapsAndPatience In this podcast, the Harrison and AJ discuss various issues and experiences related to machining, particularly with a Tormach CNC machine. The conversation covers topics such as tolerance challenges, using a real vice for the first time, fixing counter bores, and dealing with mistakes during the machining process. The hosts share their experiences with setting up work coordinate systems, including instances of crashing the machine due to errors in coordinate system selection. They also touch upon issues with coolant not turning on, potential power problems, and the importance of checking voltage levels. The hosts share their experiences with tool offset discrepancies, emphasizing the need for careful calibration and checking for changes in offsets. Additionally, they discuss challenges related to shop space and material storage, including the dilemma of optimizing for cash flow versus other business goals. Overall, the segment provides insights into the day-to-day challenges and problem-solving aspects of machining in a shop setting. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this podcast episode, Harrison and AJ discuss their recent experiences with tools and projects. They talk about purchasing titanium tools, breaking and replacing parts, and exploring different drill options. One of the hosts shares a success story about a long-term project involving reverse engineering a muzzle compensator. They also touch on the progress of a pen artwork project and the recently sold-out Kickstarter campaign for coins. The hosts discuss their plans for future Kickstarter campaigns and the balance between big and small projects. Overall, it's a casual conversation about tools, projects, and business decisions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode AJ is frazzled, Harrison gets a HUGE Etsy order, and long term projects start to come to fruition.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

AJ and Harrison engage in a conversation about the challenges of operating in a job shop environment, where unpredictability in workload creates highs and lows. They discuss the difficulty of planning and workholding strategies for small ring-shaped parts, particularly addressing issues with fixtures and soft jaws. Harrison shares insights on the benefits of transitioning to the product space for more stability. The conversation delves into machining details, such as using 5-axis machines and exploring various methods to overcome workholding challenges for intricate parts, showcasing the dynamic nature of job shop life and the continuous problem-solving involved. Free Shoutout: Camarillo's premier metal fabrication shop, Nocturnal Welding. We combine precision CNC machining with expert welding to bring your projects to life. www.nocturnalwelding.com For quotes nocturnalwelding@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/nocturnalwelding https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCInJkjMt1drJniwj3gnmQaA?fbclid=PAAaZeupH1prrd9hdvz2PLd-K1r_ulgh_qPvMKnc6tUzGLyIXR0tLsLNw-AOo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode, join Harrison and AJ as they discuss the importance of managing external costs and optimizing cash flow for a healthy business. Harrison starts the conversation by highlighting the problem of running out of money due to high external costs. He explains the current allocation of funds, with 50% for operating expenses (Opex), 30% for owner's pay (split between him and Weston), 15% for taxes, and 5% for profit. While the owner's pay account should ideally grow, Harrison prefers using percentages to gauge the business's performance and ensure a steady cash flow. AJ shares that their business has lower external costs and higher labor costs. They discuss their method of setting fixed salaries for themselves and allocating a portion of incoming funds to a profit account for growth. However, they express interest in transitioning to a profit-first system like Harrison's to improve their financial management. Harrison explains the concept of profit first, where businesses can divide their accounts to track specific expenses. He mentions the possibility of subdividing Opex into material, employee, and tooling accounts as the business grows. The goal is for Opex to grow at a rate sufficient to cover new expenses while owner's pay shrinks in proportion to higher revenues. The hosts also touch on the importance of planning for business growth, such as accounting for equipment purchases. Harrison suggests allocating such expenses to the Opex account. They discuss the difference between owner's draw and a fixed paycheck, and the potential switch to a payroll system when hiring employees. Towards the end, they briefly explore the legalities and advantages of different business structures like LLCs and partnerships. While AJ prefers staying as a partnership for tax purposes, Harrison highlights the protection an LLC can offer, especially in job shop work scenarios. Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the intricacies of financial management, growth planning, and business structures. Discover practical strategies to optimize cash flow, ensure profitability, and create a solid foundation for your business's success. Tune in to the Profit First Podcast now! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode, join AJ and Harrison as they discuss the challenges and progress in their projects. From dealing with tool breakages to modifying fixtures and working with different materials, AJ shares the ups and downs of their recent endeavors. They also touch on the importance of meeting Kickstarter delivery dates and maintaining trust with their audience. Tune in to this engaging conversation about overcoming obstacles and striving for success in the world of design and manufacturing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this podcast episode, Harrison and AJ discuss their ongoing subscription to Zencastr, realizing they have 51 episodes left instead of the 60 they thought they had. They also talk about their respective experiences with painkillers and their effects on memory. Later in the episode, they discuss the production setup for carabiners, with AJ explaining how he is changing the design to machine the interior and exterior of the carabiner instead of relying on laser-cutting. This will result in a better-looking and more consistent product, but also means a higher blank cost. They discuss whether to continue with laser-cutting or switch to plate material, which is cheaper but requires significant machine time and tool life. www.designtheeverything.com www.precisioningenuity.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

AJ's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/designtheeverything/the-not-so-tactical-titanium-carabiner AJ from Design The Everything and Harrison of Precision Ingenuity in their thirtieth episode. The hosts discuss various topics related to their work, including the launch of a Kickstarter campaign, their goal to reach $8,000 in monthly revenue, and their approach to lean manufacturing. Harrison shares his excitement about their increasing momentum and the speed at which they can complete jobs. Throughout the podcast, the hosts encounter some technical difficulties, but they continue to talk and joke with each other, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for listeners. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

This week we are joined by Derek of Fidget Things! Also the DTE Kickstarter just launched! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/designtheeverything/the-not-so-tactical-titanium-carabiner --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this video Harrison discusses how he managed some tricky engravings, and we figure out what caused AJ's taps to break --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

Scott DeRuby makes a guest appearance to announce a career change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode we reveal the SECRET FUSION 360 Toolpath Settings! AJ breaks a bunch of endmills, and Harrison ramps up his variety of products. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode AJ buys a old drill press, and Harrison makes fun of him for it. Harrison finishes up his big stainless order. AJ's mic is still a little weird in this episode. Not sure why, but that will be fixed in the future. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode Harrison fights his mill attempting to get perfect parts, and rearranges his whole shop again. AJ made pens. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

AJ is finally not-sick, and Harrison teases us about a new product line that could potentially redefine his business.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

Today we are joined by James of Cerven Solutions! They have had some crazy growth lately, and have done really well on Xometry  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode Harrison and AJ both find themselves buried in packages, will they ever dig their way out? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

In this episode Harrison and AJ talk about the highs and lows over the last two weeks. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

Sometimes things go wrong, and that's alright. 1/4 HP Tormach Coolant Pump: https://amzn.to/3zFWOBn Coolant Ring: https://www.lmd-nc.com/product-page/coolant-ring-for-tormach-770-and-1100 Tormach Filter: https://www.lmd-nc.com/product-page/chip-screen-for-1100m-m-mx --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support

The episode features a discussion between Harrison and AJ about their current machining projects and business updates. AJ talks about running long cycle parts due the next day, trying to finish them up efficiently, and avoiding a long drive to the airport. They discuss the current state of the used machine market, with prices dropping, and Harrison mentions the benefits of their new machine for certain jobs. They also touch on financial matters, including a customer's delayed payment causing strain, and their recent machining jobs and Patreon support. Harrison shares feedback and insights from the audience regarding his previous machining challenges and solutions he implemented. The segment ends with Harrison recounting his experience meeting a podcast listener at an event and interacting with other industry figures. https://www.patreon.com/TapsAndPatience --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tapsandpatience/support