Bourbon With The Editor

Cutting Tool Engineering Publisher and Editor Dennis Spaeth and Editor-at-Large Alan Richter welcome HEIDENHAIN Vice President Gisbert Ledvon to the CTE studio. They explore MILLPWR CT, TNC7 five-axis control technology, KinematicsOpt, Optimized Contour Milling, VT 122 Visual Tool Check, TS 760 workpiece probing, droPWR digital readouts, automation, manufacturing careers, and what HEIDENHAIN is bringing to IMTS 2026.

HEIDENHAIN at IMTS 2026: https://www.heidenhain.us/imts-2026/

Cutting Tool Engineering: https://www.ctemag.com/

A family-built legacy powering modern machining. In this episode, Scientific Cutting Tools walks through the roots of their craft, the culture that keeps their quality consistent, and the technologies—Zoller, ANCA EPX, and CemeCon HiPIMS—that elevate their porting tools, thread mills, and custom solutions.

Will, Aaron and Dennis sit down and enjoy a glass of bourbon while discussing the milling operations for the Vargus Pump Shaft Project.

In this episode, Will Nash and Aaron Kolb discuss the pump shaft machining project—executed with Vargus tooling and filmed start to finish at Harper College. From part print review and tooling selection, to programming in hyperMILL® from OPEN MIND, setup, running the first piece, and final inspection with Bruker alicona, the conversation takes you inside the process. This is Part 1 of our Vargus story, focused on lathe operations.

Watch the full machining demo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv1HS67yiH4&t=4s

Links

Vargus: https://vargus.com

Available Manufacturing Classes at Harper College: https://qr.ctemag.com/harper

hyperMILL®: https://www.openmind-tech.com/en-us/cam/product-overview/

Bruker alicona: https://www.alicona.com/en/technologies

Thread milling gives you more control, flexibility, and fewer headaches — if you know how to use it right.

In this episode, we’ll break down the fundamentals behind smarter threading: when to use it, how to set it up, and what to watch for in tool selection, programming, and material response. Along the way, we’ll explore real examples using Vargus solutions like TMDR™, Millipro™ HD, MultiFlute™, HCN, and MACH™ TM — but the goal is bigger than any one tool.

We’ll cover:

How to run thread milling at higher speeds — and why you should

Programming strategies for clean entry, chip control, and fewer distortions

What helix angle really affects and how to tame chatter

Picking the right tool geometry and overhang for better performance

How thread milling handles aluminum, Inconel, hardened steel, carbon fiber, and more

And why more shops are switching from tapping to thread milling — including key advantages in accuracy, flexibility, and scrap reduction

Whether you’re new to thread milling or looking to optimize what you’re already doing, this session will give you practical takeaways you can bring straight to the shop.

In this live episode of Bourbon With The Editor™, host Dennis Spaeth is joined by Joe Magee of Vargus USA for a spirited conversation featuring new tooling solutions from the latest Vargus catalog. While sipping Old Bones Single Barrel Rye—an uncut, 133.4-proof whiskey from Backbone Bourbon Company—the two dive into the cutting-edge innovations redefining thread turning, milling, and solid carbide tooling.​

Tool highlights include the MACH TT and MACH TM lines, the versatile V-Mill and V-Drill, and the game-changing VT10 grade—all designed to boost precision and efficiency on the shop floor. They also explore VARGUS GENius™, the company’s intelligent tool selector and CNC code generator.​

And don’t miss the moment Dennis shares the backstory behind Backbone Bourbon’s name—a tale rooted in a bold business decision and a lesson in resilience that pairs perfectly with the high-proof pour in his glass.​

Whether you're deep in the world of CNC machining or just here for the whiskey wisdom, this episode delivers insight, innovation, and a toast to the tools that move manufacturing forward.

🥃 Welcome to the Season 2 Premiere of Bourbon With The Editor! Join Dennis Spaeth, Publisher and Editor of Cutting Tool Engineering, as he kicks off a new season with a fantastic conversation featuring Karl Kleppek, President of Jorgensen Conveyor & Filtration Solutions, and Dustin Krueger, Director of Engineering.

In this episode, we explore Jorgensen’s full range of conveyor and filtration solutions for the metal cutting industry. Karl and Dustin share insights into the company’s history, innovations, and the essential role they play in modern manufacturing.

And of course—what would Bourbon With The Editor be without a bourbon tasting? This episode features Copper & Cask bourbon, a perfect complement to our discussion on machining and engineering excellence.

Pour yourself a glass and join us for the Season 2 kickoff of Bourbon With The Editor! 🥃

🔔 Subscribe for more industry insights and stay tuned for exciting episodes ahead.

#BourbonWithTheEditor #Season2 #Manufacturing #Machining #MetalCutting #Engineering #JorgensenConveyor #CuttingToolEngineering #CopperAndCask

Join us for a special year-end episode of Bourbon With The Editor as we sit down with Ed Tichelaar, Michigan Application Engineer at Vargus USA, to explore the latest breakthroughs and innovations for 2025. From cutting-edge tooling like Mach Supersonic Threading, to the revolutionary new VT10 grade and the debut of new helical threading solutions, this conversation dives deep into how Vargus continues to push the boundaries of machining excellence.Discover how their newest products, including V-MILL, V-DRILL, and broaching solutions, are transforming the industry and rapidly becoming the go-to choice for high-performance machining across various materials. Stock levels, performance reports, and exclusive insights ensure this episode is packed with value for machinists, engineers, and manufacturing professionals alike.Pour a glass and join us as we toast to innovation and gear up for a great 2025 with Vargus USA.

In this episode of Bourbon with the Editor, host Dennis Spaeth explores the cutting-edge world of CNC machining with special guest William Nash, featuring live demos and in-depth discussions from IMTS 2024. To kick things off, Dennis raises a glass of Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon—a small-batch spirit crafted with the same precision and dedication found in high-tech manufacturing. Finished in port wine barrels, this award-winning bourbon delivers a rich, complex flavor profile, making it the perfect pairing for a conversation on CNC’s intricate capabilities.

In this episode, Dennis Spaeth and John Treese discuss Master Fluid Solutions over a glass of bourbon, exploring the company’s journey, products, and contributions to the industry. Established in 1951, Master Fluid Solutions has built a reputation for innovation in water-soluble cutting fluids, offering patented technologies and trusted advisory services to optimize customer operations. The company emphasizes community involvement, product development led by chemists, and robust training programs for new employees and distributors. At IMTS 2024, Master Fluid Solutions highlights industry advancements and its enduring commitment to excellence under its rebranded name while maintaining the legacy of the Trim brand, reintroduced in 2017.