In the 114th episode of Taps and Patients, AJ discusses his upcoming teaching responsibilities, which will involve a new class for General Motors alongside his existing commitment to the Department of Corrections. He mentions a significant pay increase of 60% for taking on the additional class, which will help him transition from a job shop focus to more consistent teaching work. Harrison shares his experiences with customer acquisition strategies, reflecting on how they have moved away from relying on Xometry towards building relationships with direct clients, while highlighting the challenges and lessons learned in managing business growth.

In the 113th episode of "Taps and Patients," host AJ, alongside Harrison and guest Luke Aquilina from Computer Mechanics, discuss Luke's journey in the machining industry, which began with a hobbyist approach and evolved into a successful job shop using Xometry. Luke shares insights about his experiences with CNC machining, the challenges of running a small computer shop alongside the machining business, and the rapid growth he's experienced in recent years. The conversation covers various topics, including the competitive nature of job boards, quality management systems, and the importance of equipment calibration and inspections in maintaining high standards for production.

In this live episode of Taps and Patients, hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their current work experiences, with AJ sharing his recent travels for training, challenges with machining, and organizational efforts in their shops. As they delve into their processes, they touch on the importance of making efficient procedures, the pros and cons of hiring part-time help, and their experiences with CNC machining and tooling. The episode wraps up with Q&A about CAD-CAM software, 3D printing, and the specifics of running a small shop, in addition to a focus on the camaraderie fostered through shared experiences.Links the Hosts talked about:Ceramic Deburring Tool: https://amzn.to/4lA9oIuJake Brownson's CNC Coasters: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1658570059/aluminum-and-3d-printed-honeycomb?show_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

In the podcast, Harrison and his guest Kurt discuss their experiences managing their respective businesses, including challenges with workload and production, as they navigate through staffing and equipment changes. Kurt shares insights on his focus on automation and product development, particularly his desire to create complex mechanical puzzles, while Harrison highlights his approach to customer relations and continuous improvement of processes in his machining work. Both express the importance of community and sharing knowledge in the machining industry, emphasizing that their success is rooted in addressing customer needs and maintaining high-quality standards.

In this episode of the Taps Patients podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their busy weeks, with AJ working on a new lathe program and Harrison managing a production job involving titanium razor blade heads. They also talk about recent challenges related to coolant management in their machines and the difficulties of using specific tools for tight tolerances and other machining tasks. Finally, the two reflect on the hiring process for a new employee, emphasizing the need to build a supportive system for training and skill development within their growing business.

In the 109th episode of "Taps and Patients," hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their hectic schedules balancing teaching and running machine shops, highlighting AJ's experiences grading papers and dealing with long commutes. Harrison shares insights on the busy state of his shop, including challenges with production deadlines and the financial strain from large jobs, while expressing a need for employee support and automation. The duo also touches on advice for aspiring shop owners, emphasizing the importance of financial management, the impact of good tooling on production efficiency, and the benefits of community support in their machining endeavors.https://patreon.com/c/tapsandpatience

Seems like episode numbers got all sorts of mixed up, please bear with us while we work through it!Also seems like AJ's camera decided to die about 2 minutes in...In the latest episode of Taps and Patients, hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their busy months filled with machining projects, including a large order and challenges with workholding and tool selection. Harrison shares insights on optimizing machine settings to improve production efficiency, while AJ reveals plans for developing new products and automating processes with a 3D-printed spindle gripper. They appreciate their Patreon supporters and discuss plans for future engagements, including potential live streams and collaborations to enhance the podcast and community interaction.https://www.patreon.com/tapsandpatience

In the latest episode of "Taps the Patience," hosts AJ and Harrison discuss recent upgrades and challenges faced in their respective shops, including Harrison's new professional streaming setup and the completion of a major machine installation. They dive into technical aspects of machine operation, such as optimizing cycle times and addressing issues with part clamping, while also reflecting on their busy schedules and the impact of new projects on their workflows. The episode concludes with community engagement, thanks to their Patreon supporters, and plans for an upcoming open house event, emphasizing the importance of networking within their machining community.https://patreon.com/tapsandpatience

In the 106th episode of "Taps and Patience," AJ and Harrison discuss their busy machines and the upcoming open house event at Harrison's shop. They share experiences about their workflows, the challenges of finding balance between one-off custom and repeat production work, and thoughts on industry trends, including the impact of automation and AI. Additionally, they address listener questions about machine purchasing decisions and the balance between sports and hobbies, while emphasizing the importance of finding a niche and adapting to customer needs.