Chips and Tips Podcast

What does it take to transition a 30-year-old family manual shop into a high-tech automated powerhouse? In this episode of the Chips and Tips podcast, host Tim Paul sits down with Shawn Conour, owner and operator of Conour Manufacturing. Shawn shares his incredible journey from growing up in his father's garage—where the air always smelled like coolant—to serving as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps...

If your shop still debates tool numbers every time you program a part, you are solving the wrong problem. In this episode of Chips and Tips, Justin and Zap continue their deep dive into tool libraries by breaking down the four-digit Tool ID, or TID, system and why separating tool identity from tool number changes everything. They explain how a TID represents the full rotating assembly, including h...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I dive into a thought-provoking discussion with Chris Zapattini about the intricacies of tool library management. We explore the various setups and efficiencies—or lack thereof—within different machining environments. From the importance of having a structured tool library to the pitfalls of poorly managed ones, Chris shares insights from his extensiv...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips podcast, Tim Paul sits down with Scott Moise to talk about what it really takes to build CNC software that machinists can trust. Scott’s career spans manual machines, yacht manufacturing, CAM programming, post processing, and years inside the Autodesk ecosystem. That mix of hands on shop experience and deep software knowledge shapes how he thinks about Toolpat...

What actually goes into making a custom carbide cutting tool, and why do so many tooling decisions look great on paper but fall apart on the machine? In this episode of Chips and Tips, Justin from Toolpath sits down with Dave Stanbach of Carbide Cutting Tools for a deep, practical conversation about carbide tooling in the real world. They dig into scrap carbide pricing and why it has surged, how c...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips podcast, Tim Paul sits down with Al Whatmough, CEO of Toolpath, to unpack a career shaped by machining, teaching, and building manufacturing software that respects the craft. Al shares how his early experiences in machine shops, classrooms, and engineering labs influenced his approach to CAM, automation, and leadership. The conversation covers what Toolpath re...

CAM looks clean in theory. The shop floor decides if it actually works. In this episode of Chips and Tips, Tim Paul talks with James Meyette about what it takes to turn CAM strategies into parts that run reliably in production. They cover the evolution of CAM systems, why associativity changed everything, and how five-axis machining quickly exposes weak processes. The conversation dives into multi...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with Devin Bedoni of Lycan Precision to explore the complexities of automation in CNC machining. We tackle the pressing question: should Devin invest in a new spindle or prioritize automation with a robot? As we discuss the nuances of high-mix prototyping and the challenges of integrating automation into existing workflows, Devin shares his...

Justin sits down with automation nerd and Lights Out Manufacturing mastermind Graham Francis for a deep dive into the future of robot-tended machining. From vacuum-gripping raw stock to running 25 chaotic OP1s on a trade-show floor, Graham breaks down why part-loading beats pallet-loading, why cobots aren’t “toys,” and how self-aligning fixtures make or break real automation. They get into the mes...

Join me in this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast as I sit down with Ben Engle, a multifaceted content manager at Toolpath. We dive deep into Ben's journey, from his early days tinkering in the garage to his pivotal role in transforming how machining is approached with AI-driven solutions. Ben shares his experiences at Toolpath, including his transition from technical operations to content cre...

In this exciting episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with Lauren Fahey, a mechanical engineer and self-proclaimed "Professional Badass." Join us as we explore her journey from working at NASA to her current role as a manufacturing engineer at a space startup. Lauren shares her passion for making things, including her adventures with a desktop CNC machine called the Carvera. We dive d...

Justin hosts Alex Rosner of Wisconsin CAM Solutions for an in-depth conversation on the art and science of shop ingenuity. Alex brings his dual perspective—running a machining business while also coding and engineering software—to the table. They begin by digging into unconventional probing macros, calibration techniques, and the idea that “doing things wrong” sometimes yields the best results. Th...

