Parts Department

By Justin Brouillette & Jem Freeman

Justin Brouillette (Portland CNC) & Jem Freeman (Like Butter) discuss CNC machines, their product design and manufacturing businesses, and every kind of tool that they fancy.

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4.4

99 ratings

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FAQs about Parts Department:

How many episodes does Parts Department have?

The podcast currently has 144 episodes available.

Parts Department episodes:

May 27, 2025141 - A Nasty of case of SMED
Justin’s migrating off Freshdesk, grumbling about outdated UIs and dreaming of integrated tools. He’s knee-deep in Shopify, site redirects, and pondering injection moulding and SMED like it’s a lifestyle. Meanwhile, Jem’s grappling with KittaParts hardware complexity, designing 19” rack kits, inventing dowel-pivot hinges, and vibing with NotebookLM podcasts about ABB RAPID while secretly plotting to laser-engrave everything.
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DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic
Freshdesk "free" ending
Disposable software ꘎ Laura 3D viewer
Henry Holsters Tour - Audacity Micro ⠄ BEP
No door APC Brothers
SMED (Single Minute Exchang of Dies)
Lean station
Shipping area
LLM robot programming ꘎
Best part of owning business ⠄Urg. Laura says the coffee.
Phew Shopify back to normal ꘎
PDX CNC Distributors
APSX PIM
Chatter Sync update Masso vs Multicam
Fricken Lasers ꘎
Notebook LM ꘎ - Learn ABB robots
Cities Skylines with Justin
Factorio - Factorio does not fill the niche. It creates the niche.

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Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.
HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links
Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
1h
May 20, 2025140 - Sacrifices to the CNC Gods
Jem and Justin talk about machining big aluminum parts, setting up shop spaces, Raspberry Pi projects, file transfer hassles, tool holders, and robot programming. They share wins, frustrations, and practical tips from a busy week in the workshop.
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DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic
Workshop layout
Chatter Sync
GH chops
Hydraulic for ISO30?
ISO30 drill chucks? - runout?
RTFM GPT - Shared (Zap)
YCM Dilemma
Upgrade Storage
Sell
Scissors
High stakes machining ꘎ Eagles
Arbour rebuild, awesome old school shop ꘎
Farken CF cards!!!
Hourly rate assessment ꘎
What happens if you scrap client material? ꘎

00:00 Workshop Challenges
02:49 Designing Efficient Workshop Layouts
05:40 Exploring CNC and Raspberry Pi Integration
08:42 Managing High-Value Client Projects
11:31 Tool Holder Innovations and Challenges
14:31 Cash Flow and Robotics in Manufacturing
21:07 Simulation and Toolpath Innovations
23:32 Programming Challenges with Different Robotics
24:50 Dealing with Mechanical Issues
26:55 Collaboration and Community Support
27:41 Machining Techniques and Precision
30:22 Pricing Strategies in Machining
35:44 Evaluating Equipment and Automation Needs
37:59 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency
40:24 Navigating Documentation and Resources

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
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Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
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Show Info
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Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.

HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
43min
May 12, 2025139 - How many robots, Jem?
Jem and Justin talking shop 139 episodes deep and Jem has finally bought the dream robots!
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DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic
How many robots did Jem buy? ꘎
7robotics wood MFG ⠄
AWESOME Lean Machine Shop Tour: Pierson Workholding!
Giant ALU parts. 90% reduction - 15.7lbs to 1.55 lb (7.12kg to 0.70kg)
Pierson SmartVac 3
Overwhelm = high
Selling machines
Upgraded Controllers
Snazzy Labs Self Driving for $999
New AirShop Developer?
Holy shit balls RAPID is good ꘎
Crashing windows 98 CNC with 3D surfacing code ꘎
Chatter Sync
Midnight twerking tool offsets ꘎
New regulations on shelving tip over risks ꘎
Blowin' the Ass Sale record away
Brain melt Australian manufacturing week ꘎
Giant ALU parts. 90% reduction - 15.7lbs to 1.55 lb (7.12kg to 0.70kg)
Pierson SmartVac 3

Chapters
00:00 It begins
01:47 Robot Acquisition and Negotiation
04:40 Understanding Robot Capabilities and Industry Impact
07:58 The Future of Automation in Manufacturing
10:44 Programming Robots and Learning New Skills
13:48 Hands-On Training with Robots
16:45 Challenges in Material Handling and Job Quoting
19:42 Innovations in CNC and Vacuum Systems
22:46 Exploring New Technologies and Safety Regulations
30:37 Technical Challenges and Machine Troubleshooting
33:05 The Future of Robotics and Automation
36:38 Innovative Solutions in Manufacturing
37:46 Developing New Projects and Collaborations
39:48 Sustainable Practices in Agriculture
41:44 Sales Strategies and Business Growth
44:47 Product Safety Regulations and Compliance

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

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Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
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Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.
HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
1h 1min
May 06, 2025138 - Lust for Robot
Jem and Justin talk shop robots and multi axis dreams alongside workflow struggles. They share surprising AI insights on personal blind spots, discuss shop music issues, and recount tales of tool discoveries 3D printed clamps and even a shop fire. Plus E Ink displays and hardware platforms.
Watch on Youtube
DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic
Virtual Live Machining with Client
Sick E-ink Dashboard - usetrmnl.com - Justin10 for $10 off
Goebel Insurance - Goebel Furniture
Saved OP3 with a printer ⠄
Simtheory Model Catalogue
Artifical Analysis
Six axis ꘎
Big Ass Annual Sale - May 5-9
Sprutcam
Offensively bad Jazz
M5Stack

Questions!
@proteummach: What is a project that each of you have shelved that you wish you could restart?
@astonjcreative: How do you track and maintain random non work ideas and thoughts throughout the day
Drafts & Voice Notes
@likebutter.au: How many robots should I buy?
@debrisfactory: Style of Endmill or other tool you wish you knew about five years earlier
@forestbirdoriginals: What is the biggest external factor that has impacted your businesses ability to grow ? (positive or negative impact, other than COVID)
@patrickbeseda: Do you use headphones, speakers, or no music in the shop? Or prefer podcasts?

00:00 Morning Routines
01:47 Reflections on Work and Productivity
04:35 Sales Insights and Financial Tracking
07:38 Exploring New Products and Innovations
10:38 Client Interactions and Training Experiences
13:30 Shelved Projects and Future Aspirations
16:21 Robotics and Automation in the Workshop
22:23 Software and Programming for Robotics
24:32 Maintaining Creativity and Idea Management
30:07 Capturing Random Thoughts
31:34 Utilizing Technology for Productivity
33:01 AI and Self-Reflection
36:09 Identifying Personal Bottlenecks
39:12 Navigating External Business Challenges
39:43 Music and Work Environment
45:46 Innovative Tooling Techniques
53:17 Exploring New Technologies
58:17 Insurance and Business Risks

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.

HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
1h 4min
April 22, 2025137 - 16-bit Sex and the City
Jem and Justin tackle tricky importing issues and economic uncertainty. They chat shop tech including robots and CNC sanding ideas. Updates on Profit First distributions, tax savings, and the cash flow rollercoaster. Plus, beta configurator progress, cool soldering irons, and movie tangents.
Watch on Youtube

DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic
Flip flops economics
Price rises?
OK Go - Love - Sense of loss
Nack iMac stand legacy
Threads on PS1
Can we still make good kids? Good Podcast
PF Distro
New Sheet
Taxes ))<>((
Monday bakery cash slump
Found the best soldering iron TS101 ꘎
KittaParts Beta configurator revenue update
$24,661.42 in 2 months
🚨 Jem to turn cart on again by next week! 🚨
High School Teachers – Justin needs you!
Debris - Zero Dollar Product
Vortex tube cooling, can I 3D print one
Goodfellas

00:00 ello
02:20 Supply Chain Forced Fiasco
09:00 Navigating Pricing Strategies
10:51 Love for Love
13:10 Technical Difficulties.mp4
16:08 Robotics in Filmmaking
18:59 Machinery and Tooling
22:01 Innovation in Sanding Techniques
25:05 3D Printing + Custom Tooling
28:04 Threading and Machining Strategies
30:51 Soldering for Two
32:01 Personal Productivity Tools
33:14 Financial Management and Profit Distribution
35:40 Saving for Taxes
36:51 Debt and Business Cash Flow
43:00 Revenue Targets and Seasonal Slumps
45:01 Sales Workflow and Customer Engagement
48:59 Education Products - Get at Justin!

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.

HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
55min
April 15, 2025136 - Gorbo and the Guest
Justin and Jem find a new AI obsession named Gorbo, question their sanity naming products, and discover that borderline-creepy customer texts actually make sales. Jem composts plywood (because why not?), MacBook meltdowns ensue, and robot vacuums run amok. To top it off, Eric (Mel) ends up the show’s first-ever guest.
Watch on Youtube
DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic - New voice message option
Lean into the absurd
Gorbo's Swim hole - Wild Video AI
CRYPTID DATING GAME
William Gibson Novel
LIVE for Patrons
Abandoned cart responses
High touch relationship building with leads
Grasshopper animation
Domestic RoboVacs for workshops
PDX's Chippy Shop Robot Vacuum
International shop to a good perspective ꘎
Do more shop visits
Window server issues, have to change my ways ꘎
Compost David from Sydney ꘎
Blue THH
🚨 New LEGO Merch out now
Eric Larson is our first guest!

Chapters
00:00 Gorbo
02:28 Cryptid Dating
05:24 Product Development and Innovations
08:01 Customer Engagement and Marketing Strategies
10:59 Hot White Kitta Parts
13:58 High-Touch Customer Service and Genuine Connections
17:00 Composting Insights and Environmental Discussions
37:18 Exploring Creative Projects and Challenges
40:00 Visitor Insights and External Perspectives
42:34 Shop Visits
47:09 Shop Management and Cleanliness
53:07 Grasshopper and Python Scripting
58:01 Unexpected Guests and Creative Conversations

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.

HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
1h 4min
April 08, 2025135 - Say something nice
Jem and Justin catch up on vacation resets, DIY solar dreams, AI wins, shop updates, consulting gigs, slow sales turning a corner, and future plans for guests and maybe a move.
Watch on Youtube
DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic - New voice message option
Time off for Justin
Monster Cable F'd with the wrong guy
Super satisying letter - story from his site
KittaParts Builder gaining momentum
Text line running hot with beta builders ꘎
Thinking about moving Like Butter to the home shop
Patreon Video on Simtheory - another coming
Consulting on manufacturing and Christini (haha) fantasies ZAPPETTINI ꘎
GPT Report writing on the road ꘎
GPT 4.5 nailed my copy writing brief, make me smile and lol ꘎
Passed the Laura test ꘎
GPT 4.5 blew my tokens in 30 mins
Simtheory assistant scraping
AI saves my old robot vacuum ꘎
Put my phone away for 10 minutes and did something I've been wanting to do for years ꘎
Big Guests?!⁉️
PF: Had ALL OF IT
Fake smiles, show time, baby!
Prop on the news ꘎ - Kickerstarter hair archives
Slim Spacers

Chapters
00:00 Goood Morning
01:34 Reflections on Time Off and Parenting
04:37 Legal Battles and Patent Trolls
07:24 Business Challenges and Supplier Issues
09:21 Nostalgia and Early Business Ventures
13:22 Product Development and Innovations
17:57 Sales Strategies and Customer Engagement
22:51 Future Plans and Business Expansion
27:13 Exploring Lithium Battery Opportunities
30:29 Navigating Sim Theory and Marketing Challenges
33:32 Consulting in Manufacturing: Insights and Experiences
37:36 The Impact of AI on Writing and Creativity
45:44 Balancing Work and Personal Life
47:36 Hidden Phone, Happy Daughter
51:01 Future Plans: Guests and Collaborations

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.
HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
57min
March 25, 2025134 - It's a Vibe
Justin hosts 25 high school students at PDX CNC for a packed tour and CNC routing live Mount Hood machining session, sharing insights into education, tooling, and shop layout. Jem rebrands his custom furniture configurator to Kitta Parts Builder, phases out VividWorks. They dig into DIY automation—from cobot sanding and Rhino scripting to overnight print bed swapping—and marvel at a spotless European shop using robotic CNC loading with laser-measured sheet stock. Rounding it out: AI companions, part quoting workflows, and the existential joy of printed PETG brushes.
Watch on Youtube
DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic - New voice message option
School tours at PDX
Machining Mount Hood - Steep & Shallow
4am JSON dreams
Vibe coding
85% issues with Cursor! Focus MF
KittaParts Builder replaces paid configurator
So much redundant code! Ooops

