Business of Machining

Saunders and Grimsmo delve into entrepreneurial insecurity, how it impacts them, and ways to keep it in check. Now that the crazy month of January has passed, Grimsmo and his team are getting back into the swing of production. The Mori is up and running but there was a minor problem that caused them to scrap four knife handles. While it's not a huge deal, sometimes we forget about easy ways to isolate risk. Speaking of scrapping parts, the guys discuss ways to proof code and machine operations including the Haas dead man's switch, and safe mode. Coolant Plans Grimsmo and Saunders share plans and ideas for coolant to machine delivery. Since the majority of coolant mix is water, it makes the most sense to avoid having to transport it to each machine. A Different Type of Sustainability - Simple Solutions That Last If you're a business owner, it's time to be ruthlessly honest about decisions and plans. Are these things going to work long term? Are these solutions able to be scaled? I've a KERN-FESSION to make Grimsmo turns on the KERN for the first time and ends up with something he didn't expect... Learning Curve With more training for the KERN and CAMplete on the docket, there's still another issue that training can't solve: deciding what to machine first! Should it be a test part, a part needed for knives, or should he revisit a part that brings his story full circle? Did you say DATRON? Saunders announces some exiting news about a new partnership between Datron and ProvenCut! They Must Have Heard Me! Have you ever wished something existed only for it to suddenly appear? Saunders is amused and happy that Maritool came through with ER Hex Collets. NO TOOTHPICKS ALLOWED! A state-wide ban on toothpicks prompts Tom Lipton to create a machining challenge!  So, uh, does this mean we're outlaws now? Click Image For Tom Liptons IG Post ChipRag Newsletter This monthly newsletter will contain a section with challenges and upcoming collaboration projects so you never have to miss out!  Click Image Below To Subscribe

This week John & John talk all about "The best decision is the one that will increase the customer's trust". They raise a great discussion about making decisions while being in the public eye and trying to make sure everyone is happy. We also do a deep dive into the new Grimsmo HQ. They talk all about leveling machines, measuring tools and mastering precision. You can find the book we reference here. John Saunders also plays a slight prank on Grimsmo once he un boxes his new Kern! 

Plugged Into The Pipeline Having a brain trust is valuable to your business and personal growth. Whether it's social media, family, friends, a mentor, or a business/entrepreneurship group, the benefits are innumerable. Entrepreneurship bears a shocking resemblance to parenting, especially when it comes to receiving unsolicited advice. Your Win = Crap Shoot? Saunders shares memo that brings a new perspective to evaluating decisions. Although it's easy to think a good result is from your skill and intellect, you might be surprised to find that it's more like rolling the dice. Read Howard Marks Memo  NYC CNC Chip Rag Stay updated with the shop, shop tours, upcoming events, and other important developments in the manufacturing industry by signing up for the free NYC CNC Newsletter!   Click Image for Full Post WHAT A BEAUT. All the machines are in the new Grimsmo Knives shop and it looks incredible! With a loaner grocery box truck, the team will be able to finish moving the remaining items. Watch New Shop Progress Video WATER, COOLANT, & AIR Grimsmo and Saunders talk details about water, coolant, and ways to make supplying coolant/water to the machines more efficient. BIG BADA BOOM AT SMW An air line disconnects and whiplashes wildly against the adjacent wall, scaring the crap out of everyone. Saunders shares the story on WhatsApp and Rob Lockwood has an easy solution---almost too easy. Let's just say that the Air Fuses are on order....and maybe a few new pairs of pants.  

John & John have a crazy busy week ahead. Saunders' dives into great detail about his first lathe sub spindle transfer. They both go into great detail about process and the fine tuning that goes into something like switching parts on a lathe. John Grimsmo goes over the plan for moving into the new shop next week! This includes getting the Kern that comes on Monday! Both Johns also touch on switching between the technician, manager and owner as the company grows. They both have great knowledge to share in regards to scaling your own personal growth alongside the company that you run! They reference a book called "Extreme Ownership" By Jocko Willink.

Less than a week into 2020, Grimsmo's new shop is ready to be outfitted with epoxied floors, water, electric, and air in the coming days and weeks. The floors have been shot blasted and the repairman is on his way to fix the heater. With the new shop being a 1-minute walk from the current one, it couldn't be more convenient. Excuse me, did you say, "Shot Blasted?" Now I know why it's called The E-Myth REVISITED... This book repeatedly floats to the top as one of the most valuable resources for entrepreneurs. If it's not enough to hear it from both Johns, Curt Richardson, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Visionary Officer of Otter Products, LLC, mentions it in this "How I Built This with Guy Raz" podcast episode.  Get A Copy of The E-Myth Revisited A JaRrINg Entrepreneurial Perspective When grinding and bootstrapping from the bottom to the top is all you've known, learning about a different approach can be difficult to grasp. How we view risk VS reward and whether or not we're motivated intrinsically or extrinsically greatly determines the shape of the business. PERMABEARS. Don't Be One. Against the backdrop of the economy, entrepreneurs who acquire large loans and hire out the positions take on more risk; thus, they generally reap more reward. That being said, while it's good not to be a "permabear," ignoring the possibility of economic decline isn't exactly smart either. GRIMSMO GRINS During a supply issue, Grimsmo realizes he's fallen back to an old trusty behavior pattern. He's going to push himself to give more responsibility to the awesome team behind him! Inventory | A Balancing Act In the process of re-configuring inventory racks for raw material, Saunders is reminded of two things: 1) Jay Pierson's lean approach and 2) The Glock Factory that stores up to two years worth of raw material. While discussing the supply of material, the conversation takes a dark but realistic turn towards history. Humdinger Tool Life Report & Patience A company hires ProvenCut to test tool life and when the detailed report is sent back to them, there is no response. When you don't hear back right away, that can make you question everything.... Grimsmo highlights that ProvenCut isn't just about finding an exact recipe. It helps identify ideal speeds and feeds ranges! When it comes to Swiss machines and using oil instead of coolant, Grimsmo's concern with tool life/babying tools has increased greatly--especially after @eoscases Citizen machine caught fire. Click the image below for video. Haas ST-20Y Saunders discusses reasons for the Haas lathe purchase. When it comes to the product, is it really turning out?

Happy new year everyone! This week John & John talk machines, promises and expectations. Grimsmo Knives gets the keys to their new shop and the new Kern landed in Canada. This then sparked the conversation about the planning process with rigging new machines and the move in general. John Saunders all about "The Prepared" by Spencer Wright, which is a newsletter for "people working on real problems in the physical world". Click HERE to check it out! Saunders' also makes a list of some of his 2020 goals. The boys talk about struggling to drill titanium.

Merry Chipsmas and Happy New Year! 2020 is just around the corner and so are the Eumachs, the KERN, and the new shop! With a ton of micro-tasks that make up the larger task of changing locations, Grimsmo goes into tactical mode rather than focusing on the philosophical, big-picture of GK. Saunders notices an obvious but admirable difference between himself and his Canadian counterpart. Despite the multitude of details that need ironing in the coming days, Grimsmo appears to have a calm and collected disposition. Grimsmo admits to worrying more than he lets on but it pays to have a centered vibe whether or not he feels that way internally. "I need warriors, not worriers," he declares. What seems like a survival tactic for high stress situations results in setting the tone for how his team perceives and reacts to challenge and change. FREE Phil Butterworth Autodesk University Class | Machining Complicated Parts Quickly Did you know cnc lathe love has 30 Haaspowers? The ST-20Y has been a phenomenal addition to SMW and John sings the praises of the automatic tool presetter but there a few other itty bitty sticking points. 1. An internal slot left of the chuck can trap shorter pieces of stock 2. the parts catcher door's stingy opening distance When it comes to the parts catcher door...Grimsmo is UNSUBBING. After all, "That's what the sub-spindle is for!" WHO PARTED?! THEY DID. The Johns discuss methods, theories, and tooling for parting off. FANUC. FAST AF. The speed of the robot arm at SMW is enough to make heads spin. Ready Robotics installed Forge; software that controls FANUC while making it easier for end users to program automation. Automation & Pushing Manufacturing Boundaries Back from the MetalQuest tour in Nebraska, Saunders starts to understand the importance of the automation flow chart. Speaking of pushing boundaries, he also JUST printed his first 3D part ever on the Prusa i3 MK3 3D printer. Grimsmo discusses the Erowa, tombstones, pallets, and vises. 3D Printer Misconceptions After their introduction to the consumer market, they still haven't garnered support of the masses. Grimsmo suggests that instead of showing their full capabilities, marketing tends to show the printer printing cheap/useless products. Want an unconventional, awesome, entrepreneurial movie? Temple Grandin YES, DISSASEMBLE. NOW. Sometimes you want to punch a hole through your 11-year old TV--especially when it's possessed. However, this became a father-son bonding/learning experience. By giving William a screwdriver and allowing him to experience the joys of disassembling electronics, it instills curiosity and fascination. Saunders and Grimsmo reminisce about disassembling electronics.  End of the Year Challenge: Think about 2020. Not in terms of tasks but ethos. What do you want your business to be? Please don't forget to send audio clips to us. We want to feature you! Happy Holidays, friends! We wish you and your families the best. Thanks for listening!   

This week both John's talk about the million dollar Kern Microtechnik coming to the Grimsmo shop! Both John's also touch on the Christmas holiday coming up and about being a parent! Saunders touches on past issues about having machines delivered to his shop and the entire process of getting new equipment. We talk in depth about learning advanced lathe work, things like Fusion 360, tool paths and when to stop trying to hard. Things reference in this weeks podcast are listed below: BlueDriver LSB2 Bluetooth scan tool: https://amzn.to/34vxX0x   John Saunders Video on 5-Axis machining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppIH0CHw0_s  

The guys muse about their leadership role and how seriously they take it. In order to be a better leader, you have to be willing to admit when things aren't going well--and that's not easy. Tasks and Tiffs! Grimsmo shares current sticking points in the shop: sharing responsibility and co-worker conflicts. Incrementally, he's delegating more tasks. When it comes to conflict, he finds it easy to understand and validate both sides...which sounds good on paper BUT it's NOT! Grimsmo and Saunders talk about the importance of a superordinate goal - the goal that has to be more important than the personal issues that present themselves.  24 Hour Airport Test SMW is still searching for the right person to be part of the team. It helps to ask yourself, "Could I stand being stuck in an airport for 24 hours with this person?" Perplexing Why is inventory at Sandvik kept SO low? No minimum quantities + long lead times don't make sense! Haas ST-20Y in Action An aluminum chess pawn is the first part made on the lathe! With the probe arm calibrated, tool offsets dialed in, and spot on tolerances, it's time to move on to the next part. PARTS CATCHER, YOU HAD ONE JOB. The upside down Cybertruck sends the part into the chip conveyor. Saunders and Grimsmo discuss different types of parts catchers and their preferences. If you're thinking you should make your own spindle liners, think again. Don't pull a Grimsmo. Go to Trusty-Cook and buy them instead! Grimsmo's going to be waiting at the door of his new shop on January 1st--come hell or high water. With the layout determined, he plans to meet with some epoxy vendors. The electrician and plumber are booked but have you thought about running air, though? Saunders shares some great lessons he's learned the hard way when it comes to moving into a new shop. First 5-Axis CNC machining class was a success! 6 students each ran their own code and ended up with an awesome engine block!      

This week John & John talk about firing vendors and turning failure into a victory, and money can buy you options but not happiness. John G also confirms that the lease on the new building is confirmed and they are now in the planning stage. John S talks setting up his new Haas Lathe to run a new part.

Welcome to the Business of Machining Podca---I mean, Business of Machining PRIVATE conversation. What were things like for Grimsmo and Saunders pre Lockwood button? Saunders remembers a lot more daily struggles, precarious situations, lack of confidence, and FEAR. Have things really changed? Perfectionism = Double-Edged Knife A driving force for achieving excellence, perfectionism comes at a high price. Could learning to be content in the moment be the key? Atypical but Awesome AutoDesk University Course Mark Terryberry from Haas gives a history lesson about how machinists have evolved over time. AutoDesk makes their courses available for FREE online but you kinda hafta dig to find them--or at least you used to. The courses will be easy to access HERE on the NYC CNC page.    ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SPEEDS, FEEDS AND TOOLING? Saunders is formally looking for a full time machinist for ProvenCut! If you're interested, send an email to [email protected]. Giving Responsibility Away: Why is it so hard? Grimsmo's been giving more and more responsibility to his team but still handles the majority of programming. He explores his beliefs about experience level and how it affects his willingness to let go. Programming CAM | An Artform Nuances in personal style, mentality, and experience all contribute to how we program parts. Saunders discusses the benefits of giving the responsibility to an employee. Area 419 Tour: A great story of embracing lean, delegating responsibilities, and organic small business growth (Coming Soon) Tight Tolerance Tornos Stop pins on the Nak were annoying but on the Swiss, they are a dream! Cycle time decreased from 45 to 25 seconds AND they have noticeably more shine. Moving & Why You NEED to try 3D printing Your Shop With tiny, baby machines in hand, Grimsmo's getting ready to plan the new shop layout.  Check out This Video For More Info! Dinner and a Flick Grimsmo and his team head out to see Ford VS Ferrari. It sounds like a fun night out but there's more to it. Call it whatever you want but we don't have to put a label on this team building exercise. Haas ST-20Y Gearing Up SMW eagerly awaits the arrival of the Royal Acculength Collet Chuck and the final live tool holder. Capto tooling is installed and Saunders is excited to start making parts!  

This week both John's talk about how John Grimsmo crashed his swiss lathe. John Saunders talks about his class called "Growing Into 5 Axis at Autodesk University". They also touch on rigging and moving CNC equipment and a new tool management system that Saunders' created!

Entrepreneurial visions are known for being lofty, clearly defined, fixed ideas backed by extreme conviction. The truth is, visions evolve. Where you are now was probably an inconceivable thought back then. If you're thinking of becoming a manufacturing entrepreneur but don't know where to start, the guys have one simple piece of advice that can be the driving force for your business! Establishing Company Culture - Organic or Intentional? The Johns discuss the ideas behind creating a culture of excellence. How New Employees Can Add Value Seek out and embrace opportunities! This isn't just about what's in it for you; it's also about the value you can offer. "In order to have a growing and fulfilling career, you can't just make decisions. You need to make decisions with opinions." Honesty & Transparency - What Are You Hiding? When Grimsmo brings up a side project, he brings the core of the podcast to the forefront. The guys aren't just there to pump each other up. It's about being honest, even when it's not easy. Strap in for this heavy dose of truth. Working Capital Big Check Cashed Late + High Number of Receivables = Not Good. Time wasted tracking down dollars and receiving ridiculous excuses leaves Saunders frustrated. Now, he's calling out the biggest offenders and it's NOT who you think! Net 30, Net 60, Net 90 Do you negotiate discounts with vendors for early payment? If not, it might be a good idea to start! DON'T FORGET!

This week we talk about new shops and the sometimes ugly process behind it. Also John Saunders finally gets a lathe! Other topics discussed this week are the beginning of their careers in the early YouTube days. Finally getting a part made right just feels so good! John Grimsmo talks about the Saga pen being in full effect. Saunders' Fanuc Robodrill is rocking hard, it is making him re-think the robot arm.    

ATTENTION: CALLING ALL PARKING LOT CIRCLERS! We want to feature YOU! If you're a Business of Machining podcast listener, send us an audio clip so we can add it to future episodes! Make sure to listen to this episode for further details! What's Up in Saundersland? John returns from Spectre EDM in Blue Ash, Ohio. "Good EDM Shops never cut corners (pun intended)." If you have any burning questions about EDM, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming tour video on YouTube! The comment section will be open to Q&A! Tool Life Problem Resurfaces at GK Back in episode 136, Grimsmo's 1/8" ball end mills were snapping at the collet nut. Custom tooling with a more rigid shank was working perfectly (at first). Grimsmo's making some toolpath tweaks and Saunders suggests that the issue might even be coolant related. Speaking of Coolant, What's in YOURS? Saunders gears up to release a video about H2O. The layman's version will show different ways to test and monitor water quality, clear up confusion surrounding initial fills, tap water versus pure water, subsequent top offs, and more. Saying Goodbye is Hard! Erin is leaving Grimsmo Knives for bigger and better things and we're all going to miss her! She's got a lot of exciting freelance work lined up and she's heading back to Africa! In her place, GK welcomes Fraser Cuviello to the team. Saunders agrees to trade the coolant video for a Grimsmo Knives video featuring Fraser's savvy skills. Click the Image Below! Machine Shop Stuff Goes Awry: Red Lights, Running Out of Air, and the Ontario Burn - Parts Catcher Arduino bites the dust - Maker's Choice Google Script Breaks - Saunders walks on ERP system - Running out of air

What would Scott Harms do? We all have people we look up to, and take cues from in our lives. For Saunders, of course, that person is a machinist. Saunders got to TOUR of MetalQuest in Hebron, Nebraska, so keep an eye out for that on his youtube channel Teaser: This guy is positive AND realistic! It’s a story of slow growth, but it’s very relatable as an entrepreneur.  GOOD VIBES Even though Saunders was only at MetalQuest for the day, he got some real mellow vibes from Scott and the employees. Saunders and John talk about what makes a good work environment.  PLUS the company has their own ERP system! So processes are smmmooootthhh ERP = Enterprise Resource Planning. An ERP system is “a modular software system designed to integrate the main functional areas of an organization's business processes into a unified system” - Reference Aka. Lots of things are AUTOMATIC GOOD PROCESSES So, basically all you need is robots. Grimsmo and Saunders talk about how they’re improving their own processes lately (hint: drilling concrete is involved). But remember, money spent one place, can’t be spent somewhere else.  GOOD INVESTMENTS Real-estate and machines are top of mind for Grimsmo and Saunders, and the Grimsmo Team has FINALLY found a new shop and is SCALING-UP! The two Johns talk real-estate advice, and how to negotiate when leasing a new building. You can often talk to the landlord to improve a space in general if the improvement adds value to the property.  “You can often negotiate a tenant allowance” - Saunders  “If your broker isn’t totally comfortable talking about this, you need to find a new broker” - Saunders  Goodbye Erin, it was nice! Hope you find your paradiiseee  Erin leaves the Grimsmo shop to go to Africa and throw herself into freelancing. Fraser is the latest addition to the Grimsmo team!  Keep an eye out for the RJ Cylinder Shop Tour on Saunders’ Channel 

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Finding a space that fits your business but still allows room for growth can be tricky. The mammoth 26,000 sg ft building turns out to be a bust for Grimsmo. However, he's found THE ONE and it's PERFECT--as long as the concrete's deep enough (more on that later). You don't know what you don't know. Signing leases might seem casual and straightforward especially if you've personally rented an apartment or house. However, there are lease options you aren't aware of that can come back to haunt you. Check out this basic rental agreement overview to make sure you're on the right track! GET ON THE FLOOR! Once you've found a great place for your manufacturing business, you gotta check the floors. In the midst of signing paperwork, you might forget how important the thickness of the foundation or substrate is! Some machines require a certain thickness to guarantee a level of rigidity while others may not. FINDING EMPLOYEES Grimsmo and Saunders share their experiences with hiring employees. They discuss the importance of finding candidates who share the same passion, work ethic, eagerness to learn, and what should be done if the "fit" isn't right. BATCH WORK VS ONE-PIECE FLOW Grimsmo's honked off at the workflow for the SAGA pens. He's been batching parts up to this point but would prefer the one-piece flow like the knives. Saunders and Grimsmo discuss potential solutions that include staggering production and dedicated machines.