Tim Paul sits down with Justin Gray, CTO of Toolpath, for a wide-ranging conversation about the craft, culture, and future of machining. Together they dive into why every shop has its own unique fingerprint, how investing in the right tooling separates good parts from great ones, and why machinists can be both stubbornly traditional and brilliantly innovative. Justin shares candid thoughts on brea...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with CAD/CAM legend Kevin Schneider, a key figure behind Autodesk's Fusion software. With over 26 years at Autodesk, Kevin shares his journey from hands-on manufacturing to leading innovative CAD solutions. We discuss the evolution of Fusion, the importance of integrating CAD and CAM, and the challenges of transforming traditional machining...

When it comes to CNC automation, should you invest in pallet loading or part loading? In this episode of Chips and Tips, Justin sits down with Michael Gimbel of Gimbel Automation to unpack the tradeoffs, myths, and hidden challenges behind each approach. Michael shares insights from his own journey—starting as a job shop owner frustrated with inefficiency, to building innovative spindle grippers a...

This week Justin sits down with Dr. Yavuz Murtezaoglu, the mind behind ModuleWorks, whose toolpath algorithms quietly run inside most CAM systems on the planet. From hacking five-axis machining on a 486 processor in the ’90s to leading a 400-person company at the cutting edge of CAD/CAM and AI, Yavuz has seen it all. They talk about the wild early days of “visual collision control” (spoiler: if it...

Justin is joined by the one and only Chris Zappettini of Zappettini Consulting for a dive deep into one of their core mantras: “First we make good parts, then we make fast parts.” The duo explores how this principle has shaped their businesses, their code, and their cutting strategies. From the long evolution of Chris’s Asana-based systems to the quirks of quoting, automation, and job shop workflo...

Garrett Wade joins Justin to break down how smart use of Fusion 360 templates, container methods, and zero-point workholding can save hours on every job. From soft jaw strategies to avoiding Z-crashes—and even a peek at Toolpath’s AI-driven future—this episode is packed with practical CAM wisdom for shops that want to move faster and safer.

Join me on the Chips and Tips Podcast as I chat with Tyler Bonde from Mitsui Seiki in episode #12. This episode marks my return to podcasting after recovering from a neck and back injury. Tyler and I dive into his fascinating journey from growing up in Minnesota to his current role in North Carolina. We explore his diverse career path, including his early interest in automotive trades and his tran...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with Miguel Pinilla, CTO of Arda Systems, to explore the intricate world of automation and variability in supply chain logistics. With over 25 years of experience, Miguel shares insights on the challenges of ensuring timely deliveries, the importance of managing work in progress, and how variability can wreak havoc on operations. We delve i...

In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I dive deep into the world of Kanban with Uriel Eisen from Arda and Austere Manufacturing. We explore how Kanban can streamline inventory management and prevent the chaos of running out of essential supplies. I share my personal journey of implementing Kanban at Toolpath, where I faced challenges like broken end mills and the hassle of reordering. Uri...

Join me, Justin from Toolpath Labs, as I dive into an engaging conversation with Jim Belosic, founder of SendCutSend, on this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast. Discover how Jim's journey from needing car parts to building a thriving business revolutionized the manufacturing world. We explore the challenges and innovations in CNC machining, focusing on SendCutSend's unique approach of producin...

In this episode, Justin Gray (CTO at Toolpath) sits down with James Dyer (Accurate Dial and Nameplate) and Jon Rabinowitz (The Shop Inc.) to talk about the painful, confusing, and occasionally hilarious world of quoting CNC jobs. This one’s for the machinists who: Feel like every quote they write is a shot in the dark Have been burned by material costs, missed features, or surprise inspection dema...

Join me on the latest episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, where I catch up with Pete, our Head of Product at Toolpath. We dive into his experiences over the past few months, including our recent team retreat in Cleveland. Discover the dynamics of our remote team coming together and the spontaneous creativity that unfolded. Pete shares insights into our product roadmap, focusing on three excitin...

Join me, Tim Paul, on the latest episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast as I sit down with Mark Terryberry from Haas Automation, renowned for his role in the Haas Tip of the Day series. We dive into Mark's journey from a machinist to an educational influencer in the industry. Discover the origins of the Tip of the Day videos and their significant impact on the machining community. Mark shares perso...