Samuel - Random Routing
Excuse me? Backlit racking?
insane - voice to gcode

Second Shift Mentality?
Her, holds up
PDX CNC's first Automated CNC on the way
PDX CNC on Amazon
Throw away script saves hours of work.
Pi, never left us
Printing Brushes
Gimbal Automation - insta

Race of the Lasers ⚡
Fabworks - PDX CNC referral
SendCutSend - Within Tolerance - Jim B
RMFG

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.

HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
1h 12min
March 17, 2025133 - Derogatory cabinets
Justin and Jem discuss the challenges of running small manufacturing businesses - from unexpected CNC E-stops to the stress of public holidays when you're behind on cash flow. They share their experiences with production documentation, hiring/firing employees, and the constant iteration of products and processes. The conversation covers new materials for Like Butter's Kitta Parts, shipping station improvements, and the potential (and limitations) of 3D scanning for custom work.
Watch on Youtube
DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic - New voice message option
Whoops - Justin published day early on accident
Watching a truck wreck
Hiring: can't imagine ... then ⠄
Justin's got that new Pod Cam
Suzie helping ꘎
Bad Replika AI, "I am useful!"
Low point weekend ꘎
Fuggen public holidays
Trapped vibes
New dowel stock!
Slow here too - worst weekly sales in memory
Audacity Micro "Self Robot"
Cobot vs Humanoid?
Shipping Area Revision
Love my text chat ꘎
Succumb to filthy vanilla cabinetmaking to fill gaps ꘎
Block script success ꘎
Dispatch standup ꘎

00:00 Slow motion truck crash
01:46 Production Process and Material Changes
04:17 Jem's New Stick
06:58 Hiring and Employee Management
09:46 Documentation and Process Standardization
14:40 Fire as well as you hire
17:53 Public Holidays and Work-Life Balance
27:05 Navigating Business Pressures and Personal Well-being
29:11 Unexpected Sales and Client Relationships
31:51 The Challenges of Product Sales vs. Custom Work
34:24 Exploring AI and Automation in Business
36:13 Software Tools for Cabinet Making
38:43 Improving Shipping and Dispatch Processes
50:44 Enhancing Customer Experience and Feedback
54:15 The Future of 3D Scanning and Its Applications

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.

HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links

Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
59min
March 11, 2025132 - Lusty Fascinations
Jem and Justin chat about workshop robots, tumbling systems, and e-commerce headaches. Justin battles Amazon's complex seller requirements while Jem celebrates proper hydration as his secret productivity weapon. The episode ends with Justin's rant about Fastenal's ridiculous account system preventing him from buying simple screws.
Watch on Youtube
DISCUSSED:
✍️ Comment or Suggest a Topic - New voice message option
Atlas Humanoid
Rover 6 Wheel Robot
Single phase vac pumps F4 ꘎
PDX CNC BlackBox vacuum distribuitor
500 meters of dowels
40 years to discover this drug!? ꘎ Drink enough water!
Designing interfaces with dictation whilst driving ꘎
React magic ohmygawd ꘎
New Rules to correct overzealous Agent Cursor
Fixed a long standing bug on Shopify
Rant: Fastenal - you sell commodity items but make it super hard to purchase them online? Idiots ⠄
Created account, wouldn't let me buy screws. Contacted local store. They had to submit a "branch account creation" which takes another 48 hours.
Don't be like Fastenal

---
Profit First Playlist
Classic Episodes Playlist
---
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Become a Patreon - Get the Secret Show
Review on Apple Podcast
Share with a Friend

Discuss on Show Subreddit
Show Info
Show Website
Contact Jem & Justin
Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook | Youtube

Please note: Show notes contains affiliate links.
HOSTS
Jem Freeman
Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia
Like Butter | Instagram | More Links
Justin Brouillette
Portland, Oregon, USA
PDX CNC | Instagram | More Links
...more
1h 1min

FAQs about Parts Department:

How many episodes does Parts Department have?

The podcast currently has 144 episodes available.

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