Machine Tool Maniacs

Part one of my conversation with Chris Lamb of Triple Axis Manufacturing is all about coming full circle. We dig into what it’s like growing up in a family machine shop, learning the trade from your dad, and how those early lessons stick with you whether you realize it or not. Chris shares his time in the military working on Blackhawk helicopters, how that discipline and attention to detail shaped...

In this Machine Talk episode Will and I break down the one thing most machinists never think about. The foundation under the sheet metal. Cast iron weldments epoxy granite and concrete. What they do how they handle weight vibration and rigidity and why that matters for accuracy and tool life. We explain terms like three point leveling double column and C frame castings as well as slant bed and dis...

In the second half of my conversation with Rocky Parkerton, we look ahead at where AZ3DPrint is going next and how he’s leveling up his entire operation. Rocky breaks down his future machine tool plans, why he’s doubling down on capability, and how his spin-off company Regolith Forge is becoming the platform for his product-design ambitions. We dig into the engineering mindset behind creating in-h...

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast , Matt sits down with Rocky Parkerton, founder of AZ3DPrint and RegolithForge. Rocky shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to becoming a CNC machinist, programmer, and ultimately a shop owner. In the first half of the episode, Rocky talks about the challenges of transitioning from military life to the machining world — starting from hu...

In this episode of Machine Tool Maniacs , Matt sits down with Josh and Brad, sales engineers with Hartwig, to talk about their journey into the manufacturing world and the lessons they’ve learned helping shops level up. From guiding shop owners through the decision to move from used machines to new equipment, to emphasizing why the team behind the product matters just as much as the product itself...

In Part 2, Will from Greenlight Machinery and I wrap up our talk on CNC controls. This time we dig into Mazak’s MAZATROL, Okuma’s OSP, Mitsubishi, and a few other systems you’ll likely cross paths with on your manufacturing journey. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist or just getting started, we break down what makes each control unique, the quirks you’ll run into, and how they shape day-to-day li...

In this episode I sit down with Will from Greenlight Machinery to kick off our conversation about CNC controls and the history behind them. We start by talking about the three main controls you’re most likely to see out in the wild - HAAS, FANUC, and Siemens. We keep it real and talk about where each one came from, what type of shops tend to run them, and how each brand built its reputation over t...

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with Cody Ruud, the founder of Dynamic Machine , to dive into his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to running his own CNC shop. Cody shares what it took to take the leap-starting his shop right in his backyard-and the challenges and lessons learned along the way. We also dig into how his creative approach to branding and mark...

What do you do when you can’t afford the tools you need to make a living? For John McNerney , the answer was simple - you build them yourself . Starting as a farrier, John’s need for quality tools pushed him into blacksmithing, where his talent eventually landed him on the hit show “Forged in Fire.” That same drive led him into the world of CNC machining, where he now runs Yukon Forge - a scrappy,...

Welcome back for part two with Brady from O.P.A. Industries! In this episode, we wrap up Brady’s story - diving into how he’s grown O.P.A. to where it is today. We talk about how he leverages platforms like Xometry to maximize spindle uptime and keep his shop flexible with capacity. Plus, Brady shares some of the ways he gives back through his philanthropic efforts. Tune in to hear valuable insigh...

In this episode of Machine Tool Maniacs , I sit down with Brady Pickett, owner of O.P.A. Industries, to talk about his journey through the world of machining. Brady shares his introduction into the trade and his background as an applications engineer before taking the leap to start his own shop—not once, but twice. We dive deep into the trials, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way, and expl...

In this Machine Talk episode, Matt sits down with Will Mund to break down the world of small 5-Axis CNC machines — from entry-level benchtop setups to larger machines you could actually fit in your garage. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to take your first step into machining or curious about scaling up, this conversation covers the real pros, cons, and possibilities of bringing 5-Axis machining...

In this episode of Machine Tool Maniacs, I sit down with Drew Mortensen, the founder of Gem State Machine in Idaho Falls. Drew shares his journey from machinist to shop owner, the leap of faith that launched his business, and the unexpected challenges along the way. We dig into the realities of buying new vs used equipment, building shop culture, marketing a startup shop, and where he hopes to tak...

Buying used machinery can make or break a shop — but knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) isn’t always obvious. In this episode of Machine Tool Maniac , I’m joined by Will Mund, owner of Greenlight Machinery , to break down the do’s and don’ts of purchasing used equipment. Will shares his journey into the manufacturing world, what led him to start Greenlight Machinery, and the biggest less...

Marketing Lessons from the Fitness World for Makers & Manufacturers. Whether you run a machine shop, operate in manufacturing, or are solo entrepreneurs developing their own products — how proven marketing strategies from the saturated health & fitness world can help them stand out, attract customers, and grow sustainably.

In this episode of Machine Tool Maniacs, I sit down with Rob Moody — machinist, entrepreneur, and creator of Fast Acquisition . Rob shares his journey from starting as a young machinist to rising into management, then launching a small shop out of his one-car garage. We talk about growing that shop into a successful business, selling it, and starting over to develop his own products. Rob opens up...

In this episode, I share the heart behind Machine Tool Maniacs — why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what we’re building together. It’s about inspiring creativity, sharing real stories from makers and manufacturers, and giving you the tools to bring your own ideas to life. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring creator, or just here to enjoy the ride, this is where your journey begins....