Taking it to the NEXT LEVEL  Should The Business of Machining be more than a conversation between machinist/entrepreneur buddies? Saunders and Grimsmo discuss what makes BOM stand out among podcasts, and how to be more clear in their intentions for the podcast.   Who can you trust?? To answer to your question “Be careful in this day and age because anybody will answer your question” - Quote Saunders liked In a world of opinions, decide in advance whose opinion you trust. Target your questions to those who can best answer them.  Saunders’ Baby, ProvenCut, PARTNERS with Xometry Some Xometry products will go up on the ProvenCut website.  Lights OFF, camera, action!  Grimsmo does his first night of “lights off machining” on the Swiss Lathe, and realizes how much help a camera surveillance system would be to allow him to keep an eye on the machines when he’s not there. “I feel like I’m making the machines feel lonely when I turn all the lights off” - Saunders  The Power of a $10 End Mill Grimsmo and Saunders talk about spindles, tool life, and setting up a system to better understand when their tools are wearing out.  “My one [$10 - $20] end mill can do up to 500 parts!” - Grimsmo Some measuring equipment is better than others... “Woah, that’s an optical comparator on steroids!” - Grimsmo When to Customize your Website Saunders and Grimsmo talk about different features that web hosts provide, and the pros and cons to getting a custom website.  Other Topics in this Episode:  Balancing machine time to crank out parts for everything Saunders is going to check out the UMC 500 at a tool show this week Thanks for listening!  Saunders and Grimsmo discussed having more specific topics on BOM episodes, such as what to look for in a new hire. If you liked this episode, give us a review on your podcast app! We’d love to hear what you think.

SHUT IT DOWN FOR CMTS! Grimsmo and the gang are shutting down the shop and heading to CMTS to learn! Everyone has an eye out for things that could improve GK processes AND now that Grimsmo's in a 5-axis mindset, he's ready to absorb as much as possible. TIME SUCK/DISTRACTION? Although trade shows are fun and full of information, they can also steal time from your business. Attending a trade show can feel productive; however, it can also be a cleverly disguised distraction preventing more important, dreaded tasks from completion. Gearing Up for a Trade Show Visit? Click Here for some tips to make the most of your time there! THE PURGE Saunders gets Marie Condo Points for unloading the Bridgeport, which hasn't been used in over a year---except when Ed's using it as a Broachport. Making decisions to pare down can be difficult because we think our stuff is more valuable than it actually is. The good news is that determining ROI can help! DOMO ARIGATO, MR. ROBOTO (If you sang this, you get 5 bonus points) Ahhh, the FANUC Robodrill has arrived but it's lonely and J5 is sizing it up.A sub panel has to be added to feed the Robodrill and and another "evil" machine. Is it Big Plus? There are a few clues here and there but nothing definitive. Once the wiring is finished, the SMW team will determine the automated workflow for a new mod vise product! Ready Robotics - Possible Solution to FANUC woes? During a fireside entrepreneurial chat with FlexArm, they bring up a company based out of Columbus, Ohio (50 minutes from SMW). Turns out, they have an OS that lives on top of FANUC to control FANCUC and other robots. Does this mean that SMW won't have to learn FANUC? SHOP LAYOUT & RIGGERS Having 3D printed models of your machines DOES help immensely but they are also limited. After being presented with an abnormally large moving bill for the TM3-P and the UMC-750, SMW finds it valuable to have skates to avoid being at the complete mercy of the riggers. THE P.O. PLUNGE - Who are you and what have you done with JOHN!? Saunders signs the P.O. for the lathe (pretty sure the real John has been swapped with a lathe-loving cloned version). He even ENJOYED making a part on the Slant Pro recently.... Since the Robodrill needs to be bolted down, he decides to wait until the lathe and bar feeder arrive before determining its semi-permanent placement. Not only does SMW have plans for a few new products for this machine, they also plan to add turning recipes to ProvenCut! YES OR NO? Grimsmo finally speaks to the elusive guy he's been texting for the last 3 months about the 26,000 sq ft shop.

Buckle up for this EPIC episode of BOM! Saunders and Grimsmo both have a LOT to talk about as Grimsmo bargains for the shop of his dreams, and Saunders takes on multiple projects that each have BIG implications and potential.  Behind the GrimsBRO scenes  When it comes down to it, Grimsmo Knives was started by two brothers, and they continue to make big business decisions together. Grimsmo shared a chat on his Insta story (@johngrimsmoknives) between him and Erik, and it left people guessing.   BUT Grimsmo KNOWS what he wants.  After visiting his dream shop a couple days ago, he says:  “[The shop] is different than what I expected, but it’s also everything I expected. Price wise, it works” - Grimsmo NYC CNC 5-Axis Machining Class FINALIZED Saunders finalized his first 5-axis machine training class! The ROBODRILL is rigged up and ready, are you? 3/6 slots are already sold out, so reserve your slot ASAP   2 Day Class (Dates): Dec 5 - 6, 2019  Price: $1750 Hey girl, you wanna Netflix n’ LEARN?? Both Johns recommend the Netflix documentary on Bill Gates.  What is YOUR definition of success? Highlight: Everyone has a different definition of it, and yours shouldn’t be defined by someone else’s parameters for your life.  “Work and family are really the only two things I care about in the world” - Grimsmo  Saunders and Grimsmo discuss what success means, and what role happiness plays in the equation.  Book recommendation:  Delivering Happiness By Tony Hsieh Also discussed in this episode:  Google ads campaign for fixture plates. What social media platform is best for your business to advertise on? Check out Grimsmo’s video on cleaning out the Mori Mill  Saunders visit with QualiChem, and a discussion of different coolants and filtering methods (Water matters!) Cleaning parts with an Ultrasonic Cleaner, and which one to buy  Saunders admits that he’s warming up to lathes. Proof: “I have a fanuc in the shop, and I like lathes” - Saunders. Will BOM ever be the same again??

#INSTAMACHINIST WARM FUZZIES & GERMAN CHILL A simple, offhanded comment in episode 134 generates a heart-warming response from the machining community. Click Image Below to Check Out Original Post from Ignite Digi     Operation StickerBomb = Success! At first, Kern Microtechnik isn't about that sticker bomb life but when they realize that people aren't defacing property, they fully embrace it! Who doesn't love a high-precision company that can kick back while in the throws of a haughty, sophisticated event like EMO?? We ALL do. By engaging with the community, they're fast becoming the holy grail of machining no longer hidden! With Great Machines Comes Great Responsibility The final signature on Kern paperwork at the kitchen table brings about entrepreneurship topics that have no time for subtlety. Grimsmo and Saunders get deep into the cavernous issues surrounding determining a presence, focusing on value for the community, profitable companies getting the side eye, and a major caveat to leadership: no one is holding your nose to the grind stone. "As difficult as this is, I've grown into it and I'm enjoying the challenge. " - Grimsmo Stay tuned for the RETURN of Chip Break! Saunders has a video in queue about the top 10 business success tips that he swears by. The list might be old and crusty...but the points are things you may have never considered! Leap into Automation Unfortunately, a local college doesn't quite have the infrastructure to cultivate a thriving robotics program, which means SMW ends up purchasing the first piece of their automation puzzle: a FANUC Robo Drill with a Robotic Arm & Vision System. Once Saunders is finished crying into his Space Mouse, the plan is to dive in head first and figure out how to implement the robotic arm into production for the new mod vise system! How to Send a Machine Abroad Step 1. Call CSA Step 2. Insert Maple Syrup into Elelectonics Enclosure? Step 3. Hope that's enough to smooth things over... Sounds like a legit plan! You CAMplete me. Moving the body really gets the blood flowing--to your head, that is! During a morning workout routine, Grimsmo is struck by the realization that he might have miscalculated and purchased tooling that won't be able to reach! "I need CAMplete like....NOW." ProvenCut to the Rescue 1/8" ball end mills are snapping at the collet nut, so CAMplete whips up some specialized tooling with a more rigid shank to save the day. While that's a good short-term solution, but is the issue REALLY shank rigidity? The Johns dive into deeper questions about tool pressure, number of flutes, axial doc, and coolant. The Johns turn to ProvenCut to double check a recipe and compare notes in Fusion 360 to get to the root cause. If you don't already, consider following ProvenCut's Instagram!  Click Image Below     

Do you even lathe, bro? “I LOVE LATHES!” - Not who you’d expect As Saunders gets deeper into research for his potential lathe, he plays 20 (000) questions with Grimsmo. If you’re thinking about buying a lathe yourself, or you just need some basic lathe tips, this is the episode for YOU!  Get your notebook out, and let’s get started!  Quick tips:  “Get what you know you’ll need, and just buy more stuff later” - Grimsmo “This is like getting an HD TV when you’ve been reading and brailing your whole life” - Saunders “Stabilizing your tool can improve your finish” - Saunders  THE CONTEST CONTINUES Submission Deadline: Tuesday September 17th, 2019. Winner announced on September 20th Episode! Grimsmo and Saunders are now both using the project Saunders created: Proven Cut ("We break tools, so you don't have to!") Meet up with Saunders on Oct 9th!  If you're in the mid-west, come check out the Haas event on October 9th. Pssst, they'll have a UMC 500!  Haas Training in the Midwest

LET'S DO THIS THANG. If you're a parking lot circler, share the podcast for a chance to WIN!   Submission Deadline: Tuesday September 17th, 2019. Winner announced on September 20th Episode!   Hints of an upcoming lathe purchase have been gracing these podcast episodes for some time. Saunders asks Grimsmo for advice on the right number of radial and axial live tool holders AND which machine features to purchase or skip to maximize utility. Holding tight to visions of automation, they discuss benefits and drawbacks of CAPTO holders, bar feeders, and palletization. European Manufacturing Philosophy - Investing without Hesitation? Visiting machine shops isn't just about the cool machines and parts. Company values, cultures, and philosophies make themselves known. Saunders reflects on his tour of 3D Tech Draw and one striking observation spanning factories in Europe; namely the lack of hesitation to make long term investments in tooling or automation. Watch 3D Tech Draw Tour | http://bit.ly/2m2On09 NEW MISSION If you're headed to EMO (the world's largest trade show) this year, you have an assignment: FIND GRIMSMO'S EROWA AND STICKER BOMB IT! STOP THINKING AND DO IT! Our minds love to make up unrealistic emotions about the items on our to-do lists. Often, DOING the task is rarely as bad as THINKING about it. Speaking of to-do lists, could a deliberately drawn, small box beside the task lead us to be more deliberate and methodical? Self Imposed Deadlines - You're NOT REAL, MAN! Deadlines are a necessary part of being a business owner. The question is: How can you create deadlines that you believe in, that give you the same sense of urgency and dedication that an outside force of accountability can produce? ERP TIME Saunders makes the mental decision to move forward on implementing ERP. He continues to gather information, specific needs, and arrange meetings with end users to determine which system will work best for SMW.    

In this episode: NEW IDEAS:  “It’s amazing what can happen when you Palletize your life!” - Saunders Grimsmo’s new love...The BUYER’S Choice System If you know about Grimsmo Knives, you know about their Maker’s Choice system. This is the way they’ve been selling their knives for YEARS. The title of the Buyer’s Choice System says it all; if your name is picked, you can order a knife specific to your ideal Norseman. Check out the Grimsmo Knives website, and Grimsmo’s Instagram account for more details and to sign up.  “It’s the merger of the digital and physical world that’s so intriguing to me!” - Saunders The DIGITAL Side of the Business Saunders and Grimsmo talk ERP systems such as Airtable, ProShop and...Google Sheets?? Learn what you can do with an ERP system, what the benefits are, and when to scrap yours if it’s not working for your company.  “We love google sheets. Our business runs on google sheets” - Grimsmo  ‘Nobody should have to count inventory“ - Grimsmo Bonus tip: Get a scale for your parts Does EVERYONE need a custom system? Grimsmo and Saunders discuss if it’s possible to have a system that’s customizable to everyone’s needs. In this day and age, your business runs online.  Saunders’s Flipped the Switch on his NEW project PROVEN CUT!  “We break tools so you don’t have to” - Project Slogan   Learn about what “recipes” you can use with this service

Settling In Nicely Anyone remember what it felt like to push that clunky snooze button on an LED Panasonic alarm clock? The Grimsmo family is settled comfortably in their new home--so much so that John has no recollection of his alarm or swiping the snooze. Double Time Reality Although Grimsmo's slowly inching toward handing off more responsibility within his company, this week it's double duty. Swiss Switch After machining an emergency collet on the Swiss FOR the Swiss, Grimsmo gets midway through part setup only to realize inventory is lower for a different part. Upon hearing that the information was calculated by handy Excel spreadsheets rather than the ERP system, Saunders warns about the dangers of divergent systems. Orange Nuggets Saunders admits that right now, SMW doesn't have a good inventory tracking system in place. Kanban cards are proving to be tricky with the varying sizes of fixture plates BUT 3D printed orange nuggets...now that's an idea! While it might seem too simple or even lazy, isn't that exactly how efficiency is born? What do wool shoes have to do with machining metal? EVERYTHING. It doesn't matter what you sell, valuable lessons can be learned from ALL types of businesses. What IS important is being able to apply those lessons so your business can benefit. Expanding Horizons Join in as the Johns discuss points from their current reading material that hit home! Check out the article on NYC CNC for more awesome points from The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing! Recommended Reading for Manufacturing Machinists: The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing Good to Great by Jim Collins

Work/Life Balance Saunders had a great time at Autodesk Fusion 360! Now it’s onto the Field Museum in Chicago with his family.   “Your business and personal life has to go hand in hand!” - Grimsmo  Grimsmo moved into the new house over the weekend, and it already feels like home.  When can an entrepreneur start to give themselves a salary? Saunders talks about putting your profits back into the business in order to guarantee success, but at a certain point everyone needs to pay themselves. And there can be practical tax and insurance benefits to having a regular salary too. Saunders and Grimsmo talk about this, and what it means to borrow money from your business.  Start by asking, “what would your business do if you needed to borrow money?” This question can help you define where the value of your business lies, and help you make better decisions when it comes to purchasing decisions.  “Don’t buy sh** that depreciates” - Saunders “Lifestyle businesses” Saunders encourages Grimsmo to take the next step with his business, and hand the reins to the employees of the company.    Text and Email are SO last decade.  Make the recipient of your message fall of their seat: send them a video response to their query.  Saunders uses https://screencast-o-matic.com/ to do this.    Other topics in this episode:  When to help people Automation and systems in place to make it happen 

Portland, Oregon. Autodesk Fusion 360 Academy Day 2. Sans the glitz, glam, and exuberance of Autodesk University Las Vegas, the close-nit vibe and Fusion focused course material makes for an amazing time. Saunders shares an AWESOME Fusion 360 hack from Rob Lockwood's 5-Axis Fixturing Course. IT'S A SMALL WORLD During the event, Saunders has dinner with Don Grant from Helical/HarveyTool, the same person Grimsmo met at Autodesk Toronto in July. Turns out, Don had a sweet solution for Grimsmo's 3/32 problem! TOOL MORTALITY...or IMMORTALITY (may be an exaggeration but...just go with it) During critical knife handle milling, 3/32 4-flute endmills were dying within 1 pallet, which means having to re-work each pallet (PAINFUL) BUT---the good news is the Helical 5-flute endmill coated for titanium has lasted through 17 PALLETS AND IS STILL GOING STRONG! NOT COOL, BRUH. AC gets repaired only to break down again two days later. Although the Nak LOVES the heat and is churning out uber-consistent parts...the lapping machine begs to differ! How's the TORNOS? An expensive coding mistake serves as reminder to quadruple check code AND make sure the post is smooth, refined, and operating without requiring manual manipulation. Home Sweet Home Grimsmo and FAM are moving into their first home! SHADOW PEOPLE The desire to see a day in the life of other shop owners has remained strong for Saunders, especially if he could do it in stealth mode. Everyone tends to change behavior slightly in the presence of company or a camera. Corncob, Triangles, & Toblerones The new tumbler that emerged from a trade deal has dividers. Erik tosses his SAGA into the corncob section to see how it holds up.

Our podcast name is DA’ BOM In other words, welcome back to the Business of Machining folks, where we talk about business, machining and in this case, budgets.  Grimsmo and Saunders dive into all those little bits of business advice you would never think to give to a new entrepreneur if asked. They talk best budgeting software, time management, shipping, and lots of seemingly mundane, but equally important, technicalities to running a business.  Look out for a Chip Break episode on the NYC CNC YouTube channel where Saunders covers the necessity of budgets, accounting, and how to motivate yourself to get. It. Done. DREAM BIG...no. BIGGER! Grimsmo has brought Grimsmo Knives to a place he didn’t even allow himself to imagine it could be 4 years ago.  “I just didn’t understand that it was possible” - Grimsmo The Johns discuss how big to dream in the beginning, and about the importance of small steps (like when Grimsmo anodized knife handles to get his foot in the door of the knife making world.  Growth happens.  “The fixture plate we made 18 months ago was great, and there was nothing wrong with it, but the one that we shipped today was better” - Saunders PERSONALITY QUIZ!  Are you a push or a pull person? How about BOTH?  Grimsmo and Saunders discuss the difference between these two types of people, and how you can be different ways in different situations.  It ain’t always breezy bein’... an inhabitant of Canada. This summer has been HOT, and the Grimsmo crew up north has especially been feeling the heat with the AC broken for the last two weeks of July. Next step: find a new shop.  Saunders makes a new product, which he calls his “Norseman”. AKA his MASTERPIECE! What is it you may ask? Well, this description is no place to find spoilers, so you’ll just have to listen to find out!

THE SCOOPS AHOY OF CNC MACHINING Grimsmo's KERN will be used as a positional 3-axis for knife making at first, meaning he doesn't need crazy tool or gauge lengths--at least until he decides to get fancy. IT'S A GRAVY SITUATION! EARTH TO SMW! Saunders and his team are back to Earth from visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., where Adam Savage, Andrew Barth, and Jen Schachter assembled the Apollo 11 Hatch Door Replica for Project Egress. 3D Pit Stop On the way back to Zanesville, SMW stopped at Xometry. Although they're primarily a software company, don't be fooled. They're all about lean manufacturing with some LEGIT 3D Printing machines. The next time you go to the break room and reach for a donut, it could be HP Polyjet tomfoolery. Smart People....Smart People Everywhere! At Autodesk Toronto, Grimsmo sees some familiar faces and picks some brains---smart brains. Nothing beats getting to hang out with a new Robo drill and The True Croatian Sensation. Haas releases their UMC-500! With a base price of $121,000, you can be sure that all the bells and whistles will give you an amazing machine for under $200,000. While Saunders generally sticks to his debt-free preference, his experience with the benefits of 5-Axis machining make him slightly lean the other way (as long as the circumstances make sense, of course). 10 Top Notch Things About KERN They can machine through a human hair but....the big question is: how do they set THAT up? If you think about it...chances are, you'll be able to figure it out. It's 5 O'Clock somewhere...Yates Precision to be exact! Jake's taking care of 5 O'Clock shadows safely by making safety razors. Click the Image Below to Check Them Out   ADVICE FOR A BETTER WORLD Do the best you can as much as you can. What would happen if you had to visibly put your name on every part? COOLANT SPILL. CHECK YO CANISTERS! A clear filter canisters from McMaster bites the dust and Grimsmo's not the only one! IF YOU HAVE THESE, MAKE SURE YOU REPLACE THEM!  

Hungry...for SUCCESS? If you wanna be an entrepreneur, you've gotta HUSTLE! And if you're in the manufacturing industry, you're also making parts. Grimsmo balances running the shop/being the boss, with learning the new machine.  On Grimsmo's decision to buy a Kern... “You’ve restored harmony” - Saunders It's not two lathes against one mill, now there will be an equal number of each.  Y aren't you working?! Grimsmo struggles with the Y-axis of his Swiss lathe.  “Every time I think I get it, there’s another little headache”  - Grimsmo WARM UP  “You have to get your mind into it. It takes time to warm up. You can’t just hop between modes” - Saunders  Saunders and Grimsmo talk about strategies to balance machine time with other priorities, like thinking deeply, and home-life.  A Saunders' tip: Voice notes bring you back to the way you were feeling when you took a note.  Tool Tracking Strategies Saunders is using AirTable Grimsmo is using ProShop and his 3D printer When to go BIG...and when to 3D print -1 chips Grimsmo and Saunders discuss when to come up with a cheap solution to a problem...even when there's already a tool-for-that out there.  Project Egress Saunders is off to DC for the unveiling of the previously secret project. Didn't make it to the Air and Space Museum on July 18th? Check out the project in this video.    

Apollo 11. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. 50th Anniversary. Adam Savage. Project Egress---need I say more!? SMW was given an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other makers and Adam Savage's team to make an Apollo 11 hatch door replica for the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. If you'd like to see the assembly of the door on July 18, 2019, click here for details! Click the Image Below For Video TOP OF THE LINE, END OF THE ROAD: KERN Still reeling from the arrival of the Tornos, Grimsmo makes a NEW MACHINE ANNOUNCEMENT! He shares his story about visiting Kern, why it's right machine and why it's the right time! Get in on the juicy details about the machine specs and options. Click Image Below to TOUR KERN! Lights Out Production on the NAK! Grimsmo comes in to find his Nakamura STILL churning out delrin bearing cages for the Norseman. Once Grimsmolocks finds a new shop, a bar feeder will soon follow--just think about the production possibilities! Slow Down For Lights Out? In the machining community, many talk about slowing down operations when the lights go out, but why? The Johns take their best guesses; process reliability, extended tool life? At this speculative stage, the benefits of slowing down are difficult to understand, especially when it comes to consistency. WHAT'S THE WORD FOR THAT? What we DO know is that when the toilet brush is closer....we're more likely to give the bowl a scrub. We've been there; excited about a project only to realize the tools needed aren't handy or there's a nagging, tedious task that must be completed before moving forward. It's not exactly laziness but this tangential mini-task sucks away joy and focus; resulting in either procrastination OR failure to complete the task at all. Saunders challenges the audience to come up with a word for this!

The Elements of a Machine Shop: Coffee, Coolant, Oil, and FIRE!  Swiss Lathe Update?  “I have both crashed it and set it on fire” - Grimsmo About the fire…it wasn’t THAT bad Folks from the manufacturer of Grimsmo’s Mist Collector reassure Grimsmo that the machine is usually completely fine after a small fire like that.  Regardless...GRIMSMO PARKING LOT TEST OF THE FLAMMABILITY OF OIL COMING SOON “You don’t want to talk about crashing your machine, but this is a safe place” - Grimsmo  Is a Swiss worth the risk?  Despite the fire, Grimsmo still thinks he might have been better off if he got the Swiss before his conventional lathe.  Breaking down the pros and cons to buying a Swiss before a conventional lathe “The swiss is a little more complicated” - Grimsmo  “But when has that ever stopped you” - Saunders Grimsmo moves onto the second part he’ll have made on his Swiss lathe: spacers for the knives How do I get started as a machine shop?  Saunders answers this question by differentiating between simply selling a product, and running a business.  “Think about how your work affects your customers!” - Saunders  Making your services more convenient, and improving customer service, pushes you PAST the competition.  “It’s easy to do, but it’s easier not to do. That’s why so many people don’t do it” - Grimsmo “If you have to have an excuse, that’s your problem. Not your customer’s problem” - Saunders Learn more about this topic in the book How to Win Friends and Influence People Saunders thanks the audience; his wife is doing great! And is even back to work!  Check out the NYC CNC Hermle video And it was ALL a dream You can be a machinist and a dreamer at the same time. You just might dream about different things. Saunders, for example, gets a killer deal at an auction on a machine!!...in his dream  In the DC area on July 18? Come to the Air and Space Museum! Saunders will be there hanging out and watching a demonstration. More details in this episode.

Apollo 11. PARTS. NASA. SMITHSONIAN. ADAM SAVAGE?? Breaking the Silence on Project Egress! This "Top Secret" mission is a collaborative, maker-inspired, project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Saunders shares his crazy story about what the project is, why it's so important, how it ties into his renewed passion for 5-axis machining, and why he's ready to get a "real" lathe! If you want to meet up and see the project, swing by the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 18th! Collet Bushing Drama Old Red, White, and Blue won't provide the proper sized thread, so he turns to the Swiss for an answer instead. Until the custom collet bushing arrives, the Tornos is a chucker lathe. Although there were some concerns about long stickout and tool deflection, surprisingly, the Tornos is STILL dead nuts!   Click Image Below to See Post Swiss Training Continues The Tornos has made over 500 parts so far! By making what is essentially a dowel pin, Grimsmo's learning how components of the machine work together. Also, his familiarity with FANUC control on the Nakamura comes in handy. Can I Get Your Digits? Instead of 4 digits, the Swiss has 5....meaning Grimsmo can move the machine in increments of ten millionths! THE PRICE IS RIGHT...BUT IS THAT ENOUGH? So you're in the market to buy a machine but before you do, there are considerations you may not have thought about! Check out Guide to Buying CNC Machines. Don't Judge an Endmill by its Coating! A while back, Saunders mentioned his preference for owning uncoated endmills to avoid having material-specific tools. In theory, this makes sense but Laurens steps in to set Saunders straight! Sure, the coating is something to consider but there are other characteristics such as the edge grind on the flutes and relief that are MUCH more important.

Easy as 1-2-3!  It's easy to commit to recording this podcast every week when you love it!  “This is one of my favorite things to do each week” - Saunders “This podcast is a safe space for us to brag OR complain” - Grimsmo Even after so many episodes, the podcast’s format remains the same: two buddies gush over machining, the challenges that come along with it, and running a business. The Swiss Lathe TURNS into a conventional lathe (for now) A fluke in the order for guide bushing delays the Swiss Lathe from being used to its full potential for almost a month.   Not to fear, it will still be making chips! Grimsmo explains how. Keep it clean.  With such a small space, Grimsmo is finding it hard to keep the shop clean and organized. Saunders and Grimsmo talk shop organization and maintenance.  Should YOU be worried about someone copying your idea for a product? Saunders and Grimsmo discuss this, how they’ve handled this question in the past, and how making the right call on this issue can help your business thrive. “I’ve never been worried about a copy because people are buying a brand from us” - Grimsmo Check out the book Blue Ocean Shift for further discussion of this topic. FEEDBACK “Don’t ask your friends and family for feedback!” - Saunders You want feedback from the context of the market in which your product will be sold.  Speeds and Feeds Saunders and his team gear up to launch their biggest project yet: redefining how the machining world consumes and learns speeds and feeds! Sign up to be notified about the beta launch HERE How to create a system that is beyond yourself and your personal calendar Having a business means involving your team in process changes, and system implementation. Saunders and Grimsmo brainstorm ideas on how to do this.  That’s SO metal, man. Discussion of different types of metal. Which metal works for your project?

YOU BETA NOT MISS THIS! Saunders and his team gear up to launch their biggest project yet: redefining how the machining world consumes and learns speeds and feeds! Sign up to be notified about the beta launch HERE! BladeShow Brain Blur Erik & Jo (pronounced Yo) drive the tail of the dragon on the way to the most important show of the year. Although booth decor might not be their forte, who needs a fancy booth when you go #fullgrimsmo? Still reeling from the deep conversations in the pit, the fun, the excitement, and the "in-person refreshers," Grimsmo returns with the warm fuzzies and deep gratitude. A few days later, he's clear, motivated, and ready to hit the ground running with ideas inspired by the show's synergistic effect. EMPTY YOUR POCKETS! What EDC items are in your pockets? Is it a knife, pen, flashlight, a tape measure--maybe that's only a Jimmy Diresta thing.... No matter what you carry, those items need to be tough! "I've been really wanting to take a SAGA and just kinda throw it down the road and see what happens."- Grimsmo in reference to testing the durability of his pens. Don't worry, if you ever suddenly get the urge to chuck your SAGA down the street, don't worry! Replacement parts will be available. TAKE A DUMP  Grimsmo was asked to do a full-on pocket dump at BladeShow! Find the video HERE on BEST DAMN EDC's Channel!  Not only are we talking about pants pockets, we're also talking about tool changer pockets. Although Grimsmo got a steal of a deal on used Eumach machines from Miltera, time will tell if it's going to be more money and hassle than it's worth. Sometimes you have to take a gamble! Despite knowing there's a chance that the Eumachs might might blow up in his face literally and financially, there'a also a chance that it could be AMAZING! GrimsGROW Knives It's definitely time to get a new shop but how can you get a jump on planning the layout if you haven't locked down a building yet? RASK ME ANYTHING YOU WANT! With the eventual return of the Rask, you know the Linda Wheel Saga must also return! The team is ahead on Norseman production thanks to Angelo and now they're using downtime to improve the process and sift through the nitty gritty details to get a proper GK blade finish.

Saunders pushes through the pain of a bowling injury. He's still tough enough to make parts on his new 5-axis machine! And there's SO MUCH to learn about it.  Saunders wants to work on the 6th side of a part with his 5-axis, and then eventually tab it off Let's start a tab.  Saunders gives some tips on how to tab off a part, and what he's learned since starting to play with his 5-axis. "Filing is not great, scotch brite wheels work but it’s not the best. The trick is just to get really good at tabbing" - Saunders QoftD: How are X and Y handled by the post? Learn more about this in Saunders' recent video ELIMINATE THE RISK OF TOUCHING YOUR TOOLS OFF Meanwhile, there should be a better way in Fusion to do tool orientation.  “I would absolutely consider a 2 or 300 tool machine now” - Saunders More and more Swissish everyday Grimsmo is getting the Swiss lathe all set up, and it's bringing the team closer together (quite literally) "The shop is TIGHT" - Grimsmo  “In the ideal shop you never have to say excuse me” - Angelo The Grimsmo shop is running out of floor space, but everyone is being a good sport and is excited about the new machine! More to come once Grimsmo translates the french manual that came with one of the components of the machine...or maybe he'll just get an English one.  Fun Fact: Grimsmo’s Swiss lathe was made in the Tornos factory in Taiwan. Up until that factory was planted, Tornos had really only been in Switzerland land and, after 150 years of being in the same location, the CEO says "It was SO nice to start from scratch!"  Prune the beautiful tree that is your machine shop. “A purge every once in a while is not enough, I want to be pruning the tree and regularly cleaning things out” - Saunders Swiss Lathe timeline Schedule application engineers for mid to late next week, which should coincide with tooling getting delivered Then make some chips!! Links mentioned in the podcast: The Digital Refractometer Proportional Mixer for Coolant and Soluble Oil Speeds and Feed Class with Saunders Also in this episode: Don't flood your shop, leave your car keys on the "off" switch Grimsmo moves the air compressor through his tight shop. "I should've done it a long time ago!" - Grimsmo Grimsmo buys a second coolant/oil drum, and Saunders buys his first one How rotary unions work  Grimsmo’s got blade show this weekend! Catch him and his team at booth 952.   

BE AWESOME: BE BETA! For over a year and a half, Saunders and his team have been pouring themselves into a new business venture! John considers this "the biggest thing he's ever done" and rightfully so. The goal: redefining the way the machining world consumes and learns speeds & feeds. Click HERE to be notified when the beta launches! Pearly Whites Using the tried, true, cheap, and beloved superglue workholding technique, Grimsmo was finally able to machine those mother-of-pearl inlays for knife #1000! After that, it's off to BladeShow with the other knives, pens, and coins....wait, did you say coins!? This year, Grimsmo's chipping in a little extra awesome token of appreciation. Click Image Below to Watch NORSEMAN 1000! - Shop Life 013 Tornos - Yeah, I got time for that. Grimsmo's comfortable with the pace of the Tornos setup. With fire surpression installed, next on the list is the 60,000 RPM electric spindle, 2000 psi chip blaster, routing the lines for coolant, and tooling. You know what they say; slow is smooth, smooth is fast! Activating Tool Coatings with Temperature When a manufacturer gives S&F recommendations, the variance can be pretty wide. Saunders wants to figure out how to improve tool life on an OSG  A tap. Is running it at 35-40 SFM fast enough to make use of the tool coating? Hard Wired Hustler If your ultimate goal isn't sipping a fruity drink on Cabo beach, that's okay! Many entrepreneurs seek to find a path to freedom in terms of time and money but to others, that's pure boredom. Hustle Good, Hustle Bad? What's your definition of hustle and grind? This phrase carries conflicting ideas. On one hand, society idealizes those who push themselves to the brink and on the other, it means if you're NOT frantic and exhausted, you're inadequate and lazy. These concepts cause an internal struggle between expectations and reality so, it's not about whether or not you should hustle...it's about HUSTLING THE RIGHT WAY.  Speaking of the right way to hustle, what would Jay Pierson Say? When you're trying to find a solution or advice, it's helpful to think about how those you admire most would respond. HOW TO BEAT THE COMPETITION If you want to get ahead of your competition, click HERE to watch Jay Pierson's IG video where he stresses the importance of doing things others won't do AND how freeing up time for himself and his employees has allowed his business to improve!  

You won’t be driving around in a parking lot for this episode, folks. It’s our shortest one EVER! Grimsmo's got some swiss lathe installation guys in this morning, and sometimes the work day starts earlier than 9am  Grimsmo Recieves his Tornos Swiss Lathe The Grimsmo workshop has changed. There is now a new machine behind Grimsmo, and lots of set up to do. About the Lathe: Tornos GT13 Has space for LOTS of tools Relatively smooth delivery and set up. Fits where it was supposed to It will take about two weeks for it to be ready to play with, and that’s okay The bar feeder is on the left, whereas a Citizen lathe is backwards Saunders’ Surgeon Mentality Strategy to keep you clear headed, patient, and focused on the task at hand. Rushing will just end up causing more problems in the end.  Question of the Day: How do you stay focused while remaining available to help? Saunders gives some good advice on this topic Check out Tim Ferris for more advice on how to focus  Lean goes wrong? Is there room for some fat in a company’s diet? This is the theme of a potential video that might be done in collaboration with Jay Pierson. Saunders gives a little teaser. JitBit App Get your computer to automatically do things for you. Fanuc Tip Colorization > Comparison PSA: Saunders and Grimsmo learn about the comparison view on Fusion. It’s a fun little tool, and something that both the Johns will be playing with. Let us know if you’ve heard of it before, and how you use it!

IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN.... BLADESHOW 2019 is just shy of 3 weeks away and GK is ready. On their 8th year of attendance, something is different. The usual 2-week, frantic crunch to stock up on product IS NOWHERE IN SIGHT. Not only do they have knives and SAGA pens ready, the 1776 American Independence knife is nearly finished aside from some final engraving! CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW POST! **You know you're a machinist when you measure time by trade show events.** A New Business Diagnostic If your company is growing, there's an important question to ask yourself: How does our business appear to a new hire? Are the roles, departments, and protocols clearly defined? Not only can this question give an outside perspective, it can also help you assess and diagnose problem areas. Suffering for Success? Hollywood has left no industry unscathed when it comes to dramatic portrayals. The question is, how much has it impacted your expectations?  Just because you're not endlessly toiling away in a dank, dark shop fraught with impossible odds doesn't mean you're not hustling. Let's call it "grinding smarter, not harder." The Million Dollar Question: HOW DO I GET MY BUSINESS STARTED? Data Tracking & Mentorship Shortly after Barry was hired as the GK accountant, production significantly improved--and that's not a coincidence! Grimsmo stresses the importance of tracking data. More specifically, how much product you need to produce to stay consistent. Saunders recommends checking out SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Technically, there isn't a right or wrong way to get started; however, there are ways to increase chances of success. Avoiding debt as much as possible continues to be at the top of the list. Plus, Saunders announces that CHIP BREAKS will be making a come back in the near future! TOMORROW, TOMORROW, The SWISS WILL COME TOMORROW...It's ONLY a DAAAAAY AAAAA-WAAAAY. We just want to know...does the 6000lbs INCLUDE the Fanuc manuals or is that an additional 6000lbs? Since it's Friday, enjoy this IG post of Grimsmo's new Tornos! CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW POST! Don't forget to use this promo code to get your Fusion 360 Academy pass for $99 (HALF OFF!).  CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION If you enjoy this podcast or it has helped you, please share it with others!  

Survival Mode Although this term is usually in reference to stress, this time it's literal. Saunders gears up for a lesson in bushcraft. Routine Maintenance - Like a Boss? Learning the inner workings of a machine is just as important as learning the inner workings of your brain.  Could Grimsmo's nightly walks and new to-do list system be paying off? For the past week, the team's been busting out SAGA pocket clips like nobody's business! Click Image Below to See Post. Check your to-do list and watch the David Allen TED Talk <--click here! Badge It Up Saunders marvels at Grimsmo's Dura Vertical sticker collection. Speaking of stickers, SMW just stickered and shipped a box to Blackforest, Germany containing a Robin Renzetti-inspired, modified, lathe tool-post. Click Image Below to See Video. Robin Renzetti: THE SOLID TOOL POST MOUNT <--click here to watch Intricacies of 5-Axis Machining Saunders delves into the specifics of the first UMC-750 5-axis part including the material, workholding, toolpaths, CAMplete, tooling, and how part of it KICKED HIS BUTT. Wax, Wane, and Lightning Bolt Sometimes you don't realize your excitement and passion has waned until you suddenly get a jolt. Having 100% adoration for your profession 100% of the time is nothing to be guilty about---IT'S NORMAL! Grimsmo: BTW, I crashed the lathe last week. Saunders: You're just going to casually throw that in there 27 minutes into the podcast!? Grimsmolocks & The Precious Real Estate Still on the hunt for a new shop, square footage is tricky to determine for a growing company. He doesn't want a space that's too big; he wants a space that's JUUST right. Fly on the Wall (well, kinda) Saunders wishes he could shadow Grimsmo for a day, but only if he didn't know he was there. The question is, will a set of headphones and a laptop make him inconspicuous enough? N2(1) WUT? GK is getting into cryogenics so they can freeze themselves and wake up in the future---j/k (at least about the freezing themselves part). Get the scoop on how and why they use cryo at GK! The 1776 American Independence knife is about to be engraved with some 13 colony action for its BLADESHOW debut. If you're in the neighborhood, come say hi!

Topics of Discussion: People are different, but the Johns have more than just their name in common. They also think too much. “Everyone thinks they’re normal” - Saunders How else are people different? Extraversion vs. Introversion Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts To-Do List Writing Methods. Ex. Make a video for future you! Then set up a reminder to watch it. “At the end of the day, doing is what gets things done” - Grimsmo Episode Golden Nuggets: Power (of) Walking Grimsmo gets some exercise to clear his head, and get some time out of the windowless shop. The FORCE of Chill Don’t be frantic. Be the ultimate “single-tasker”, and focus like a surgeon. Outcomes, Actions "What will it look like to me when it’s done? - Grimsmo   Define the outcome, and take practical steps to NAIL IT. Book recommendations: The E-Myth Getting Things Done How to Win Friends and Influence People Rocket fuel by Gino Wickman

Talking Growth and the Entrepreneur Mindset Having a team doesn’t mean you’re not an entrepreneur anymore. You still have to clean those toilets! Check out “The E-Myth” “When you live it it’s not cliche at all” - Saunders Delegating Grimsmo is more and more comfortable with delegating tasks, which is awesome! But don't worry, he is still around to help whenever his team needs him. Hear about what Grimsmo’s been up to, and what local day trips he’s had lately (hint: true to Grimsmo’s nature, the trips involve machine shops) “You’ve gotta live in the clouds AND the dirt” - Gary Vee Translation: keep dreaming, but also keep working. “If you’re never in the clouds, you suffocate” - Saunders Forkin’ Around Saunders loses an old friend: his forklift. Grimsmo and Saunders also talk about the potential horrors of neglecting workplace safety. “it’s like driving past a car crash, you can’t NOT look” - Saunders (QotD: Does that make him morbid?) Should Grimsmo write off his pen clip probs? The Johns discuss the problems that Grimsmo is having with machining his pen clips, and problem solving strategies in general. If this problem isn’t fixed, Grimsmo might have trouble nailing down a sustainable workflow for the part.

The Joint Open House - 8 Years Strong Grimsmo remembers how he felt when he first went to a trade show: out of place.  Tip from a veteran attendee: "Form relationships, ask questions, be direct, and make it happen." Not only was this event an internal pat on the back, you could say that Skye's big wish has been granted or rather, GRANITED. After visiting Kern, Grimsmo's wheels are turning. It's just a matter of time before he figures out how to dress the lapping plate full Grimsmo style. GOT INK? You know you're a machininst when the only tattoo you would ever consider is an inch to micron conversion table. Mountains to Ski and Mountains of Footage The guys brought home TONS of footage from their Euro trip, so stay tuned for all of the awesome tours to come from Tornos, Hermle, Kern, and more! TACrafted Tour - A bright young man with a bright future Click the image below to watch! Sometimes what you're looking for might be right under your nose, or in Grimsmo's case, a block away. After a quick meeting with his realtor, he might have zeroed in on a potential new shop! When considering a larger space, it's important to allow for growth without over committing. Saunders is a guest on the Welding Tips and Tricks Podcast While covering the subject of ROI, the importance of CASH FLOW BUDGETS or live budgeting becomes clear. Sure, numbers matter BUT there are many non-monetary ways in which a capital purchase can be justified. CLICK HERE FOR THE WELDING TIPS AND TRICKS PODCAST Spring Tease a.k.a Pending Summer The season change is welcome BUT that means rising temperatures are soon to follow. A/C is an expensive purchase but it's important for SMW to have a comfortable working environment for employees and trainees as well. It's up to Saunders to figure out how to minimize the operating costs while maximizing its benefit.   "Make it once, make it right, and then make it the best.                                                                           - Grimsmo     The SAGA pocket clips are the last component needed to make 100+ SWEET PENS!   SMW Workflow Woes Having all fixture plate models in a master file isn't ideal BUT neither is having an individual file for each. The possible solution might introduce more error.

The Grimsmo Team is headed to a local machine show! The Joint Open House Participants include: Elliott Matsuura, SST, Ferro Technique, and DMG Mori. It will give Grimsmo and his team a chance to ask lots of questions, and learn new things. There’s a lot of small tooling reps there, so it’s a good chance to make new connections as well as build current relationships. “I’m actually kind of jealous” - Saunders How to Maintain Tool LIfe PLUS Learn about automation in tool maintenance! In Germany, the machine knows when it needs to warm up and runs the warm up program so you don’t have to think about it. The Johns discuss their trip to Europe Saunders was there for 2 weeks, and Grimsmo for four days Look out for the factory tour of Kern and Tornos on YouTube (COMING SOON!!) Saunders’ takeaways Learned about the European perspective in business. Cleanliness and organization is key! Saunders noticed that the companies they visited have a more fluid system of working with apprentices, and are connected better with schools So...how do you inspire young people to get into manufacturing? If they’re already interested in technology, it’s a breeze! Guess what, Manufacturing IS technology (which makes it sexy) Keeping track without living to track It’s SO difficult to keep track of purchasing and what we need “Purchasing is kicking our butt right now” - Saunders ProShop is doing a good job at the Grimsmo Shop. He has a list of what he’s waiting to get, and it gets checked off when it arrives. Grimsmo Book Review “Getting Things Done” - David Allen This book isn’t for everyone, but it’s got some great ideas for every entrepreneur or busy person! Core concept: every thought you have, write it down into a system you have in place. How do you manage ALL the things you need to get done? “If most of it doesn’t get done, life still goes on” - Grimsmo “Ideas are worthless, it’s execution that matters” - Saunders

