In this podcast episode segment, the hosts, AJ and Harrison, welcome special guest Dylan Jackson from Proteum Machining. They discuss various aspects of starting and growing their machining businesses. The conversation touches upon topics such as transitioning from regular jobs to full-time machining, the challenges of managing work-life balance, dealing with machine breakdowns, and the importance of having a reliable support system for machine repairs. Dylan shares a memorable low point in their journey, involving a machine breakdown during a critical production run. They also talk about their plans for expansion, including moving to a larger space and investing in new machines, particularly a 5-axis machine with automation capabilities. The hosts and their guest delve into their strategies for managing growth and envisioning the future of their businesses.

This episode is a quick recap of the last few weeks. We keep it short this time. since we plan on doing a longer episode on Wednesday with a special guest!

Free Small Business plug: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RJMCNC

AJ's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/selthar/fidget-art-04

In the forty-ninth episode of "Taps and Patience," join the hosts as they chat with Curt of Confounded Machine. Curt shares his journey from building parts for RC airplanes to unintentionally diving into pen machining, discussing his unique pen designs, hand-finishing processes, and challenges. They explore topics like smooth mechanism action, innovative anodization techniques, and the delicate balance of maintaining a work-life separation in a small-scale machining business. Discover Curt's insights into pen design tips, managing a successful presale model, and the dynamics of growing a following in the artisanal pen-making world.

Wow, Chat GPT did a good job of writing the description this time. Too bad it spelled his name "Kert" every single time for some reason. Don't worry, I fixed it.

In this episode, the Harrison and AJ discuss recent issues with AJ's CNC machine's touch probe and spindle. AJ describes troubleshooting the touch probe's reliability problems, involving a stuck probe and flickering issues during rapid movements. AJ shares his solution of modifying the probe's spring and adjusting debounce settings in the configuration files to eliminate false triggers. The hosts then delve into AJ's spindle problem, which caused the machine to halt during operation. After a detailed investigation and consultation with the manufacturer, it's determined that loose components within the spindle assembly led to the problem. AJ plans to replace the spindle under warranty and discusses potential adjustments to the spindle spacer. There's also mention of noise issues related to the spindle assembly. The podcast episode concludes with a consideration of whether to keep the current CNC machine or upgrade to a newer model.

Join hosts Harrison and AJ as they explore the fascinating journey of expanding their machine shops. Delve into their candid discussions about spindle choices, comparing the benefits of the Syil X5 and X7 models, including power considerations and space efficiency. Discover how automation possibilities unfold, with insights from Harrison's industry event visit where he explores integrating a versatile robotic arm for enhanced efficiency. AJ shares his shop's production updates, detailing optimized machining processes, Kickstarter success, and networking strategies. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of machine shop expansion and innovation in this engaging episode.

Hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their experiences with CNC machines and troubleshooting issues they've encountered. AJ has been facing challenges with the motor coupler on the axis and has made adjustments to fix the issue, though false triggers with the probe have become problematic. They talk about the complexity of macro programming and how certain settings affect the probing process.

Despite these challenges, AJ has seen improvements in part quality, and production is going well, with an average of around 30 carabiners produced per day. They also mention upcoming projects, including Generative Scales and Premium Scales, as well as the idea of incorporating coins into their work. They discuss the need for a new machine, with AJ considering upgrading to an X5 or X7 model for larger production capabilities.

The hosts share their experiences and insights, making it an engaging listen for CNC enthusiasts and those interested in manufacturing and production processes. The podcast highlights the ups and downs of running a CNC business and the continuous pursuit of improvement and efficiency in their work. Listeners familiar with the hosts' previous discussions will find this episode informative and entertaining, as it delves into their day-to-day operations and future plans.

In this episode of the "Taps and Patience" podcast, hosts AJ from Design the Everything, Harrison from Precision Ingenuity, and Benjamin from Black Fox Machining.

Benjamin, runs a small side hustle in his garage using a CNC machine he built. He specializes in making knives and wallets. He shares his experiences with different machines, including a homemade CNC router and a self-built CNC mill, and highlights the challenges he faced with tool changing and productivity. Benjamin recently acquired a more powerful CNC mill.

Benjamin emphasizes the importance of the CNC machining community's support and his enjoyment in engaging with like-minded individuals who share their knowledge and experiences in the CNC world.

https://www.instagram.com/blackfoxmachining/

In this episode of Taps And Patience, hosts Harrison and AJ dive into a range of topics. They start by discussing their ongoing work and the challenges they face, particularly related to a bandsaw that recently stopped working. The conversation then shifts to Harrison's plans for a new building, which he has been negotiating for and are excited about. They talk about the increased space it will provide, the potential for adding a second floor for offices and anodizing, and the history of the building within their family. With their signature casual and informative style, Harrison and AJ share their experiences, insights, and aspirations for the future.

In this episode, join Harrison and AJ as they discuss the importance of managing external costs and optimizing cash flow for a healthy business.

Harrison starts the conversation by highlighting the problem of running out of money due to high external costs. He explains the current allocation of funds, with 50% for operating expenses (Opex), 30% for owner's pay (split between him and Weston), 15% for taxes, and 5% for profit. While the owner's pay account should ideally grow, Harrison prefers using percentages to gauge the business's performance and ensure a steady cash flow.

AJ shares that their business has lower external costs and higher labor costs. They discuss their method of setting fixed salaries for themselves and allocating a portion of incoming funds to a profit account for growth. However, they express interest in transitioning to a profit-first system like Harrison's to improve their financial management.

Harrison explains the concept of profit first, where businesses can divide their accounts to track specific expenses. He mentions the possibility of subdividing Opex into material, employee, and tooling accounts as the business grows. The goal is for Opex to grow at a rate sufficient to cover new expenses while owner's pay shrinks in proportion to higher revenues.

The hosts also touch on the importance of planning for business growth, such as accounting for equipment purchases. Harrison suggests allocating such expenses to the Opex account. They discuss the difference between owner's draw and a fixed paycheck, and the potential switch to a payroll system when hiring employees.

Towards the end, they briefly explore the legalities and advantages of different business structures like LLCs and partnerships. While AJ prefers staying as a partnership for tax purposes, Harrison highlights the protection an LLC can offer, especially in job shop work scenarios.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the intricacies of financial management, growth planning, and business structures. Discover practical strategies to optimize cash flow, ensure profitability, and create a solid foundation for your business's success. Tune in to the Profit First Podcast now!