Taps and Patience | Business and Machining Podcast

By Audacity Micro & Precision IngenuityBusiness Entrepreneurship

Taps and Patience | Business and Machining Podcast episodes

July 05, 2024 AJ Made A Mistake -- Ep. 86
In the 86th episode of "Taps and Patience," AJ and Harrison kick off with a humorous recount of AJ's recent mishap involving his phone. AJ describes how he accidentally bent his phone while setting up parts for machining, turning it into a "taco" shape. The incident happened while he was watching YouTube videos and setting a tool on his mill, which led to an unexpected rapid movement that crushed his phone. This leads to a discussion about AJ's plans to replace his phone and his temporary enjoyment of being phone-free.
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The conversation shifts to Harrison, who updates listeners on the sudden interest in his Tormach machine. Harrison shares that he has received inquiries from three potential buyers in one day, a significant change from the previous lack of interest. He also mentions the challenges of balancing his current workload, as his shop went from having no work to being overloaded with jobs. Harrison discusses his preference for a Speedio machine over a Doosan, despite his cousin's preference for a 40-taper machine, due to the Speedio's capabilities for light, fast cuts.
Towards the end of the episode, Harrison talks about the implications of a local shop closing down. This closure could lead to more work for his business in the long term but has temporarily reduced their workload as their main customer acquired a large inventory of parts. Harrison also shares exciting news about a new customer who has given him a substantial order, with the potential for an ongoing high-volume contract. This development underscores the need for diverse machining equipment to handle both small, high-volume parts and larger, more complex components.
1 hr 5 min
July 05, 2024 Machining: The Musical! --- Ep. 87
In the latest episode of "Taps and Patience," AJ recounts an incident where he accidentally bent his phone while setting up parts for machining. This mishap led to challenges in managing work without a phone, highlighting the dependency on technology in their daily operations. AJ shares his process of deciding whether to replace the phone immediately or find a workaround to continue managing tasks efficiently.
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Meanwhile, Harrison provides updates on his efforts to sell his Tormach machine and the ongoing search for new customers. He discusses the need for different machining equipment to handle a variety of job sizes and how this impacts their business strategy. Harrison also touches upon recent improvements in their workspace, including getting drywall, texture, and paint done in the new office area, with plans to install flooring soon.
Throughout the episode, both hosts delve into the technical and logistical challenges they face in their machining business. They discuss issues such as missed deadlines for ordering tools, the stress of managing production timelines, and the importance of maintaining cash flow. Despite these challenges, they remain focused on optimizing their processes and ensuring high-quality output for their customers. The episode provides a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, reflecting the day-to-day realities of running a CNC machining business.
1 hr 4 min
June 20, 2024 Taking Breaks, Networking, and Machining Challenges -- Ep. 85
In this episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison start by discussing the necessity of taking breaks after intense work periods. Harrison shares how he's glad for a slower week, using the time to clean up the shop and catch up on tasks. AJ talks about recovering from a bad cold and the impact it had on his productivity. Both hosts emphasize the importance of listening to their bodies and taking the necessary time to recuperate.
The conversation then shifts to networking, with Harrison expressing his desire to visit other shops and make new connections. He finally has the opportunity to do so after months of being too busy. They discuss the benefits of building relationships within the industry, sharing experiences, and learning from others. Harrison's recent visit to a local shop, where he assisted with a vintage car seat project, highlights the collaborative spirit and knowledge exchange that can happen through networking.
AJ and Harrison also delve into their experiences with equipment frustrations and machining challenges. Harrison recounts his struggle with a MAZAC machine, dealing with program formatting errors and memory limitations. AJ shares a story about breaking a Renishaw probe tip and the scramble to find a replacement in time to meet a deadline. These anecdotes underscore the technical hurdles they face and the creative problem-solving required to overcome them. Tune in to hear their insights and tips on navigating the complex world of CNC machining.
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1 hr 7 min
June 07, 2024 Stop Teaching Manual Machining -- Ep. 84
We somehow uploaded an old episode. That is now fixed!
In this episode of "Taps and Patience," AJ from Audacity Micro and Harrison from Precision Ingenuity reconnect amid a whirlwind of personal and professional demands. Harrison reflects on a particularly busy time, managing high school graduations, church camp meetings, and a flood of work, finally finding a moment to breathe. The conversation quickly transitions to a unique machining challenge he encountered with an undercut and a key seat cutter, providing listeners with an inside look at the problem-solving process and the intricacies of CNC machining.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TapsAndPatience
Harrison details his troubleshooting journey, sharing how he tackled an oversized key seat feature. He explains the importance of precision and the steps he took to diagnose and correct the issue, emphasizing the value of patience and meticulous attention to detail. This segment offers valuable lessons for machinists, illustrating the practical application of tools and techniques in overcoming unexpected hurdles.
The episode also delves into the use of probing and the manufacturing extension in Fusion 360. AJ and Harrison discuss the benefits and limitations of these tools, offering tips on how to effectively integrate them into machining workflows. They explore topics such as tool wear compensation, in-process probing, and the creation of inspection reports, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their machining accuracy and efficiency. This blend of technical advice and real-world experiences makes for an engaging and informative episode for anyone involved in CNC machining.
1 hr 10 min
June 04, 2024 More Tooling Troubles --- Ep. 83
Harrison keeps breaking tools or something, i don't remember
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1 hr 15 min
June 02, 2024 ADHD + Engineer = Machinist | Ep.82
We had some technical difficulties with Spotify, sorry this took so long to upload! We have those fixed now, and the normal schedule will resume.
In this episode of "Taps and Patience," hosts Harrison and AJ dive into a week full of unexpected challenges and last-minute rush jobs. From dealing with oversized stainless steel parts to a surprise reorder from Xometry, the duo navigates the highs and lows of running a machining business. They share their experiences with complicated parts, loose probes, and the quirks of working with plastic materials. Plus, AJ discovers a material order mix-up and faces the task of machining nylon screws with tight tolerances. Tune in to hear how they tackle these obstacles while keeping their sense of humor intact.
1 hr
May 10, 2024 Pricing Precision Parts --- ep.81
The episode features a discussion between Harrison and AJ about their current machining projects and business updates. AJ talks about running long cycle parts due the next day, trying to finish them up efficiently, and avoiding a long drive to the airport. They discuss the current state of the used machine market, with prices dropping, and Harrison mentions the benefits of their new machine for certain jobs. They also touch on financial matters, including a customer's delayed payment causing strain, and their recent machining jobs and Patreon support. Harrison shares feedback and insights from the audience regarding his previous machining challenges and solutions he implemented. The segment ends with Harrison recounting his experience meeting a podcast listener at an event and interacting with other industry figures.

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1 hr 10 min
May 04, 2024 Make Parts Faster, But Also Not Slower -- Ep. 80
Harrison and AJ delve into the intricacies of machining, sharing their experiences, challenges, and solutions. Harrison discusses the use of roughing and finishing tools, highlighting the importance of addressing scale buildup and tool breakage. He mentions the use of specific tools for different materials, like aluminum and stainless steel, and the nuances of achieving desired finishes.
The conversation shifts to workholding, with Harrison recounting a frustrating experience with acquiring matching vices for a job. He explains the need for precise alignment and the challenges posed by different vice heights and jaw thicknesses. Despite these challenges, he describes his approach to problem-solving and the satisfaction of finding solutions that improve efficiency and quality.
AJ contributes to the discussion by sharing their process for making carabiners. They detail a fixture that allows for efficient machining operations, including profiling, slotting, and chamfering. They also mention recent improvements to their process, such as using water jet-cut blanks and custom cam clamps for workholding.
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1 hr 18 min
April 29, 2024 The New Theme Music Almost Killed Harrison - Ep. 79
The podcast features a conversation between two individuals, "AJ" and "Harrison," discussing various aspects of machining and their recent experiences in the workshop. They talk about recent projects, tool mishaps, upcoming jobs, and technical details such as speeds, feeds, and toolpaths. They also delve into the intricacies of tool libraries and the challenges of managing tool settings across different projects.
In this episode, they discuss specific tools, such as end mills, and the different machining operations they perform, including roughing, finishing, and slotting. They also touch on the importance of selecting the right tools and settings for different materials and machining tasks. Additionally, they share anecdotes about receiving defective tools and the challenges of ordering probe tips.
Overall, the podcast provides insights into the world of machining, sharing practical tips, experiences, and technical knowledge relevant to individuals working in the field.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TapsAndPatience
1 hr 4 min
April 27, 2024 The Shop of Theseus -- Ep. 78
In this episode Harrison recounts the challenges he's facing in his machining business, including the stress of managing multiple tasks and expenses. He discusses a recent incident where a customer praised their shop's quality, pricing, and lead times compared to competitors. Despite feeling stressed, Harrison finds satisfaction in their shop's progress and the recognition of their work. He also reflects on the need to adjust pricing to cover the costs of their new machine while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
AJ was there too, but apparently Chat GPT didn't care
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TapsAndPatience
1 hr 3 min