Within Tolerance

Zap joins me in the studio for our first-ever video recording! We share updates from both our shops, with Zap detailing his extensive travels and successful business model revamp. I discuss recent shop improvements, material supplier frustrations, and a surprising visit from wastewater management. We answer listener questions about optimal shop layouts, machine installation planning, and whether premium machines are worth the inves...

Denis Basaric of KafaTek shares his fascinating transition from software engineer to manufacturer of premium espresso grinders. We discuss his pursuit of perfection - from designing coffee burrs with 5-micron adjustability to implementing robotic automation and sophisticated QC processes. Denis also explains the technical differences between burr designs, his philosophy of building products meant to last generations, and the challe...

From Finance to Fixture plates - John Saunders reveals the winding path that led to creating NYC CNC and Saunders Machine Works. We discuss his transition from investment banking to manufacturing, building an audience through YouTube, and the hard-won lessons of business partnerships. John shares candid perspectives on his major equipment investments, product development strategy, and why focusing on fewer things done well transfor...

In this episode, I sit down with David Liu, founder of Brittle Fluid, to discuss his fascinating journey from mechanical engineering student to software entrepreneur. David shares his evolution from Harbor Freight mini-mill hobbyist to professional machine shop owner, and his experiences at Neuralink and Atomic Machines. We explore his current ventures creating software tools like Tool Trace and Rocket Brackets that reduce friction...

This week, Justin Gray shares exciting updates about Toolpath Labs' new tool recommendation engine and their partnership with Kennametal, while Zap details his frustrating shop power saga and van towing misadventures. We explore the concept of "technical debt" in both software and machine shops, discuss whether location matters when starting a machine business, and debate the merits of various CAM systems. The convers...

From culinary chef to machine shop owner, Rebecca Wolfinger joins me to share her remarkable manufacturing journey. As co-owner of Mil-Spec Manufacturing, Rebecca discusses building a veteran-owned manufacturing business from the ground up, acquiring their first Haas VF4 for just $10,000, and their recent expansion with a Tormach 1500MX robot cell. She describes her experience navigating the machining industry as a woman, her creat...

In this episode, I catch up with Zap after my paternity leave to discuss our recent experiences. Zap shares updates on his whirlwind travels across the country, shop move complications, dental health revelations, and his work on a high-precision linear motor machine. I talk about my new journey into fatherhood, the emotional rollercoaster of the newborn phase, and balancing life. We dive into technical topics like HyperMill automat...

In this episode, I catch up with Zap and Justin Gray to discuss recent developments in our respective worlds. We dive into tool libraries, machine shop organization, and the challenges of running growing businesses. Justin shares insights from Toolpath Labs' recent company gathering and their progress with AI-driven CAM automation. Zap updates us on his consulting work, travel schedule, and his move into a new 4,000 sq ft shop ...

Easton from Moria Manufacturing returns to share updates and challenges since his last visit. We discuss the rapid expansion, new machines like the SC 300, struggles with employee training, and the unexpected costs of scaling up. Easton provides an in-depth look at how they've optimized their turning operations and shares the invaluable lessons learned from a recent fire incident and transitioning from oil to coolant.

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This week, Zap updates us on several challenges - his search for a new shop space, ongoing van saga, and dealing with a particularly frustrating customer situation. Meanwhile, I discuss my recent HyperMill software purchase and share thoughts on tool organization in Fusion 360. We also dive into standardizing workflows for small shops and the importance of proper thread gauges.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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In this episode, I speak with Phil Linscheid, Director of Manufacturing at Hamilton Company, about his journey through the manufacturing industry. Starting as a young manager at Haas Automation to now overseeing a large medical device manufacturing operation, Phil shares insights on managing people, implementing automation, and balancing technical expertise with leadership. He discusses his approach to hiring, developing talent, an...

Zap joins me this week to discuss recent travels, re-establishing stability, and the importance of relationships in business. We share updates on new projects, machine purchases, and the integration of automation in machining. Plus, we delve into personal health routines and navigating the complexities of business investments and accounts receivable. It's been a busy and transformative period, both professionally and personally...

I'm happy to welcome back Pete Oxenham, founder of Chatter and Head of Product for Toolpath, for an in-depth discussion on his recent journey. We delve into Pete's decision to sell his machine shop to focus entirely on Chatter, the challenges he faced in finding a suitable buyer, and the emotional roller coaster of letting go of a business he built from scratch. Pete also opens up about joining the Toolpath team, transition...

Zap joins me this week to discuss recent travels, acquiring Esprit software, and moving the shop. We share stories about challenging customer interactions, machine crashes, and optimizing workflows with ChatGPT. We also explore work-life balance, 3D surfacing in Fusion, and mill-turn machine preferences.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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This week, I talk with Joseph Pizzoferrato from Heidenhain about his journey in machining, from Durabar to Heidenhain. We cover his experiences with Mazak training, Mastercam, and delve into Heidenhain controls. Joe shares insights on tool radius errors, macro programming, and new TNC 7 features. He also discusses the importance of collision protection, process monitoring, and tips for optimizing five-axis machines.

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Zap joins me this week to kick off the first in-person episode of 2025. We dive into Zap's recent travels and adventures, including a trip to another country, getting a head tattoo, and dealing with various machining and business challenges. We discuss the nuances of tool libraries, the importance of five-axis machining, and the comparative merits of OEM versus third-party automation solutions. We also touch on personal growth ...

Nick and Skylar Squillace of NS Precision Inc join me this week to discuss their journey from hobbyists to successful shop owners. We talk about their transition into motorsports, overcoming the challenges of running a small machining company, and the crucial steps they've taken to streamline operations. Learn about their experiences with the Haeberle Plus K, methods for improving documentation and onboarding new employees, as well...

This week I'm joined by Zap and Simon from Freddy who are both together in the UK. Chris shares details of his whirlwind trip, including a new head tattoo and training Amish machinists on advanced machinery. Simon updates us on exciting solar panel projects and the latest custom Freddy machines, from minion-themed to high-tech Rolls-Royce designs. We also discuss balancing work and personal life, upcoming leadership goals, and some...

This week I chat with Jim Belosic, CEO and founder of SendCutSend. We dive into Jim's background, from his artistic beginnings creating custom pancakes for his daughter to running a software company, Pancake Laboratories. Jim shares how his passion for cars and fabrication led to the birth of SendCutSend, an on-demand sheet metal manufacturing service. We explore the company's rapid growth, the challenges of scaling operations, the...