Within Tolerance

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 conversation covers everything from managing customer-supplied materials and appropriate scrap rates to essential non-machining tools for the shop, with each of us offering practical CAM, metrology, and business tips from our experiences. Check out Justin's IG @justinsgray and Toolpath Labs @toolpathlabs or ⁠https://www.toolpath.com/⁠Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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 creative WWII-themed rebranding strategy, and how culinary skills translated surprisingly well to lean manufacturing practices. Rebecca also offers candid advice on effective LinkedIn marketing, work-life balance, and the importance of learning every aspect of the business to ensure its longevity.Check out Rebecca's IG @rebecca.wolfinger and @milspecmanufacturingMil-Spec Shop Tour - https://youtu.be/TV6RfVZYX-sMil-Spec Rebrand Video - https://youtu.be/60e8bgfELUY-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast ⁠www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast⁠

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 automation scripts, Fusion configurations, and optimizing tool libraries. We answer listener questions about time management challenges, machinist education needs, coolant temperature effects on part tolerance, and share our candid thoughts on tool manufacturers' websites. Plus, we discuss how AI tools are changing shop workflow and documentation.Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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 space and acquiring essential equipment. We also explore topics like proper chip management, metrology tips, and the importance of maintaining professional standards in business relationships. Plus, we discuss the value of hands-on experience in machining and ways to bring more youth into manufacturing.Check out Justin's IG @justinsgray and Toolpath Labs @toolpathlabs or https://www.toolpath.com/Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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.Check out Easton's IG @moria_manufacturing-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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, and the challenges of staying current with rapidly evolving manufacturing technologies, while emphasizing the importance of character over technical expertise in building successful teams. Check out Phil's IG @phillinscheidand contact him at phil@sendcutsend.com-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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!Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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, transitioning from a solo operator to working within a larger organization, and the ups and downs of collaboration. We explore the future of Chatter within Toolpath, upcoming software features, and the ongoing integration process. Plus, Pete shares his perspective on work-life balance, his most valuable tools, and the exciting possibilities for machine shop automation.Check out Pete's IG @pt.oxAnd Chatter’s @chatter.dev And Toolpath’s @toolpathlabs -----------------------------------------Help support the podcast at the link in bio#instamachinist #withintolerancepodcast #chatter #toolpath

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-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast