Within Tolerance

Latest Episodes:

Within Tolerance Episode 248 - Burning Money with Zap Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Zap joins me this week to discuss recent travels, acquiring Esprit software, and moving the shop. We share stories about challenging customer interactions, machine crashes, and optimizing workflows with ChatGPT. We also explore work-life balance, 3D surfacing in Fusion, and mill-turn machine preferences.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 247 - Joseph Pizzoferrato of Heidenhain Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

This week, I talk with Joseph Pizzoferrato from Heidenhain about his journey in machining, from Durabar to Heidenhain. We cover his experiences with Mazak training, Mastercam, and delve into Heidenhain controls. Joe shares insights on tool radius errors, macro programming, and new TNC 7 features. He also discusses the importance of collision protection, process monitoring, and tips for optimizing five-axis machines.

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 246 - Crashtastic with Zap Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Zap joins me this week to kick off the first in-person episode of 2025. We dive into Zap's recent travels and adventures, including a trip to another country, getting a head tattoo, and dealing with various machining and business challenges. We discuss the nuances of tool libraries, the importance of five-axis machining, and the comparative merits of OEM versus third-party automation solutions. We also touch on personal growth goals, balancing work and life, and the latest purchases that have made a difference in our workflows. Additionally, we share our experience with CAM software, the benefits of new shop equipment, and planning for a more stable and efficient year ahead.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 245 - NS Precision Inc Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Nick and Skylar Squillace of NS Precision Inc join me this week to discuss their journey from hobbyists to successful shop owners. We talk about their transition into motorsports, overcoming the challenges of running a small machining company, and the crucial steps they've taken to streamline operations. Learn about their experiences with the Haeberle Plus K, methods for improving documentation and onboarding new employees, as well as their future plans for growth.

Check out NS Precision's IG @nsprecisioninc

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 244 - Simon and Zap-funkel Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

This week I'm joined by Zap and Simon from Freddy who are both together in the UK. Chris shares details of his whirlwind trip, including a new head tattoo and training Amish machinists on advanced machinery. Simon updates us on exciting solar panel projects and the latest custom Freddy machines, from minion-themed to high-tech Rolls-Royce designs. We also discuss balancing work and personal life, upcoming leadership goals, and some fun personal projects.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

and Freddy's IG @freddyproductsltd

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 243 - Jim Belosic of SendCutSend Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

This week I chat with Jim Belosic, CEO and founder of SendCutSend. We dive into Jim's background, from his artistic beginnings creating custom pancakes for his daughter to running a software company, Pancake Laboratories. Jim shares how his passion for cars and fabrication led to the birth of SendCutSend, an on-demand sheet metal manufacturing service. We explore the company's rapid growth, the challenges of scaling operations, the valuable lessons learned along the way, and the importance of a strong company culture. Jim also discusses their efforts to balance quick-turn work while maintaining high-quality standards, and touches on future plans for SendCutSend.

Check out SendCutSend's IG @sendcutsend

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 242 - Eric Larson of Clear Irons Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I'm joined by Eric Larson from Clear Irons. We dive deep into his journey as a machinist and industrial designer based in Chicago. Eric delves into the origins of Clear Irons, his educational background in industrial design and metalsmithing, and the evolution of his business. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing a live-work space, transitioning into a commercial property, and navigating the integration of new machinery. Eric shares insights on using 5-axis machines, prototyping, working with injection molds, and explains the learning curve from Haas to Okuma machines. We also touch on lean practices, the importance of staying organized, embracing automation, and his perspective on future business growth.

Check out Eric's IG @clearirons

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 241 - I Am Thankful with Zap Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

Join Zap and I as we catch up on the eve of Thanksgiving! We dive into recent shop updates, the ongoing van saga, and share our favorite Thanksgiving traditions. Listen in as we detail technical challenges, highlight valuable machining tips, and discuss lessons learned from various projects. We also chat about our year-end reflections, what we're thankful for, and the wonderful supportive #Instamachinist community.

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 240 - Roast My Shop with Justin Gray Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

Justin Gray from Toolpath Labs joins me this week on the podcast. We delve into Justin's week-long internship at Proteum Machining, touching on topics like the camaraderie in small shops, tool calibration, and optimizing CNC processes. Justin critiques our workflow and offers practical advice on improving shop efficiency and safety. Learn about his experiences with e-bikes, surprises in machining, and the exciting future features of Toolpath. Plus, we banter about favorite machines, coding intricacies, and the welcoming nature of the machining community.

Check out Justin's IG @justinsgray

and Toolpath Labs @toolpathlabs or https://www.toolpath.com/

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Within Tolerance Episode 239 - Calibration Cubes and Tool Libraries Nov 02, 2024

Show notes

Zap joins me this week live in the studio as we dive into our recent experiences and challenges in the machining world. Zap discusses his non-stop travel schedules, including trips to Maryland and California. We talk about fixturing challenges in different materials, the balance of setting proper boundaries, and our continuous journey in achieving optimal machining processes. I recount the hurdles faced while integrating the new U500 machine, highlighting some unexpected setbacks and the incremental improvements over various Speedio generations. We also cover practical advice on anodizing prep, the importance of material stresses and proper fixturing, and the benefits of our new plastics annealing oven.

You can find Phil's AU class here:

https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Templates-Configurations-and-Containers-for-Agile-Prototype-Machining-in-Autodesk-Fusion-2024

Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting

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Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

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