Within Tolerance

Zap joins me this week to discuss recent travels, re-establishing stability, and the importance of relationships in business. We share updates on new projects, machine purchases, and the integration of automation in machining. Plus, we delve into personal health routines and navigating the complexities of business investments and accounts receivable. It's been a busy and transformative period, both professionally and personally!

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

I'm happy to welcome back Pete Oxenham, founder of Chatter and Head of Product for Toolpath, for an in-depth discussion on his recent journey. We delve into Pete's decision to sell his machine shop to focus entirely on Chatter, the challenges he faced in finding a suitable buyer, and the emotional roller coaster of letting go of a business he built from scratch. Pete also opens up about joining the Toolpath team, transitioning from a solo operator to working within a larger organization, and the ups and downs of collaboration. We explore the future of Chatter within Toolpath, upcoming software features, and the ongoing integration process. Plus, Pete shares his perspective on work-life balance, his most valuable tools, and the exciting possibilities for machine shop automation.

Check out Pete's IG @pt.ox

And Chatter’s @chatter.dev 

And Toolpath’s @toolpathlabs 

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Help support the podcast at the link in bio

#instamachinist #withintolerancepodcast #chatter #toolpath

Zap joins me this week to discuss recent travels, acquiring Esprit software, and moving the shop. We share stories about challenging customer interactions, machine crashes, and optimizing workflows with ChatGPT. We also explore work-life balance, 3D surfacing in Fusion, and mill-turn machine preferences.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

This week, I talk with Joseph Pizzoferrato from Heidenhain about his journey in machining, from Durabar to Heidenhain. We cover his experiences with Mazak training, Mastercam, and delve into Heidenhain controls. Joe shares insights on tool radius errors, macro programming, and new TNC 7 features. He also discusses the importance of collision protection, process monitoring, and tips for optimizing five-axis machines.

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Zap joins me this week to kick off the first in-person episode of 2025. We dive into Zap's recent travels and adventures, including a trip to another country, getting a head tattoo, and dealing with various machining and business challenges. We discuss the nuances of tool libraries, the importance of five-axis machining, and the comparative merits of OEM versus third-party automation solutions. We also touch on personal growth goals, balancing work and life, and the latest purchases that have made a difference in our workflows. Additionally, we share our experience with CAM software, the benefits of new shop equipment, and planning for a more stable and efficient year ahead.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Nick and Skylar Squillace of NS Precision Inc join me this week to discuss their journey from hobbyists to successful shop owners. We talk about their transition into motorsports, overcoming the challenges of running a small machining company, and the crucial steps they've taken to streamline operations. Learn about their experiences with the Haeberle Plus K, methods for improving documentation and onboarding new employees, as well as their future plans for growth.

Check out NS Precision's IG @nsprecisioninc

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

This week I'm joined by Zap and Simon from Freddy who are both together in the UK. Chris shares details of his whirlwind trip, including a new head tattoo and training Amish machinists on advanced machinery. Simon updates us on exciting solar panel projects and the latest custom Freddy machines, from minion-themed to high-tech Rolls-Royce designs. We also discuss balancing work and personal life, upcoming leadership goals, and some fun personal projects.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

and Freddy's IG @freddyproductsltd

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

This week I chat with Jim Belosic, CEO and founder of SendCutSend. We dive into Jim's background, from his artistic beginnings creating custom pancakes for his daughter to running a software company, Pancake Laboratories. Jim shares how his passion for cars and fabrication led to the birth of SendCutSend, an on-demand sheet metal manufacturing service. We explore the company's rapid growth, the challenges of scaling operations, the valuable lessons learned along the way, and the importance of a strong company culture. Jim also discusses their efforts to balance quick-turn work while maintaining high-quality standards, and touches on future plans for SendCutSend. 

Check out SendCutSend's IG @sendcutsend

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

In this episode, I'm joined by Eric Larson from Clear Irons. We dive deep into his journey as a machinist and industrial designer based in Chicago. Eric delves into the origins of Clear Irons, his educational background in industrial design and metalsmithing, and the evolution of his business. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing a live-work space, transitioning into a commercial property, and navigating the integration of new machinery. Eric shares insights on using 5-axis machines, prototyping, working with injection molds, and explains the learning curve from Haas to Okuma machines. We also touch on lean practices, the importance of staying organized, embracing automation, and his perspective on future business growth.

Check out Eric's IG @clearirons

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Join Zap and I as we catch up on the eve of Thanksgiving! We dive into recent shop updates, the ongoing van saga, and share our favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Listen in as we detail technical challenges, highlight valuable machining tips, and discuss lessons learned from various projects. We also chat about our year-end reflections, what we're thankful for, and the wonderful supportive #Instamachinist community.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast