Business of Machining

What age did you get into CNC machining? This week we talk about the value of learning machining at a young age and the impact it has on the future.  Grimsmo has gone full GERP, they have developed a wireless barcode scanner for their web base ERP system. Saunders talks all about reevaluating machine tool purchases and constantly improving. Both shops are expanding. Grimsmo is hiring some mac...

The guys have been at this CNC machining thing for over a decade now and the amount of development in both shops in the past few months is surprising! FACING If you thought this was about face mills and decking parts, you're wrong. This is the first time the Johns have been able to video chat (reliably) during podcast recording in over a year all thanks to a sweet 220MB internet connection. E...

This weeks episode is about smart business decisions. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the race of buying new equipment. But its always a good idea to take a step back and make sure it is the right decision. Make sure you are the best tool in your shop and that the machines you purchase will be a good fit.    Saunders gives some great info on zero point fixturing and how to mange...

THE LOONS ARE HOOTIN' AWAY! Grimsmo paints a beautiful picture of his family vacation thus far. A couple of spy-thriller books, canoes, campfires, and marshmallows will take the place of machine hum for now. Just make sure to stay away from "Snake Island!" BREAK ME OFF A PIECE OF THAT...FOOTBALL CREAM? Does taking breaks decrease productivity? According to Forbes and many other studies, it has the...

It is so easy to overlook the aspect of marketing your business. The fact of that matter is that if you can bring the consumer as close as you can to the business, than they have a special attachment. Look at what Saunders' & Grimsmo are both doing on YouTube as an example. They are breaking down that barrier and creating a consumer attachment like no other. That is valuable no matter what typ...

IT'S JUST A PHASE. While Saunders and his team are busy implementing external phases of re-structuring SMW, Grimsmo's recognizing internal phases of intense creativity that eventually give way to productivity. Grimsmo and Saunders discuss their respective phases in comparison to shops that are further along in development. Visit These Pivotal Shops Via Video Tour: S&H Tour Grimsmo Knives Milte...

This podcast has always shown both sides of the business of machining. This week is no different. Saunders' & Grimsmo are both building out sweet central coolant systems. Saunders' is building out A.L.E.X which is their in house ERP system. Saunder's may have had a little bump with his swiss lathe, very veeeerrrrry slowly but everything is all good!

TOPICS: Shop Operations Shop Organization Quality Control & AQL (Acceptable Quantity Limit) ALEX ERP Rask Progress Zero-Point Fixturing  Machine Probing (Eumachs, Fanuc Robodrill, DATRON Neo) Refining Shop Operations & Organization No longer is the conversation about product and process respectively. The Johns are now at a point where both are inextricably linked. Saunders talks shop...

Being in a position of leadership is a tough thing to learn. John & John go in depth about not only leading people in the proper direction but to also be a good leader to yourself. Grimsmo has been holding a super tight timeline to get Rask's back online while Saunders talks "Nuking" the shop. The boys mention an article here about "The soul of a new machine" By Tracey Kidder.

QUICK MATHS The Johns have been Business of Machining it for 4.38 years (3.38 years recorded to be exact). ROI Envy Sometimes you get a machine, crank out parts, and make money right away. Sometimes you have to invest time to develop reliable processes and workflows. Grimsmo reminds himself that the KERN is not a job shop machine. THAT HAS TO BE A KERN FILTER! Click Image Below for Full Post &nbsp...

"Making parts and growing a business are very similar, just on different time frames." This week is all about learning the sometimes harsh reality of running a business like this. Admitting to yourself that a mistake has been made and what you can do as a person and business owner to correct that. The boys dive into Fusion 360 and all about colletizer.com Here are the links for this weeks referenc...

CNC Manufacturing, Rigging Haas VF6ss Machines, Rasks, and a HARD Question You May Have Never Thought To Ask Yourself As An Entrepreneur! "There are no PRIORITIES, only one PRIORITY." During this weekly conversation about manufacturing, business, life balance, obstacles, solutions, and super technical, nerdy machining stuff, a lot is going on. The SMW shop just got a little heavier. 45,000lbs to b...

A very important message this week by Dale Carnegie on "How To Win Friends & Influence People". Saunders is also spending some valuable time getting ready for his two new VF6 machines. The boys talk about to do lists and being able to follow through and dealing with stress this week which is very important in not only in business but in life in general. They also dive into sales techniques and...

