Within Tolerance

Justin Brouillette of PDX CNC shares his journey from architecture school to running Portland CNC, discussing custom furniture making, CNC router specifics, product development, marketing strategies, 3D printing, trademarking challenges, creating dust boots, tool holders, milling machine upgrades, business automation with AI, CNC tooling suppliers, workshop cleanliness, router machine innovations, appealing to Gen Z audience on YouTube, balancing work and parenthood, and utilizing Venn diagrams for decision-making.

Experienced in manufacturing technology, Chris Zappettini joins the host to discuss challenges in CNC machining, tool longevity, and efficient machining processes. They delve into preventing burnout, achieving work-life balance, and the ever-evolving nature of manufacturing technology. Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting for more insights.

I am incredibly excited to have Al Whatmough back this week to discuss his recent move over to Toolpath Labs as CEO! Al and I talk about making the decision to leave Autodesk, how to successfully enter a new team, improving machinist productivity, and more! Check out Al's IG @al.whatmough and Toolpath Labs @toolpathlabs or https://www.toolpath.com/ ----------------------------------------- Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Chris Zappettini, an expert in machining tools and podcast studio owner, shares insights on shop layout enhancements, customer experiences, dealing with stress, and setting up a new workspace. They discuss cost-effective fixture options, business growth reflections, team composition, balancing speed, reliability in machining, drill usage, learning macros, and business timelines. The conversation also touches on struggles with self-criticism, work-life balance, and machine operations.

Manufacturing professional, Nushrat Ahmed, discusses her journey, career progression, and addressing diversity challenges for women. She emphasizes continuous learning, strategies for success, and personal growth through activities like crocheting. Explore her inspiring story and valuable insights on this episode.

Jason Peterson shares his funding journey, new X2 products, and new machinery. Chris Zappettini talks about working like a mad man to finish up a project and his current trip to LA. They discuss motivating people, effective planning, 3d printing, and more!

Zach is back this week and we chat all about fixing Kerns, adding a swiss lathe to his shop, and all the changes his business has gone through since the last time on the show. Listen in to hear the incredible modifications and fixes Zach has done to his machines, and hear how this skill scored him a job. Check out Zach's IG @zachsmiami ----------------------------------------- Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

This week I'm joined by Uriel and Kyle from Arda Cards! Any of my listeners who have been following along Uriel and Austere Manufacturing's journey will know of his application of lean principles to optimize his business. In this effort he uses Kanban cards, and this lead to him developing Arda Cards with Kyle. We chat about lean principles, ordering headaches, and how Arda has made Kanban cards easy. Check out Arda Cards IG @arda.cards Check out Austere's IG @austere_manufacturing ----------------------------------------- Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Chris joins me this week to catch up on a whirlwind of a past couple weeks! Chris talks about success with lathe probing, and a change of coasts. I talk all things Hermle C250 and new shop. Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting ----------------------------------------- Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

In this episode of Within Tolerance, Graham Francis joins me to discuss Lights Out Mfg. Graham shares his journey from childhood fascination to mechanical engineer, detailing his experiences at King Machine, transitioning to sales, and partnering with Rapid Design Solutions. We delve into their automation solutions for machine shops, including integrating robots for machine tending and specializing in machine loading systems. Graham highlights the role of automation in upskilling employees, previews upcoming projects, and envisions a fully automated system. We explore tool life management, automation preparation, industry challenges, and the trend of automation adoption in machine shops, emphasizing the need for education and promotion within the industry. Rapid Design Solutions first episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/withintolerance/episodes/Within-Tolerance-Episode-24---Rapid-Design-Solutions-e9fi62 Check out Lights Out MFG's IG @lightsout.mfg ----------------------------------------- Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast