Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier? At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon’s Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops streamline programming, automate workflows, and scale smarter with every click. If you’ve ever wished your CAM system could remember what worked, eliminate repetitive programming, and accelerate your path to the spindle, this is the episode for you. Ryan explains how Hexagon’s new Nexus Cloud ecosystem—including tools like Hexagon Copilot and ProPlan AI—is designed to empower programmers, reduce onboarding time, and unlock serious productivity gains. From intelligent feature recognition to machine-aware automation and real-time learning, ESPRIT EDGE is all about putting past experience to work for future success. You’ll hear how shops are reclaiming 75% of their programming time, how Swiss machining is finally getting the Edge treatment, and why the platform is built not to replace your team—but to amplify their talent. Whether you're programming complex parts or scaling new workflows across your machines, Hexagon's vision is clear: give users control, reduce the mental load, and continuously learn from what’s already working. ESPRIT EDGE doesn’t just help you make better parts—it helps you build a smarter shop. This is what automation looks like when it starts with the user. Segments (0:00) Intro from Hexagon Live and some Vegas fun (2:06) Meet Ryan Pembroke and learn about his role at Hexagon (2:45) What Nexus Cloud is and how it works with CAM (3:38) Modular access to apps—scale your tools, not your cost (4:21) Ryan’s origin story in manufacturing (5:27) The evolution of ESPRIT EDGE for complex machining (9:53) Automated part copying across tombstones and setups (11:03) How user feedback drives product development (13:51) What excites Ryan today—The application of Hexagon Copilot & ProPlan AI (16:28) Listen to the Lights Out podcast to scale your shop the smart way (16:56) Continuous learning and real-time tool adaptation (19:45) How Espree Edge optimizes for tool changes (21:30) Vision for Nexus: cross-platform, connected manufacturing intelligence (23:13) Eliminate redundant work to unlock your team’s creativity (24:38) How ESPRIT EDGE helps new users get up to speed quickly (25:29) Customer training, updates, and user support forums (27:45) Leverage the Nexus community forum (28:45) Cutting programming time and increasing utilization Resources mentioned on this episode ESPRIT EDGE Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Nexus User Community CoPilot and Pro Plan AI Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn’t just another tax update—it’s a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling your business down the road, the OBBB touches nearly every part of the decision-making process. That’s why I called up my friends at CLA—Susan Roberts and Steve Combs—two tax pros who spend every day helping manufacturers figure out what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what you need to do now. In this episode, we sort through what’s “informational” and what’s “actionable”—so you can stop guessing and start planning. We talk about everything from the return of 100% bonus depreciation, to how you can now expense R&D costs again (finally), to smart moves around entity selection and estate planning. There’s even a little salt cap drama in there. If you want to get ahead before year-end—or avoid getting caught off guard—this episode’s for you. Let’s get into it and talk about how this “big, beautiful” bill can work for you… not against you. Segments (0:18) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (1:33) Learn more about Susan Roberts and Steve Combs (4:05) What’s “informational” vs. “actionable” in the bill (7:42) Bonus depreciation is back—100% write-offs retroactive to Jan 19, 2025 (10:01) How cost segregation studies unlock more depreciation for recent building purchases (12:20) Why you shouldn’t buy machines just for the deduction (13:45) QBI deduction (20%) made permanent (and what that means) (17:48) Entity selection: Is it time to consider a C Corp? (19:30) R&D can now be fully expensed—unlocking credits, cash flow, and retroactive deductions for everyday shop work (27:37) Why you should listen to Buy the Numbers (30:17) Interest expense deductions get easier for manufacturers in 2025 (32:00) Limitations on capitalizing interest into inventory coming in 2026 (33:21) Individual tax deductions: SALT cap increased from $10K to $40K (with phaseout) (38:02) Why PTET (pass-through entity tax) strategies still matter (40:39) Advanced manufacturing credit for semiconductors increased from 20% to 35% (42:09) Clarifying that buying tax credits is still an option for large C Corps (46:55) Estate exemption increased to $15M and indexed for inflation (48:02) Opportunity Zone deferral extended—now with rolling 10-year plan (50:10) Low-hanging fruit for 2025: R&D recapture, bonus depreciation, cost seg studies (53:40) The risk of unintended consequences without a tax advisor (55:01) Final verdict: Is the One Big Beautiful Bill actually beautiful for manufacturing? (1:01:16) Don’t get burned by recruiters who don’t understand manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode CLA’s Website Susan Roberts - Susan.Roberts@CLAConnect.com Steve Combs - Steve.Combs@CLAConnect.com Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Manufacturing Grants Made Simple Hire MFG Leaders Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What if your machine shop could reach millions—not just buyers, but future employees, potential partners, and everyday people who suddenly “get” why manufacturing matters? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Hüseyin Kılıç, founder and CEO of Interesting Engineering, a digital media powerhouse with over 25 million followers across YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram.  Hüseyin shares the incredible story of how he grew his brand—starting in an internet café in Turkey—into one of the world’s most recognized platforms for engineering, science, and manufacturing content. We talk about how he built his audience from scratch, why some technical content goes viral while most gets ignored, and what manufacturers like us can do to tell better stories. Hüseyin offers practical, no-nonsense advice for how even small shops can reach more people, find more talent, and make a bigger impact through smart, simple content creation. If you want to grow your brand, attract the next generation of talent, and show the world why what we do matters, this episode is for you. Segments (0:00) Reflecting on an inspiring conversation with Hüseyin (1:50) Stay tuned to register for Top Shops 2025! (2:53) Meet the founder of Interesting Engineering—25M followers and counting (3:47) Hüseyin’s origin story: From internet café to engineering media empire (10:52) Building a remote-first team and becoming a real CEO (16:00) What kind of content actually resonates with a broad audience? (17:07) Why niche communities are the future—and how IE is evolving (19:58) Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen (20:36) Storytelling that works: From quantum chips to pasta factories (26:09) Why manufacturers need to stop writing press releases and start telling stories (27:52) How even one person can make a big impact with content (30:24) Real faces, real footage—why this matters more than follower counts (33:23) Why polished stock footage actually hurts your reach (36:49) Where to go to learn how to tell better stories (tailored to each platform) (38:31) The AI content boom—and why human storytelling still wins (40:15) Telling compelling stories within NDA limits (42:21) Our biggest takeaway: storytelling is a manufacturing advantage (44:58) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out podcast  Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Hüseyin Kılıç on LinkedIn Interesting Engineering Stay tuned to register for Top Shops 2025! Grow your top and bottom line with CliftonLarsonAllen Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What do a luxury wristwatch and a 50-foot-long aerospace weldment have in common? They’re both precision-machined, but that’s where the similarities end.  In this episode of MakingChips, we’re exploring the extremes of manufacturing—from parts that fit on the tip of your finger to parts so massive they require cranes and riggers just to load onto a machine. Paul Van Metre and Mike Payne are joined by two guests who represent the far ends of the machining scale. Josh Hacko, a fourth-generation watchmaker from Sydney, Australia, crafts ultra-small and ultra-precise components for timepieces and high-tech applications like quantum computing and medical implants.  On the other end, Jerry from Baker Industries in Michigan oversees the fabrication and machining of massive weldments and structural components for aerospace, defense, and nuclear energy—some measuring over 50 feet and weighing tens of tons. This episode dives deep into the radically different strategies each shop uses for tooling, fixturing, inspection, quoting, and problem-solving. From tea strainers used to sort microscopic parts to massive additive weld builds handled by 30-ton cranes, it’s a fascinating look at how scale transforms every aspect of the job. If you’ve ever wondered how much machining can vary across the industry, this conversation will expand your view. Whether you're cutting parts measured in microns or managing five-ton setups, one thing remains constant: it’s all about having the right people who love the craft. Segments (0:00) Why the people behind the process matter most—no matter the scale (0:26) How Paperless Parts can simplify quoting in your shop (2:16) Comparing the biggest and smallest jobs in machining (4:30) Josh Hacko’s background in watchmaking and micro part production (6:03) Jerry Kablak’s work on large-scale machining for aerospace, energy, and defense (6:51) Part sizes: from sub-millimeter to over 70 feet long (8:38) How Josh got into contract micro-manufacturing by accident (11:53) Handling tiny parts: bar diameters under 2mm and parts smaller than a fingerprint (13:45) How Jerry and his team navigate some of the largest projects in the world (19:28) Josh’s creative solutions: glue workholding, sieves, acetone, and hand-ground tweezers (22:19) Logistics challenges in big machining: setup time, crane handling, and laser tracking (26:16) Leverage Hire MFG Leaders to equip your shop (28:22) Handling and inspection of tiny parts: from tea strainers to plastic tweezers (32:16) Overproduction and scrap on both sides of the spectrum (33:54) Inspection: From laser trackers to 700x optical zoom on a Zeiss CMM (36:14) Tolerances: Josh works in single-digit microns; Jerry works in 10–20 thou over 40 feet (44:05) Drilling a 20-micron hole and the tools it takes to do it (45:29) Your success depends on the skill and resilience of your people (47:34) From rocket hardware to medical implants to lunar landers (51:08) Mutual respect across the size divide (54:11) Listen to Machine Shop Mastery if you’re serious about growing your shop  Resources mentioned on this episode Josh Hacko on LinkedIn NH Micro  Nicholas Hacko Watches Jerry Kablak on LinkedIn Baker Industries Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What does it take to run one of the top-performing machine shops in the country? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Kevin Bowling, COO of Major Tool & Machine, to find out exactly what drives their success—and why it all starts with people. Kevin isn’t just leading a massive operation with 670,000 square feet of manufacturing space and machines that can turn parts up to 40 feet in diameter—he’s cultivating a culture of excellence, servant leadership, and continuous improvement. From daily standups to custom-built software tools that empower employees to submit (and track) improvement ideas, Kevin shares how his team fuels a winning environment. We talk about how Major Tool keeps scrap rates under 1.6%, mitigates multi-million dollar risks, and engages machinists in everything from quoting to process design. But more than that, Kevin reveals why trust, gratitude, action, growth, and excellence aren’t just words on a wall—they’re the foundation for shop floor performance. Whether you're running a 3-person shop or leading hundreds, this conversation is packed with ideas you can apply to raise the bar. Because when leadership is intentional and people are empowered, that’s when you start making chips—and making money. Segments (0:00) Nick ditches the t-shirt to interview like an adult (0:47) Will we see you at Top Shops 2025? (1:51) Paul shares insights from a woodworking leadership forum (3:50) Introducing Kevin Bowling from Major Tool & Machine (7:40) Overview of Major Tool’s massive facility and machine capabilities (12:41) Building culture through employee-led process design and daily Kaizen (16:24) How culture drives retention—Kevin's team gives Cadillacs at 50 years (18:00) Inverted org charts and servant leadership in practice (19:32) Custom software and dashboards built around the floor’s needs (22:39) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA (25:05) Aligning improvement ideas with key business KPIs (26:50) Making the scoreboard visible: everyone should know if they won today (29:48) KPIs that drive engagement and performance (31:25) Major Tool’s five core values: Trust, Gratitude, Action, Growth, Excellence (35:08) Managing massive parts and multi-million dollar risk (39:45) Everything is scalable—even if you’re just starting out (41:13) Real-world Kaizen: from newspaper boards to software tickets (44:25) Why every initiative must start with defining the current state (46:21) Sustaining improvements through standard work (47:39) Integrated systems, employee engagement, and long-term culture (50:22) Let Hire MFG Leaders make your next hire smooth and seamless Resources mentioned on this episode Will we see you at Top Shops 2025? Grow your top and bottom line with CLA Let Hire MFG Leaders make your next hire smooth Major Tool & Machine Virtual Tour of Major Tool Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn PFMEA risk management Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Planning a job is one thing—getting it through the shop without chaos is something else entirely. In part two of our Managing Orders series, we move beyond quoting and scheduling to the messy reality of production: where kitting falls short, setups go long, expectations don’t match reality, and quality gets squeezed when time runs out. We’ve seen it happen. A setup that was budgeted for two hours takes six. Why? Because the job wasn’t kitted right. Because the estimator used wishful thinking. Because no one raised their hand when they knew the target was off. It’s not just frustrating—it’s a breakdown in accountability and trust across your team. This episode is about fixing those breakdowns. We unpack how better handoffs, clearer documentation, and stronger internal service mindsets can completely transform your process. From shift tie-ins and floor leads to process development and postmortems, we share how to build a shop where problems get solved before they become expensive. Because making chips isn’t just about getting to the spindle—it’s about building a culture where everyone owns their part of the process, and where your systems hold up even when the pressure’s on. Segments (0:00) Why planning isn’t enough—execution is where things break (0:43) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (2:00) The dangers of “sharpening the pencil” on setup time (5:25) Why you must separate first-time setup from recurring setup targets (6:35) The