EUROTRIP 2019: A Dream Come True First off, apologies for the missing podcast last week but it wasn't because they didn't try! With Laurens Wijnschenk-Mauritsz in tow, it was the prime opportunity to record. The problem? A sleepy cell phone! Although Grimsmo's returned to Canada, Saunders is adamant, "There are more factories and I'm not leaving until I see them ALL!" "Screw it, let's do it!" - Grimsmo With only 6 days notice, a gentle nudge from Saunders, and help from Marv Gro, Grimsmo is able to arrange his flight and score incredible tours of TORNOS and KERN. BUT FIRST... Before embarking on his trip, Grimsmo makes a pit-stop at Elliot-Matsurra to sign Swiss paperwork for the Tornos GT13! For now, he's prepping for its arrival with coolant, tooling, and the 6' LNS bar feeder. He's also plans to use TISIS, a software that will aid in the programming process.   Oddly enough, when Saunders crosses the border from Austria to Switzerland, the appearance of a Mercedes station-wagon is almost prophetic. To Grimsmo's surprise, his hunks of metal for machining Norseman parts at Kern Microtechnik make it through security! Factories and Machine Shops, BIG AND SMALL. This trip isn't only about visiting the biggest names in the industry, it's also about seeing what's cookin' in the impressive home shops of Stefan Gotteswinter and TACrafted with Theo Assfalg. After visiting 3DTechDraw in Amsterdam with Laurens, Saunders heads to Hermle in Stuttgart, Germany. Meanwhile, in Moutier, Switzerland, the birthplace of Swiss lathes, Marv and Grimsmo meet with Michael Hauser, CEO for an insiders view of Tornos; a company that holds customer support in high regard. They still make replacement parts for lathes that are over 100 years old! Now THAT's customer service! MIND BLOWN Heidenhain: More than a great control for your machine. We take for granted that we live in a world where measurements are standardized. Back then, these guys were the ones making copies of THE meter. In addition to manufacturing every single linear scale, Heidenhain might just be the definition of climate control. Grimsmo and Marv machine a Norseman handle AND do some blade surfacing at Kern Microtechnik. 14+ hours later, it's time for the Johns to finally meet up. A late night with burgers, beers, and friends still reeling from the days' excitement turns into slap happy machinists making CAM jokes before getting some shut-eye. KERN - The Best in the Land The guys share their experiences at the uncontested BEST micro precision machine tool company in the world. Hitting sub-micron tolerances ADED means special care must be taken to thermally stabilize the machine tool. When cutting tools MUST be hand loaded because the resistance from the ATC motion could break the flutes...holy moly. Finally, for Marv and Grimsmo, their trip ends with scenic views and gnarly ski slopes. On the last run, Marv challenges Grimsmo to a race. Saunders moves onto the NTMA leg of his trip with Big Kaiser America, where he will soon visit Big Kaiser, Blaser, and Speroni. Trips abroad certainly broaden the mind and bring a fresh new perspective and energy that is sometimes lost in the day-to-day minutiae. The more you know, the better 'cause the times they are A-changin'.

Let the podcast go on! Saunders may have lost his voice, but that’s not stopping these two from putting out another episode. Get ready, goal set, go! Grimsmo is hitting lots of goals lately. The team averaged their ideal daily production number for the ENTIRE month of March! Grimsmo is also on his final steps of purchasing a Swiss Lathe! Learn more about its specs and the steps Grimsmo is taking to prepare for his Swiss in this episode. Upcoming goals in the Grimsmo shop: Get a new shop! 5-Axis, baby How to Negotiate It’s not all about getting a lower price! There’s lots of valuable add-ons or conveniences that you can push for. If you’re the customer, you’re in a position of power! Grimsmo talks about what he negotiated for when shopping for his Swiss, and shares some strategies. Note: Building relationships with distributors HELPS!   Customer service isn’t everything, but it’s the company’s first impression “They just make it so easy to buy from them, and their product is quality, so why not!” - Grimsmo Saunders makes a point for the distributor model “Sales forces are a relic of the past” - Saunders What to expect when you’re expecting a Swiss Lathe Grimsmo researches necessary tooling, and preparations he has to make for his new Swiss Lathe. Watch out for a video on Grimsmo’s YouTube channel where he goes into this more! Lapping machine vs. a great end mill in a great machine? Grimsmo talks about tools for getting that perfect mirror finish that the Grimsmo team is quickly becoming known for.  “That is the full-Grimsmo machine!” - Grimsmo BOM goes international! Saunders is visiting some machine shops around Europe, and Grimsmo tags along to check out the Kern Factory in Germany, and Tornos in Switzerland. While they’re at it, they plan on taping a BOM episode in Germany.

Word of the day: 5-axis In other words, Saunders has his 5-axis Haas machine, and he’s spending some time lately getting to know it and CAMplete. He talks about his 5-axis starter kit, and moving up to technology that seemed almost unreachable before. AND it’s helping Grimsmo thaw to the idea of learning more about 5-axis machines himself. Becoming Swissish ROUND 2! Grimsmo talks about his trip to Elliott Matsuura to check out some Swiss Lathes (one of which might just be purchased by the next podcast episode) It's all about design, baby  The Johns discuss which design programs they use for their machines, and which ones to use with Swiss Lathes. Bonus at Matsuura: THEY HAD A ROUGHNESS TESTER! While Grimsmo visits, he gets to check out the roughness of his blades and handles. In this episode he lets us know the EXACT measurements. Grimsmo bought an Ultrasonic Cleaner, and Skye approves. “I wash the parts with water afterwards, and they’re cleaner than I could have gotten them before [having the Ultrasonic]” - Skye Want to learn more about different kinds of cleaners? Saunders mentions this Wikipedia article as a great resource: Ultrasonic Cleaning The Johns finish off this episode with talk of other cleaning supplies, cleaning methods, and a couple more notes on Swiss Lathes. Stay tuned.

A Stone's Throw Away The parallels in the lives of Grimsmo and Saunders are uncanny to say the least. Both get the chance to clear their heads--one on Lake Ontario and the other on Lake Erie. Full Steam Ahead During one of the most emotional weeks of his life, Saunders watches on Instagram as the UMC-750 and TM3 are delivered in his absence--and that's a beautiful thing. With a team he can rely on, he's been able to focus his attention on who needs it most: with his wife! We're happy to say Evonne's made it through surgery and on the road to recovery! #Inspired Grimsmo gives an occupational talk at a local school. By taking a hands-on approach, he's creating memorable experiences that resonate with the younger generation. PLANNING FULL SWISS Grimsmo knows exactly which part the Swiss lathe will play in shop production. In addition to tool holders, drill holders, and inserts, he plans to purchase a 60,000 rpm (not a typo) electric spindle to mill the torx pattern on the screws!  #7 TOOL UPDATE In last week's episode, Saunders suggested that Grimsmo try ramping down to solve a recurring tool problem. Did it work?  WWYD? Phil asks a thought-provoking question about whether or not to alternate between OP1 and OP2 on a 5-axis machine tool with 10 pallets. Short answer: It depends.   Higbee Threads? Tell me more! With the SAGA having threaded parts, this clearly the way to go FULL GRIMSMO!

When high production is vital to your business, planning ahead for down time when employees are down for the count could make or break. Although Skye thought he escaped the illness that overpowered his co-workers...he spoke too soon.  Angelo steps up to the plate. NUANCE + PROCESS SHEETS? After Saunders tours Superb Industries, Inc., the Moore Jig Grinder poses a challenging question. How can you incorporate skilled labor into a process sheet? Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Baker's Man....How Many Backups Should You Have on Hand? Having doubles of EVERYTHING is not feasible so that means careful decisions about which replacement items you keep. Lead time, cost, and cash flow are just a few! TRUST YOUR GUT Big Kaiser goes haywire, causing SMW to begrudgingly scrap an expensive part. While troubleshooting, Saunders has his finger on it but is none the wiser. NOT AGAIN, TOOL #7! Grimsmo arrives to a flashing red light and a broken 1/8" flat 4-flute end mill--and this isn't the first time.  When it comes to machining the tabs off of SAGA clips, this tool isn't cutting it (pun intended). Kyocera Insert Update:  After blowing close to one insert per part, the problem is solved. Now, GK can get 200 + parts out of one insert! NEW TOYS From Swissish thoughts to full Swishish, Grimsmo's zeroing in on the machine GK needs. In addition to the UMC-750, Saunders makes another purchase that will be a game changer.

Maximizing use of the Mill Grimsmo’s mill was STILL running when he came in this morning! That is one. Great. First. On top of that, last week was the highest week ever for production at the Grimsmo shop. “You keep saying that!” - Saunders Apparently record breaking is the new norm, and Grimsmo is still trying to produce even more. Saunders’ reminder Reminders can increase production! Sometimes it’s just a small forgotten step in a process that got in the way of producing more. Pro Tip: Set a reminder for that step   While you’re at it, set reminders for yourself so you stay on track with who you’re trying to become #MachinistGoals “Your spindle is only ever down for a pallet change” - Grimsmo Book Recommendation! Do you love history and machining? Freedom’s Forge could be a great pick for you! It dives deep into the history of WWII, while also taking technology and available machines into the equation. Plus, Saunders highly recommends it. Check it out here. The ULTIMATE machine buying guide Check out the NYC CNC website for important information and tips on financing your machine, and how to find the right one for your needs. “Most people don’t mind paying for something, they just don’t want to pay for it if someone else didn’t pay for it or got a better deal” - Saunders Pro tip: “It only matters what goes into the loan documents in the end” - Saunders Tidying Up, Saunders Style Saunders doesn’t regret purging the workshop of unnecessary stuff for one second. Are YOU ready to binge shop tours? Superb Industries Shop Tour Coming Soon! While you’re waiting, check out @adam_the_machinist on Instagram. Also check out the Fabrisonic video tour on Saunders’ Youtube channel And look out for shop tour videos based on the 2 week binge of tours Saunders will be doing in the next couple weeks. SIGN UP FOR A SAGA PEN The time has come for the Saga Sign-Up List to go LIVE! Grimsmo launched it this past weekend as a link on his Instagram bio. More information about the pen will go up on the website soon. For now, you can learn more about the Grimsmo custom pen by checking out the Saga Saturday videos So, real talk. When is the swiss lathe coming? Grimsmo and Saunders discuss the need for a swiss lathe in the Grimsmo shop now that producing pens consistently is becoming more imminent. “I just don’t want to spend a ton of money on bells and whistles I don’t need” - Grimsmo And it’s also a matter of the machine fitting in the shop. But that's a question for another time.