Machine Tool Maniacs

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs podcast, Will Mund and I break down the rise of humanoid robots in manufacturing and what it means for CNC machining, machine shop owners, and machinists. We discuss how robots like Figure are already working thousands of hours in real production environments, why humanoid robots fit into machine shops better than traditional automation, and how this could change machine tending, labor, and shop efficiency moving forward. If you are a CNC machinist, shop owner, or manufacturing engineer trying to understand the future of automation, this episode gives you a clear, real-world perspective without the hype.

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Schneiter to talk about his path from running a golf course to diving deep into CNC machining. What started as a drive to build his own invention led him to discover that CNC is at the core of manufacturing. Along the way, the invention took a backseat and a real passion for machining took over. Eric shares how he taught himself to retrofit machines, continues to tinker, and isn’t afraid to take on projects most people wouldn’t touch.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs podcast, I sit down with Bailey Shenk from Pizza Boy Metal Works. Bailey shares how he started his machine shop in his parents’ garage, building parts for the car community and turning his passion for cars and machining into real work. We talk about using social media to grow his brand, the challenge of quoting prototype and custom parts, and the realities of trying to make money while doing one-off work in a small startup shop. Bailey’s story is a good look at what it takes to start a machine shop from the ground up and how to build brand.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, Will Mund and I sit down with Aaron Morrill, better known online as CNC Repairman. Aaron shares how he got his start repairing CNC machines, why he began creating repair videos for the machining community, and how that effort led to developing practical tools that help machinists diagnose problems and keep their CNC machines running. Make sure you follow Aaron @cncrepairman or check out his site cncreplacementparts.com for products and solutions.

In this continuation of our Machine Talk series, Will Mund and I set out to cover multiple components and ended up going deep on one of the most critical parts of any CNC machine: the spindle. Whether it’s spinning the cutter in a mill or spinning the part in a lathe, the spindle is what makes material removal possible. We break down what separates a good spindle from a great one, what impacts precision and longevity, and what to look for when evaluating a machine. We also briefly touch on gibs and drawbars, and how those supporting components play a role in overall performance and reliability.

In this Machine Talk episode, Will Mund and I break down the next layer of CNC machines by focusing on motion. After covering machine foundations in the last episode, we get into what actually makes a CNC move, including box ways vs linear guideways, what “hand-scraped” really means on box ways, and how all of it affects rigidity, speed, and long-term wear. We also dive into ball screws, preload, backlash, and what to look for when you’re judging machine accuracy and performance.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Atkinson of Elevation Machine to talk about our history growing up in manufacturing and how we both leapfrogged through different shop environments to end up where we are today. Brandon breaks down how Elevation Machine helps manufacturers buy and sell quality used CNC machines and fabrication equipment through a consignment style model that’s designed to maximize value for both buyers and sellers. If you’re navigating a career in manufacturing, upgrading your shop, or looking to sell equipment the right way, this episode is packed with real world insight.

In this episode, Matt and his wife Nicole break down how machine shops, CNC machinists, and product-focused entrepreneurs can start using short-form content to market what they offer. We cover why simple videos are enough to begin, how to show up consistently, and why perfection is not required. In today’s market you don’t have a real choice, if you plan on running a successful business, you must figure out how to show up on social media. If you’re a shop owner, a machinist building your own products, or someone in manufacturing who needs stronger marketing, this episode gives you a practical starting point.

In this episode, Will Mund joins to break down predictions for manufacturing in 2026: tariff impact on U.S. supply chains, workforce challenges, and how desktop/entry-level CNC machines could expand training pipelines for new machinists. A quick listen for CNC machinists, shop owners, and anyone watching the future of American manufacturing.

In this end-of-year wrap-up episode, Will Mund and I break down what actually mattered in manufacturing in 2025. We cover the launch of Machine Tool Maniacs, Will’s progress with Greenlight Machinery, key industry moves, and how AI is already affecting CNC programming, quality, and customer engagement.If you’re a CNC machinist or machine shop owner, this is a quick look back at the trends that shaped 2025.Machine Tool Maniacs where every story is a success story.

Get ready to sit down with Kelly Rus of Precision Machine and Repair to break down how he built a machine shop from the ground up in just a few short years. Kelly started by buying out a one-man shop and shipping it to a small town in Georgia, then setting up in the corner of a dump truck company with manual machines doing repair work. What really changed the trajectory was committing to a 24-hour breakdown repair model, which helped him earn trust fast, stand out in a small town, and charge premium rates. We talk about how he leveraged LinkedIn and TikTok to get access to large factories, the real pros and cons of running a shop in a small community, and how learning to adapt to customer needs has been critical to his growth. If you’re building a shop, doing repair work, or looking for practical ways to separate yourself and get taken seriously, there are a lot of solid nuggets in this one you won’t want to miss.

In this second part of my conversation with Chris Lamb from Triple Axis Manufacturing, we get into the real nuts and bolts of running a small machine shop. We talk about his actual equipment setup from near free machines to inspection gear, how he finds work without chasing every job online, and why networking has been the biggest multiplier for his business. We also dive into building and selling your own products, the marketing struggles nobody warns you about, and why diversification and quality systems matter even for the smallest shops. If you are running a garage shop or thinking about starting one, there are some serious nuggets in this episode you do not want to miss.

