In the 144th episode of the Taps and Patients podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their recent experiences, highlighting the ups and downs of their businesses over the past year, including growth, machine purchases, and employee developments. Harrison notes significant growth for his shop, including the acquisition of new equipment and a steady cash flow, while AJ reflects on his own achievements, including increased income and efficiency improvements. Both express a desire to focus on profits and employees in the coming year, demonstrating a shift in priorities as they aim to balance growth with stability in their respective operations.Get parts made here: https://subtractmanufacturing.com

In the 143rd episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison share updates about their respective businesses, discussing recent challenges such as car accidents and machine crashes in Harrison's shop, alongside AJ's frantic quest to create a custom ring box for a friend's proposal. They also reflect on their podcast journey, the growth of their businesses, and plans for future developments, including potential hires and equipment needs. The duo emphasizes the importance of communication with customers when facing challenges and encourages their listeners to seek advice and support within their community.Get Parts Made:https://subtractmanufacturing.com

In the 142nd episode of the Taps and Patience podcast, hosts AJ, Harrison, and Ben, from Precision Ingenuity, discuss various topics including their experiences in machining, the challenges of working in a small shop, and the lessons learned from both successes and mistakes in their careers. Ben shares his background in software development and how he transitioned into machining, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and mentorship. The conversation also touches on the complexities of integrating new technology like bar feeders and automation into machining processes, as well as humorous anecdotes about mishaps in the shop and personal lives.Get Parts Made:https://subtractmanufacturing.com

In the 141st episode of "Taps and Patience," hosts AJ and Harrison discuss recent successes and growth at their respective businesses, with AJ noting significant sales through his venture Subtract due to effective YouTube advertising. Harrison shares an interesting story about a local company that initially ghosted him but has now returned seeking prototypes for parts after issues with their overseas production. They also delve into topics including quoting processes, the impact of automation on hiring, and personal anecdotes regarding their shop attire and holiday traditions, closing with plans for future developments and engaging with their audience.

In the 140th episode of "Taps and Patience," hosts AJ and Harrison humorously discuss their podcast's botched intro and the importance of effective introductions, mentioning their admiration for Jamie from the Lone Machinist podcast. AJ shares his upcoming plans for shop tours on the East Coast and discusses the recent influx of RFQs for his company, Subtract Manufacturing, while Harrison talks about wrapping up production for the year and the challenges he's faced with complex parts. They also touch on various topics related to their machining businesses, including equipment updates, transitioning to full-time work, and the significance of balancing family time with shop responsibilities.https://www.lmd-nc.com/products/bearing-cooling-coolant-ring-with-air-blast

In the 139th episode of the Taps and Patience podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their current production workloads and challenges, particularly regarding tight timelines due to upcoming holidays and machine run times. They share insights on machine setup, production processes, and their experiences with automation, including Harrison's recent issues with his robot and the upgrade of his machining capabilities. Additionally, AJ provides updates on Subtract Manufacturing's transition into focusing on sales and their efforts in developing new products, such as a potential Kickstarter venture, while sharing personal projects involving his daughter and a custom knife they're making together.

In the 138th episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison discuss updates from their manufacturing shops, including AJ's experience with a mouse in his workshop and his automation efforts with a 3D printer, while Harrison shares challenges in integrating a new robot system into his own operations. They also detail their experiences with various tools and technologies in machining, emphasizing the need for good workholding, inspection tools, and effective communication systems in their businesses. Additionally, they touch on Subtract's transition into beta and emphasize the importance of improving sales processes and workflow management.

In the 137th episode of "Taps and Patients," host AJ chats with Derek from Fidget Things and Harrison from Precision Ingenuity, discussing the growth and evolution of their businesses since Derek was last on the show two years ago. They delve into the challenges and advancements in their machining operations, particularly talking about new equipment, production processes, and the impact of social media on marketing and sales. The conversation also covers various manufacturing techniques, tools, and personal anecdotes about their respective journeys in the industry, as well as brief mentions of upcoming collaborations and product ideas.

In the 136th episode of Taps and Patience, hosts AJ and Harrison, along with guest Ken from Flux Work Holding, discuss Ken's transition from Robertson Custom Creations to primarily focusing on Flux Work Holding, detailing the challenges and growth he experienced in refining his product line amidst changes in e-commerce and marketplace dynamics. Ken emphasizes the efficiency gains he achieved by adopting new machinery, specifically a Hermla five-axis machine, and shares insights on product development, marketing strategies, and his approach to maintaining a niche business model with an eye toward automation rather than expansion. The conversation also veers into technical discussions about the design and functionality of vices, culminating in a light-hearted exchange about coffee preferences and future growth strategies for Ken's business.

In the 135th episode of "Taps and Patience" hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their current work challenges and successes, with AJ sharing insights on recent jobs including complex part machining and shop improvements, while Harrison updates on the setup of a new lathe machine. They also delve into various teaching methods for work coordinate systems, revealing the struggles AJ faces in helping his students grasp the concepts involved in probing macros. The episode concludes with a blend of light banter about robots, upcoming projects, and the importance of streamlining shop operations.