The Impractical Machinists

13 Episodes

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I Quit My Machining Job After 23 Years and Went Solo | 13

2024-12-2401:42:14

What makes someone walk away from 23 years in a big shop to start their own shop? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Brown from SBSOLOCO to hear his incredible story.From growing up around machine shops to building his own dream shop, Shawn shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons he’s learned along the way. Discover how he prepared for the leap, the struggles he faced running his own business, and the strategies that helped him succeed.📌 Topics Cover...

Is It Worth Spending $300K on a 5-Axis Machine? | 12

2024-12-1001:27:05

Topics:Shop UpdatesWhy We Don’t Have a 5-Axis Machine Managing Too Much Work Supplying Tools: Shop vs. PersonalMedium-Term Shop GoalsImproving Tooling Manufacturer SupportDealing with Costly MistakesImportance of Air Quality in the ShopTeasers for Next Episode - Shawn Brown from SBSOLOCO!Could a 5-axis machine save your shop thousands—or is it just overhyped?In this episode, we dive into some of the biggest questions machinists face: Why don’t we have a 5-axis machine yet? How do yo...

This Will Change How You See Your CAM Software | 11

2024-11-2601:20:39

Topics:How ModuleWorks powers your CAM system.The challenges of full machining automation.Industry trends and the future of toolpaths.Think you know your CAM system? Think again.In this episode, we sit down with Julia and Greg from ModuleWorks, the hidden powerhouse behind many of the advanced toolpath strategies you rely on every day. Whether you're programming for a 5-axis machine or exploring automation, chances are ModuleWorks is behind the scenes making it all work.We dive into the story...

Our Worst Machine Crashes Yet... | 10

2024-11-1201:07:51

Topics:Crash StoriesShop UpdatesThread RollingERP SoftwaresBest Way to Position JawsGiveawaysIt’s every machinist’s nightmare—CRASHING a machine! In this episode, Bradley, Patrick, and Cameron dive into their worst machine crashes and share the painful (and sometimes funny) lessons they learned along the way. 🛠️💥From manual lathe mishaps to CNC disasters, they’ve all been there. The guys talk about why crashes happen, how they deal with them (hint: there’s no yelling involved!), and what...

What Do You Do When Customers Don’t Pay on Time? | 09

2024-10-2901:27:15

Topics:Kenny's Career JourneyHandling Complex JobsDealing with Payment IssuesFixture Design and MethodologyLeast Favorite MachinesManual Programming and MacrosIn this episode of Impractical Machinists, we’re joined by Kenny Urban, also known as Patriot_mucheenist, who takes us on his journey from law school dropout to running a top-tier fabrication and machine shop. Kenny dives into everything from ASME-certified welding and machining exotic materials like titanium and niobium to managing tri...

Should You Hire More Humans or Invest in Robots? | 08

2024-10-1501:23:06

TOPICS:Program ManagementAutomation vs. Hiring Employees Cheap Automation SolutionsMetric vs. Imperial Upcoming ProjectsAutomation or more employees – which one is the right move? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley dive into the day-to-day challenges of running a machine shop. They explore whether automation, with tools like robots and dual-station vices, is the way to go or if hiring more hands-on help makes better sense.The conversa...

Why Fixtures Matter...and Why Machines Has Gotten So Expensive? | 07

2024-10-0156:04

TOPICS:IMTS RecapFixture DesignTool HoldersRising Machines and Tooling CostsWhen is it worth taking the time to design a fixture, and when should you just clamp and go? And why are machines getting more and more expensive nowadays?In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley get real about some of the most pressing questions machinists face today. Whether you’re looking to save time on the shop floor or just curious about why machining is getting so...

How Clean Should Your Machine Shop Be? | 06

2024-09-1701:13:10

TOPICS:Cleaning and Organizing Your Machines ShopCoolant Tank MaintenanceUsing Social Media to Grow Your ShopLead Time EstimationEver struggled with keeping your machine shop efficient and profitable? Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this packed episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast as they discuss everything from essential cleaning and organizing strategies to the power of social media in driving business. Learn how to accurately estimate lead times, manage workloads w...

Do You Really Need $100K To Start a Machine Shop? | 05

2024-09-0301:42:57

Main Topics:Why Manual Machines Still MatterNew vs. Used MachinesHidden Startup Costs Managing DebtThinking of starting a machine shop? Join special guest Ian Sandusky as he shares his journey and insider advice on choosing the right equipment, financing strategies, and managing the true costs of machining—from tooling to software. Discover the pros and cons of new versus used equipment, the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt, and practical tips for overcoming challenges. Packed wit...

Shop Improvements, Work Preferences, and Career Moves | 04

2024-08-2001:41:52

The Impractical Machinists Podcast crew is back with more insights on improving your shop, handling job stress, and taking the leap to be your own boss!Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this engaging episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast, where they share the highs and lows of running a machine shop. From tool organization and shop improvements to tackling customer expectations and complex projects like castings and UHMW, they offer practical advice and real-world stories. Le...

How We Became Machinists | 03

2024-08-0601:07:18

In our latest episode, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley share their unique stories of how they started in machining. No matter where you begin, there's a place for you in this trade. Tune in now! Chapters:00:00 Intro & Updates06:55 Pathways into Machining08:35 Patrick's Apprenticeships37:01 Bradley's Start in Machining42:16 Cameron's Start in Machining🔔 Subscribe, Rate, and Review to never miss an episode. Your feedback helps us bring you the content you love!Drop your comments or topic...

Shop Wide Breakdown and the Struggles of Hiring and Training | 02

2024-07-2301:18:33

Ever faced a job shop nightmare and wished you had known more?Join Patrick, Cameron, and Brad in this exciting episode of the Impractical Machinists podcast as they dive into the challenges of running a job shop. From equipment failures and employee drama to untangling complex tax laws and managing critical job delays, hear firsthand how they navigate these challenges. Gain practical advice on threading Acme rods, mastering tax deductions, and balancing stress, all while learning the importan...

CAM Software, Walk-in Customers & More! | 01

2024-07-0949:00

Welcome to the very first episode of "The Impractical Machinist"! Meet your hosts Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley as they kick off this journey with a bang. What started as a quirky Instagram group chat has morphed into a lively community of machinists, programmers, and shop owners. In this debut episode, we dive into hilarious and heartwarming shop stories, uncover the unexpected beginnings of our group, and share some jaw-dropping moments from the shop floor. Get ready for a mix of humor, ins...

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