"You're in the business of being in the business of a business!" TOPICS: Leadership & Internalizing Advice Self-Reflection & The Last Dance  Grimsmo's Delegating & the Tornos Lean Manufacturing  ERP systems Credit reference tips Leadership & Advice Making the plans, the decisions, and having to steer the ship without a detailed map has its own set of unique struggles. The...

John & John slowly start getting back to "normal". Grimsmo knives are starting to get back to full operations again after a 7 week shut down. The boys take this time to reflect about organizing and managing their time. Saunders' also dabbles in "S tools" for organizing tools. Here are all the instagram links as mentioned this episode! Laurens Ken @ zodiaceng Amish  Rob Lockwood Phil Saund...

Business of Machining: It may be simple and direct, but it's not forced or uncomfortable. BoM also happens to be a "subtle acronym" for Bill of Materials. TOPICS:  Naming businesses and products Asking For Advice: The Student Mindset  Processes - Scalability & Sustainability Datron NEO - Sneeze Guards & ProvenCut Parting Off: CNC Lathes SAGA ON KERN? Grimsmo and Saunders discuss...

John might have had a little hiccup on the Kern. A work piece flew out of the vise. Don't worry, everything is good! The Boys also had a great chat about managing tool inventory in a shop. With some great references and a video that can be found here . John & John also chat in length about 5 axis parts and the qwerks of Fusion 360!

CNC Lathes, Mills, Manufacturing & Small Business TOPICS CNC Lathe & Mill Trials and Errors Subspindle Stabilization Solutions 5-Axis Window Machining, Tabs, and Hot Glue A Different Workholding Solution You Might Not Have Tried Will the KERN make the Linda Wheel obsolete? Dovetail Workholding Instills Confidence Technician Time Shedding The Bootstrap Mindset  RAISING A BURR? DISH. Sa...

Things are going well for both Grimsmo & Saunders! Saunders relaunched their website and saw their highest sales week! While Grimsmo has been getting more comfortable on the kern! Saunders' brings up a quote from his friend, "Possession is 90% of ownership". The boys also talk about "When you're faced with a tough decision, always choose the option that gives the customer the most confidence."...

Buying, Running, and Building Successful Businesses Around CNC Machines. TOPICS: ST-20Y is back in business Tolerance Creep & Squeezing the Most Out Of Your Machine Tornos Lovejoy coupler slips during production GK Quarantine Vlogs - Second Nature Machining Tips and Tricks Finding Center Lines On A Y-Axis Lathe Fusion 360 NC Program Feature Simplifying Lathe Workflow - Lockwood's WCS & Con...

John & John are still adjusting to working or in some cases, not working during COVID-19. Grimsmo is slowly integrating back into work but with very strict safety measures. While Saunders' continues to make PPE for the front line workers. The boys talk all about the different government loans in both Canada & USA and how to apply for them. John Grimsmo has been taking it way back in the ol...

Two Small Manufacturing Business Entrepreneurs Learning to Navigate Covid-19. With an uncertain time frame, Grimsmo and Saunders discuss the importance of looking ahead, monitoring your burn rate, and being ready to use available programs before the cushion runs out.  Grimsmo Knives made the decision to shut their shop in response to the non-essential business shut down order.  That does...

This weeks episode is a little different than our normal conversations. John & John talk all about the effects of COVID-19 in their personal life and business life. They take a quick detour to talk about higbee threads as well! Please everyone stay safe out there. Look after yourself and loved ones.

TOPICS: Thoughts on Covid-19 and small business The SAGA  Solutions for breaking tools during internal threading Why You Need a Neon Vest In Your Shop BREATHE. Yes, they talk about Coronavirus. Yes, they are washing their hands. What you won't find are hosts hoarding toilet paper or coming up with conspiracy theories. What you will find is hope and perseverance! If you want to know how you ca...

Have you ever wanted to listen to two grown men talk about a lathe like children in a candy store? Well this episode is for you. John Saunders goes in depth trying to make his first sub spindle lathe part. The boys also talk all about the mist collector situation at the Grimsmo shop and to not overlook the air quality. John Grimsmo also made a "production run" of 9 parts on the Kern!