When it comes to CNC automation, should you invest in pallet loading or part loading? In this episode of Chips and Tips, Justin sits down with Michael Gimbel of Gimbel Automation to unpack the tradeoffs, myths, and hidden challenges behind each approach.

Michael shares insights from his own journey—starting as a job shop owner frustrated with inefficiency, to building innovative spindle grippers and modular systems designed to make automation simpler, cheaper, and more accessible. Along the way, he and Justin discuss:

• The real differences between pallet and part loading

• Why chips usually aren’t the problem machinists expect

• How spindle grippers can change the game for small shops

• The leap from one-op to two-op automation (and why it matters)

Whether you run a small shop or manage large-scale production, you’ll come away with practical frameworks for evaluating automation strategies—and a clearer picture of how to unlock more spindle time without breaking the bank.