The Impractical Machinists

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Latest Episodes:

Our Worst Machine Crashes Yet... | Ep.10 Nov 12, 2024

Topics:

Crash Stories
Shop Updates
Thread Rolling
ERP Softwares
Best Way to Position Jaws
Giveaways

It’s every machinist’s nightmare—CRASHING a machine!
In this episode, Bradley, Patrick, and Cameron dive into their worst machine crashes and share the painful (and sometimes funny) lessons they learned along the way. 🛠️💥

From manual lathe mishaps to CNC disasters, they’ve all been there. The guys talk about why crashes happen, how they deal with them (hint: there’s no yelling involved!), and what changes they’ve made in their shops to prevent repeat mistakes. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist or just starting out, this episode will have you nodding along and maybe even cringing a bit.

Plus, Bradley, Patrick, and Cameron share tips on staying calm under pressure, making quick adjustments, and how to turn these “uh-oh” moments into valuable learning experiences. Don’t miss this one—it’s real shop talk with no sugarcoating.
🚨 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🚨
To celebrate our 10th episode, we’re giving away some awesome gear:

A Lixie dead blow hammer
A Machinist Calculator Pro
Swag packs with stickers, shirts, and hats from each of the podcasters

👉 To enter, drop a comment on THIS YouTube episode! Tell us what you like about the podcast. We can’t wait to hear from you!

🔔 Subscribe, Rate, and Review to never miss an episode. Your feedback helps us bring you the content you love!
Drop your comments or topic ideas in the forum here:
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/podcast-introduction.429158/
Or listen to our podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxzIM06jyJCYTCMGUQLgKXNtpq-HqvV2Q
Connect with the hosts on Instagram:
Patrick Mcclintock: IG: https://www.instagram.com/job_shopper_tn/ or PM@Job Shopper TN
Cameron Graves: IG: https://www.instagram.com/machiningiscool/ or PM@Machiningiscool
Bradley Thomas: IG: https://www.instagram.com/marvelmachining/ or PM@Marvel
Thanks for listening!!!

What Do You Do When Customers Don’t Pay on Time? | 09 Oct 29, 2024

Topics:

Kenny's Career Journey
Handling Complex Jobs
Dealing with Payment Issues
Fixture Design and Methodology
Least Favorite Machines
Manual Programming and Macros

In this episode of Impractical Machinists, we’re joined by Kenny Urban, also known as Patriot_mucheenist, who takes us on his journey from law school dropout to running a top-tier fabrication and machine shop. Kenny dives into everything from ASME-certified welding and machining exotic materials like titanium and niobium to managing tricky high-stakes projects for government labs.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories about old-school machining tricks blended with new-school tech, practical hacks for efficiency, and the realities of balancing complex jobs and cash flow. Tune in for shop banter, insights on fixture design, and a whole lot of laughs—because machining isn't just work, it’s a way of life.

Should You Hire More Humans or Invest in Robots? | 08 Oct 15, 2024

TOPICS:

Program Management
Automation vs. Hiring Employees
Cheap Automation Solutions
Metric vs. Imperial
Upcoming Projects

Automation or more employees – which one is the right move? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley dive into the day-to-day challenges of running a machine shop. They explore whether automation, with tools like robots and dual-station vices, is the way to go or if hiring more hands-on help makes better sense.

The conversation also touches on essential topics like managing CAM programs, organizing files efficiently, and using tools like Dropbox to avoid machine mix-ups. The hosts share their favorite tips on keeping tools aligned, handling materials, and working with carbide tools for optimal performance.

You’ll hear their stories about balancing workloads, dealing with delayed jobs, and navigating programming mishaps—plus insights on scheduling operations to keep things flowing smoothly. If you've ever dealt with G-code errors, unexpected tool behavior, or wondered whether you’re using your tooling system effectively, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Tune in for a real-world shop talk!

Why Fixtures Matter...and Why Machines Has Gotten So Expensive? | 07 Oct 01, 2024

TOPICS:
IMTS Recap
Fixture Design
Tool Holders
Rising Machines and Tooling Costs
When is it worth taking the time to design a fixture, and when should you just clamp and go? And why are machines getting more and more expensive nowadays?
In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley get real about some of the most pressing questions machinists face today.
Whether you’re looking to save time on the shop floor or just curious about why machining is getting so expensive, this episode is full of practical advice, industry insights, and a few laughs along the way.

