Taps and Patience | Business and Machining Podcast

In the 142nd episode of the Taps and Patience podcast, hosts AJ, Harrison, and Ben, from Precision Ingenuity, discuss various topics including their experiences in machining, the challenges of working in a small shop, and the lessons learned from both successes and mistakes in their careers. Ben shares his background in software development and how he transitioned into machining, emphasizing the i...

In the 141st episode of "Taps and Patience," hosts AJ and Harrison discuss recent successes and growth at their respective businesses, with AJ noting significant sales through his venture Subtract due to effective YouTube advertising. Harrison shares an interesting story about a local company that initially ghosted him but has now returned seeking prototypes for parts after issues with t...

In the 140th episode of "Taps and Patience," hosts AJ and Harrison humorously discuss their podcast's botched intro and the importance of effective introductions, mentioning their admiration for Jamie from the Lone Machinist podcast. AJ shares his upcoming plans for shop tours on the East Coast and discusses the recent influx of RFQs for his company, Subtract Manufacturing, while Har...

In the 139th episode of the Taps and Patience podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their current production workloads and challenges, particularly regarding tight timelines due to upcoming holidays and machine run times. They share insights on machine setup, production processes, and their experiences with automation, including Harrison's recent issues with his robot and the upgrade of his machini...

In the 138th episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison discuss updates from their manufacturing shops, including AJ's experience with a mouse in his workshop and his automation efforts with a 3D printer, while Harrison shares challenges in integrating a new robot system into his own operations. They also detail their experiences with various tools and technologies in machining, emphasizing...

In the 137th episode of "Taps and Patients," host AJ chats with Derek from Fidget Things and Harrison from Precision Ingenuity, discussing the growth and evolution of their businesses since Derek was last on the show two years ago. They delve into the challenges and advancements in their machining operations, particularly talking about new equipment, production processes, and the impact...

In the 136th episode of Taps and Patience, hosts AJ and Harrison, along with guest Ken from Flux Work Holding, discuss Ken's transition from Robertson Custom Creations to primarily focusing on Flux Work Holding, detailing the challenges and growth he experienced in refining his product line amidst changes in e-commerce and marketplace dynamics. Ken emphasizes the efficiency gains he achieved b...

In the 135th episode of "Taps and Patience" hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their current work challenges and successes, with AJ sharing insights on recent jobs including complex part machining and shop improvements, while Harrison updates on the setup of a new lathe machine. They also delve into various teaching methods for work coordinate systems, revealing the struggles AJ faces in help...

In episode 134 of the "Taps and Patience" podcast, AJ and Harrison chat about their experiences with work and machinery, including updates on Harrison's new machine and its complicated electrical setup. They discuss their ongoing workload, productivity improvements, and the exciting potential for new automation technologies in their businesses. AJ shares that he's had a record mo...

In the 133rd episode of the Taps and Patients podcast, hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their hectic October work schedules, including details about Harrison's new machine which is awaiting a transformer and power upgrade to become operational. AJ shares a challenging experience with part manufacturing and shipping issues that led to broken tools and costly shipping problems, emphasizing the need for...

n Episode 132 of the Taps and Patience podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss Harrison's new lathe, a DN Solutions Lynx 2100 LSYB, its specifications, features, and the expected learning curve associated with it. They also touch upon challenges faced in machining, such as warping of materials and improving operational efficiency, and discuss the importance of adapting workflows and systems to keep u...

In the 131st episode of Taps and Patience, hosts AJ and Harrison are joined by guest Ben, discussing their backgrounds in machining and the evolution of their respective businesses. Ben shares his journey from trade school to founding his shop, Prickly Pear Prototypes, which focuses primarily on ITAR work for defense startups and research labs. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies...

In the 130th episode of "Taps and Patience," hosts AJ and Harrison discuss various topics including AJ's broken microphone, their experiences at Fabtech, and AJ's busy week preparing parts for shipment and participating in a meetup. They also delve into Harrison's recent work fabricating medical parts, challenges with quality control using CMM, and the nuances of using differ...

In the latest episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison discuss changes in their work environments, sharing struggles with specific machining challenges, including issues with tool setups and material warping. AJ reflects on his experiences with his recent projects, such as teaching classes and upcoming Mastercam training, while Harrison talks about the complexities of managing a young company...

In the 128th episode of "Taps and Patience," AJ and Harrison discuss their recent challenges in machining, particularly AJ's struggles with warping large parts and Harrison's updates on family matters and new projects, including the use of a CMM for medical parts. They dive into details about their respective experiences with different machining tools and the importance of safety...

In the 127th episode of Taps and Patience, hosts AJ and Harrison discuss a variety of topics, including new machinery at Harrison's shop, upcoming automation solutions, and the status of production orders. They also touch on the challenges of teaching and the evolution of AJ's teaching style to better accommodate students of varying speeds and skill levels. The conversation shifts to book...

In the 126th episode of "Taps and Patience," AJ from Subtract Manufacturing and Harrison from Precision Ingenuity discuss their current work and projects. AJ shares updates about Subtract becoming an LLC and working on software improvements for better customer experience, while also detailing challenges with manufacturing acrylic cylinders. Harrison updates on a new CMM installation, the...

In episode 125 of the "Taps and Patience" podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their recent activities, including AJ's busy teaching week and Harrison's experience dealing with challenging machining jobs. They share insights about manufacturing processes, tool setup, and the learning experiences of their employees when transitioning between different CNC machine brands like Haas and...

In the 124th episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison discuss their recent experiences, including Harrison's travels to Canada and their absence from recording new content. They also reflect on challenges faced in manufacturing, such as tooling issues and the importance of business transformation while addressing employee training and productivity. Additionally, they delve into the nuance...

In the latest episode of "Taps to Patients," AJ and Harrison discuss their recent experiences, including Harrison's two-week vacation to Canada and family visits in Michigan, which included attending a funeral. AJ shares updates on Subtract Manufacturing’s new inspection process aimed at preventing defects rather than just catching them, which they believe will streamline quality ass...

In the 122nd episode of the Taps Patients podcast, AJ and Jacob discuss their current projects, including a big production job and the challenges they face in teaching and manufacturing. AJ shares his experience of purchasing a used Prius in hopes of saving on fuel costs for his commute but has encountered issues with the car that might make it less convenient than expected. The hosts also reflect...

In the 121st episode of Taps and Patients, AJ, Jacob, and Justin from Toolpath discuss the usage and features of Toolpath software, emphasizing its role in CAM automation and quoting processes. They address various user experiences, the development of tool libraries, and the challenges associated with implementing new features and improving usability. Additionally, Justin shares insights on the so...

In the latest episode of "Taps and Patients," AJ and Jacob discuss various topics related to their machining and teaching experiences, including the challenges of standardizing tool setups in their shops and the importance of critical thinking skills in education. They share insights on using tools and technologies, like instant online quoting systems, and the impact of artificial intelligence on...

In the 119th episode of the Taps Patients podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss their experiences managing a manufacturing shop, focusing on how hiring employees has alleviated some of their mental load while allowing them to focus on improvements and processes. They share insights on the importance of correctly training employees to minimize errors and maintain efficiency, illustrating their points wi...

In the 118th episode of Taps and Patients, hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their recent experiences, including Harrison's kayaking adventure where he and his wife lost and recovered her phone, and AJ's uneventful week spent in a shop with apprentices. The conversation shifts to machining topics, touching on the challenges of training new employees, and the importance of teaching foundational skills...