hidden costs of poor kitting and missing tools at setup (11:21) Tribal knowledge, shift leads, and how to monitor execution in real time (14:08) Creating a culture where machinists feel safe to speak up (17:58) “Tiger Teams” and how to solve setup issues in the moment (20:56) Top Shops (21:22) Documenting feedback through process development and tying it to improvement (24:20) Using shift tie-ins and handoffs to reduce lost context (25:40) Rethinking quality: from bottleneck to built-in step (34:08) Treating vendors like internal customers and setting them up for success (38:15) The final handoff: why packaging, paperwork, and delivery are part of your brand (43:45) Final takeaways: document your process, eliminate failure points, and keep improving (47:46) Why you need to listen to the Lights Out Podcast  Resources mentioned on this episode The Automation Trap: Why Automating Chaos Won’t Save You, Ep #18  Vericut Hexagon Maestro The E Myth Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Once the PO comes in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “just get it done.” But if we don’t manage orders with intention and clarity, we’re setting ourselves—and our teams—up for chaos. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it really takes to run a smooth, efficient production floor. This isn’t just about buying software or printing a checklist. It’s about building a culture where planning is seen as an act of leadership, not overhead. We share lessons from our own experiences—like rebuilding internal systems from scratch and learning the hard way that quoting means nothing if we can’t deliver on time. We explore how order management touches everything: lead times, stress levels, team morale, and profit margins. We talk about what it means to serve internal customers, how to build standards everyone can actually follow, and why checklists might just be the most underrated tool in your shop. If we want to stop firefighting, reduce turnover, and grow a business that lasts, we need to start treating order management like the strategic function it is. Because without a plan, even good shops fall short. Segments (1:39) Stay tuned: Top Shops 2025 registration coming soon! (2:40) Paul’s early lessons from Pro CNC (4:59) The role of ERP systems and process discipline—even for small shops (8:18) Why you need a detailed process for making parts (with associated timing) (12:04) Identifying bottlenecks early: the Herbie analogy and long lead-time items (15:19) Planning as leadership: how we reduce chaos and stress for our teams (17:12) What “kind leadership” actually looks like (18:49) The power of checklists for staying on-track (21:25) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (23:02) Defining complete and accurate: internal customers and downstream clarity (27:40) Scheduling mistakes: why poor input ruins even the best software (31:06) How we build lead-time buffers and deal with vendor risk (35:37) Letting ERP guide quoting, planning, and scheduling (38:51) Investing time to save time: building in space for continuous improvement (43:30) What great kitting actually looks like—and how it cuts setup time (47:47) Wrapping up Part 1—with a joke, of course (48:47) Why investing in ProShop ERP is investing in your business Resources mentioned on this episode Stay tuned: Top Shops 2025 registration coming soon! The Tech Stack Advantage Profit Starts with the Quote “The Goal” By Eliyahu Goldratt “The Checklist Manifesto” by Atul Gawande The KAIZEN™ methodology ProShop Setup Reduction Guide Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Discover how outdated quoting methods could be costing your manufacturing shop! Learn about the importance of accurate cost modeling, including activity-based pricing and true cost evaluations. Hear real-world tactics for confidently walking away from unprofitable jobs. Explore how speed in quoting can boost profitability and align with client needs. Dive into pricing strategies that drive sales success while managing risks. This engaging discussion highlights quoting as a key leadership decision for the future of your shop.

Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of The Manufacturing Executive podcast, shares invaluable insights into smart marketing for job shops. He emphasizes that marketing is about building trust, not just louder sales pitches. Joe highlights the importance of defining your ideal customer profile, understanding pain points, and crafting targeted messages. He also discusses the significance of quality content over quantity in lead generation and practical tips for measuring ROI. Transform your marketing approach and become the go-to shop for your best-fit customers!

In this engaging discussion, Mike Fritz, host of the Machine Shop Growth podcast and sales strategist for machine shops, highlights the detrimental 'cashier model' that stunts business growth. He emphasizes the importance of proactive customer engagement and shares tactics to understand current, dormant, and new accounts. By diving into customer psychology, Mike reveals how fostering relationships and unlocking existing account value can drive revenue. Tune in for insights on rekindling dormant clients and enhancing sales strategies!