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 as their future plans for growth.

Check out NS Precision's IG @nsprecisioninc

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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 fun personal projects.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

and Freddy's IG @freddyproductsltd

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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 valuable lessons learned along the way, and the importance of a strong company culture. Jim also discusses their efforts to balance quick-turn work while maintaining high-quality standards, and touches on future plans for SendCutSend. 

Check out SendCutSend's IG @sendcutsend

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In this episode, I'm joined by Eric Larson from Clear Irons. We dive deep into his journey as a machinist and industrial designer based in Chicago. Eric delves into the origins of Clear Irons, his educational background in industrial design and metalsmithing, and the evolution of his business. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing a live-work space, transitioning into a commercial property, and navigating the integration of new machinery. Eric shares insights on using 5-axis machines, prototyping, working with injection molds, and explains the learning curve from Haas to Okuma machines. We also touch on lean practices, the importance of staying organized, embracing automation, and his perspective on future business growth.

Check out Eric's IG @clearirons

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Join Zap and I as we catch up on the eve of Thanksgiving! We dive into recent shop updates, the ongoing van saga, and share our favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Listen in as we detail technical challenges, highlight valuable machining tips, and discuss lessons learned from various projects. We also chat about our year-end reflections, what we're thankful for, and the wonderful supportive #Instamachinist community.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Justin Gray from Toolpath Labs joins me this week on the podcast. We delve into Justin's week-long internship at Proteum Machining, touching on topics like the camaraderie in small shops, tool calibration, and optimizing CNC processes. Justin critiques our workflow and offers practical advice on improving shop efficiency and safety. Learn about his experiences with e-bikes, surprises in machining, and the exciting future features of Toolpath. Plus, we banter about favorite machines, coding intricacies, and the welcoming nature of the machining community.

Check out Justin's IG @justinsgray

and Toolpath Labs @toolpathlabs or https://www.toolpath.com/

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Zap joins me this week live in the studio as we dive into our recent experiences and challenges in the machining world. Zap discusses his non-stop travel schedules, including trips to Maryland and California. We talk about fixturing challenges in different materials, the balance of setting proper boundaries, and our continuous journey in achieving optimal machining processes. I recount the hurdles faced while integrating the new U500 machine, highlighting some unexpected setbacks and the incremental improvements over various Speedio generations. We also cover practical advice on anodizing prep, the importance of material stresses and proper fixturing, and the benefits of our new plastics annealing oven.

You can find Phil's AU class here:

https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Templates-Configurations-and-Containers-for-Agile-Prototype-Machining-in-Autodesk-Fusion-2024

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Zap and I catch up post IMTS and talk about troubleshooting on-the-road machining issues, the challenge of constant travel, and Zap offers a behind-the-scenes look at teardown strategies post-trade show. Meanwhile, I talk about the sale of our S700 and preparing for the U500's arrival, experiments in annealing plastic, and dealing with customers.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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This week I welcome back Juan March from Jax Precision to discuss the monumental changes in his shop over the last two years. We dive into the challenges of equipment reliability, the pursuit of AS9100 certification, and the implementation of the Infab ERP system tailored for high-mix, low-volume production. We also explore the intricacies of managing logistics and maintaining productivity during a move to a spacious new facility. Check out Juan's IG @jaxmfg   -----------------------------------------  Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

In this episode of Within Tolerance, I sit down with Jamie Underwood from Hadrian to talk about their exponential growth, changes in job roles, and how the company is handling challenges such as in-process inspection and automation. Jamie shares insights on leadership, training new employees, and how automation is changing the role of machinists. We also delve into the personal side of machining, discussing mental health, burnout, and the importance of work-life integration.

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IMTS 2024 is a wrap and I was lucky enough to be able to record every day while there! Join Zap and I as we catch up every morning and are joined by a crew of past and future guests from the show. Big thanks to Chris Zappettini, Graham Francis, Al Whatmough, Jeff Tiedeken, Austin Roche, Yuto Matsuura, Jay Pierson, Andrew Henry, John Saunders, and James Meyette for joining me! An equally big thanks to the Toolpath team for hosting us, and the DSI team for outfitting the booth.

Check out:

Zap's IG @zap.consulting

Graham's IG @lightsout.mfg

Al's IG @al.whatmough

Jeff's IG @yetiman01

Austin's IG @armachineman

Jay's IG @pierson_workholding

Andrew's IG @henryholsters

John's IG @saundersmachineworks

James' IG @cncappsjames

Toolpath's IG @toolpathlabs

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast