The Impractical Machinists

TOPICS:

• Cleaning and Organizing Your Machines Shop
• Coolant Tank Maintenance
• Using Social Media to Grow Your Shop
• Lead Time Estimation

Ever struggled with keeping your machine shop efficient and profitable? 
Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this packed episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast as they discuss everything from essential cleaning and organizing strategies to the power of social media in driving business. 
Learn how to accurately estimate lead times, manage workloads with ERP systems, and handle unexpected client requests. Gain valuable insights into personal experiences, the importance of written processes, and the role of workforce training in optimizing shop floor operations. 
Plus, a special shout-out to Shopfloor Coffee for their contributions to workforce development!

Main Topics:

• Why Manual Machines Still Matter
• New vs. Used Machines
• Hidden Startup Costs 
• Managing Debt

Thinking of starting a machine shop? Join special guest Ian Sandusky as he shares his journey and insider advice on choosing the right equipment, financing strategies, and managing the true costs of machining—from tooling to software. Discover the pros and cons of new versus used equipment, the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt, and practical tips for overcoming challenges. Packed with valuable insights and some good laughs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the machining industry!

The Impractical Machinists Podcast crew is back with more insights on improving your shop, handling job stress, and taking the leap to be your own boss!

Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this engaging episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast, where they share the highs and lows of running a machine shop. From tool organization and shop improvements to tackling customer expectations and complex projects like castings and UHMW, they offer practical advice and real-world stories. 
Learn about their favorite materials to machine, and get insights on knowing when it's time to leave a job or start your own shop. 
Don't miss this honest and valuable conversation for machinists of all levels!

Topics:

• Favorite and Least Favorite Types of Work
• Favorite Shop Improvements
• Reasons to Stay or Leave a Shop

In our latest episode, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley share their unique stories of how they started in machining. No matter where you begin, there's a place for you in this trade. Tune in now! 

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Updates
06:55 Pathways into Machining
08:35 Patrick's Apprenticeships
37:01 Bradley's Start in Machining
42:16 Cameron's Start in Machining

Ever faced a job shop nightmare and wished you had known more?
Join Patrick, Cameron, and Brad in this exciting episode of the Impractical Machinists podcast as they dive into the challenges of running a job shop. From equipment failures and employee drama to untangling complex tax laws and managing critical job delays, hear firsthand how they navigate these challenges. Gain practical advice on threading Acme rods, mastering tax deductions, and balancing stress, all while learning the importance of community support. Whether you're a veteran machinist or new to the trade, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Work-Life Balance
04:05 Employee Tardiness / Challenges of Hiring and Training
27:03 Dealing with Equipment Failures
01:17:19 Outro

Drop your topic ideas in the forum here: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/podcast-introduction.429158/

Or watch the video on our YouTube channel here:
https://youtu.be/V8nC8u7bCF0 

Welcome to the very first episode of "The Impractical Machinist"! Meet your hosts Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley as they kick off this journey with a bang. What started as a quirky Instagram group chat has morphed into a lively community of machinists, programmers, and shop owners. In this debut episode, we dive into hilarious and heartwarming shop stories, uncover the unexpected beginnings of our group, and share some jaw-dropping moments from the shop floor. Get ready for a mix of humor, insight, and a whole lot of machine talk. Whether you’re here for the tools, the tales, or the camaraderie, this episode has it all. Join us and become part of the madness!

TOPICS:
 - Walk-in Wednesday
- 3D Printing
- CAM Software

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:00 Walk-in Wednesday
15:00 3D Printing
35:00 CAM Software
47:52 Outro