How Clean Should Your Machine Shop Be? | 06 Sep 17, 2024

TOPICS:

Cleaning and Organizing Your Machines Shop
Coolant Tank Maintenance
Using Social Media to Grow Your Shop
Lead Time Estimation

Ever struggled with keeping your machine shop efficient and profitable?
Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this packed episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast as they discuss everything from essential cleaning and organizing strategies to the power of social media in driving business.
Learn how to accurately estimate lead times, manage workloads with ERP systems, and handle unexpected client requests. Gain valuable insights into personal experiences, the importance of written processes, and the role of workforce training in optimizing shop floor operations.
Plus, a special shout-out to Shopfloor Coffee for their contributions to workforce development!

Do You Really Need $100K To Start a Machine Shop? | 05 Sep 03, 2024

Main Topics:

Why Manual Machines Still Matter
New vs. Used Machines
Hidden Startup Costs
Managing Debt

Thinking of starting a machine shop? Join special guest Ian Sandusky as he shares his journey and insider advice on choosing the right equipment, financing strategies, and managing the true costs of machining—from tooling to software. Discover the pros and cons of new versus used equipment, the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt, and practical tips for overcoming challenges. Packed with valuable insights and some good laughs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the machining industry!

Shop Improvements, Work Preferences, and Career Moves | 04 Aug 20, 2024

The Impractical Machinists Podcast crew is back with more insights on improving your shop, handling job stress, and taking the leap to be your own boss!

Join Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley in this engaging episode of The Impractical Machinists podcast, where they share the highs and lows of running a machine shop. From tool organization and shop improvements to tackling customer expectations and complex projects like castings and UHMW, they offer practical advice and real-world stories.
Learn about their favorite materials to machine, and get insights on knowing when it's time to leave a job or start your own shop.
Don't miss this honest and valuable conversation for machinists of all levels!

Topics:

Favorite and Least Favorite Types of Work
Favorite Shop Improvements
Reasons to Stay or Leave a Shop

How We Became Machinists | 03 Aug 06, 2024

In our latest episode, Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley share their unique stories of how they started in machining. No matter where you begin, there's a place for you in this trade. Tune in now!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Updates
06:55 Pathways into Machining
08:35 Patrick's Apprenticeships
37:01 Bradley's Start in Machining
42:16 Cameron's Start in Machining

Shop Wide Breakdown and the Struggles of Hiring and Training | 02 Jul 23, 2024

Ever faced a job shop nightmare and wished you had known more?
Join Patrick, Cameron, and Brad in this exciting episode of the Impractical Machinists podcast as they dive into the challenges of running a job shop. From equipment failures and employee drama to untangling complex tax laws and managing critical job delays, hear firsthand how they navigate these challenges. Gain practical advice on threading Acme rods, mastering tax deductions, and balancing stress, all while learning the importance of community support. Whether you're a veteran machinist or new to the trade, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Work-Life Balance
04:05 Employee Tardiness / Challenges of Hiring and Training
27:03 Dealing with Equipment Failures
01:17:19 Outro
Drop your topic ideas in the forum here: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/podcast-introduction.429158/
Or watch the video on our YouTube channel here:
https://youtu.be/V8nC8u7bCF0

CAM Software, Walk-in Customers & More! | 01 Jul 08, 2024

Welcome to the very first episode of "The Impractical Machinist"! Meet your hosts Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley as they kick off this journey with a bang. What started as a quirky Instagram group chat has morphed into a lively community of machinists, programmers, and shop owners. In this debut episode, we dive into hilarious and heartwarming shop stories, uncover the unexpected beginnings of our group, and share some jaw-dropping moments from the shop floor. Get ready for a mix of humor, insight, and a whole lot of machine talk. Whether you’re here for the tools, the tales, or the camaraderie, this episode has it all. Join us and become part of the madness!
TOPICS:
- Walk-in Wednesday
- 3D Printing
- CAM Software
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:00 Walk-in Wednesday
15:00 3D Printing
35:00 CAM Software
47:52 Outro

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