Part one of my conversation with Chris Lamb of Triple Axis Manufacturing is all about coming full circle. We dig into what it’s like growing up in a family machine shop, learning the trade from your dad, and how those early lessons stick with you whether you realize it or not. Chris shares his time in the military working on Blackhawk helicopters, how that discipline and attention to detail shaped him as a machinist, and why he eventually found himself back in manufacturing as an inspector while quietly building a shop in his garage. This episode is packed with real talk for small shop owners and anyone thinking about starting a shop on the side, covering the mindset, sacrifices, and long game it takes to turn experience into something of your own. This is part one of a two-part series with Chris, setting the foundation for how his journey came full circle and led to the shop he’s building today.

In this Machine Talk episode Will and I break down the one thing most machinists never think about. The foundation under the sheet metal. Cast iron weldments epoxy granite and concrete. What they do how they handle weight vibration and rigidity and why that matters for accuracy and tool life.We explain terms like three point leveling double column and C frame castings as well as slant bed and discuss how these factor into overall machine performance.If you have ever wondered why some machines feel planted and others feel light this episode gives you quick clear food for thought. Another solid Machine Talk conversation focused on helping machinists and shop owners make smarter choices.

In the second half of my conversation with Rocky Parkerton, we look ahead at where AZ3DPrint is going next and how he’s leveling up his entire operation. Rocky breaks down his future machine tool plans, why he’s doubling down on capability, and how his spin-off company Regolith Forge is becoming the platform for his product-design ambitions. We dig into the engineering mindset behind creating in-house products, solving real problems in the marketplace, and what it takes to merge job-shop work with true product development.We wrap things up with a quick-round of questions, some solid advice for machinists and shop owners, and a deeper look at how Rocky is building a business model centered on creativity, craftsmanship, and long-term vision.If you’re a machinist, a shop owner, or someone who wants to build something of your own, this episode is packed with inspiration and forward-thinking ideas.Check out Rocky's companies here:AZ3DprintRegolith Forge

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, Matt sits down with Rocky Parkerton, founder of AZ3DPrint and RegolithForge. Rocky shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to becoming a CNC machinist, programmer, and ultimately a shop owner.In the first half of the episode, Rocky talks about the challenges of transitioning from military life to the machining world — starting from humble beginnings, working his way up through the ranks, and eventually leading teams and shops before striking out on his own.Rocky also dives deep into how the discipline, leadership, and structure learned in the military directly shaped his approach to machining and business. He explains how those same principles helped him build strong shop culture, develop effective processes, and empower others within his company.It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, perseverance, and the drive to create — both in service and on the shop floor.

In this episode of Machine Tool Maniacs, Matt sits down with Josh and Brad, sales engineers with Hartwig, to talk about their journey into the manufacturing world and the lessons they’ve learned helping shops level up. From guiding shop owners through the decision to move from used machines to new equipment, to emphasizing why the team behind the product matters just as much as the product itself — this episode dives deep into the human side of machine tool sales.Whether you’re running a growing job shop, thinking about upgrading your equipment, or just want to hear how top-tier sales engineers approach helping customers succeed, this conversation is packed with insight on reliability, relationships, and long-term shop growth. Josh and Brad can be reached at https://www.hartwiginc.com/ if you're interested in getting a hold of them.

In Part 2, Will from Greenlight Machinery and I wrap up our talk on CNC controls. This time we dig into Mazak’s MAZATROL, Okuma’s OSP, Mitsubishi, and a few other systems you’ll likely cross paths with on your manufacturing journey. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist or just getting started, we break down what makes each control unique, the quirks you’ll run into, and how they shape day-to-day life in the shop.

In this episode I sit down with Will from Greenlight Machinery to kick off our conversation about CNC controls and the history behind them. We start by talking about the three main controls you’re most likely to see out in the wild - HAAS, FANUC, and Siemens.We keep it real and talk about where each one came from, what type of shops tend to run them, and how each brand built its reputation over the years. This isn’t a how-to episode - it’s the start of a bigger conversation about what makes these systems different and why it matters if you’re a machinist, a shop owner, or anyone around CNC equipment.This is Part 1 of a multi-part series where we’ll break down the world of machine controls, the people behind them, and how the industry has evolved over time.Listen to Machine Talk for real conversations from machinists who live and breathe this trade every day.Check out the website HERE for more information about Machine Tool Maniacs.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with Cody Ruud, the founder of Dynamic Machine, to dive into his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to running his own CNC shop. Cody shares what it took to take the leap-starting his shop right in his backyard-and the challenges and lessons learned along the way.We also dig into how his creative approach to branding and marketing has set him apart, making it easier to attract the right work and build a name for his business in a competitive industry.Whether you’re thinking about starting your own shop, or looking for inspiration on how marketing can change the game in manufacturing, this conversation with Cody is packed with insights and motivation.