The Impractical Machinists

In this episode of The Impractical Machinist, we sit down with Luke Niels, host of The Lathe Lab, fourth-generation machinist, shop owner, and all-around turning wizard. From learning manual screw machines at 18 to running a modern CNC job shop, Luke shares how he carved out his path (and his parts) by sticking with lathes when most shops went mill-heavy.

Brad's fresh off a trip to East Tech and fills Patrick and Cam in on the whole experience—his first live video, too much drinking (thanks, Ian), and a ton of cool tooling finds. Back at home, Cam's juggling machine shop life and building a chicken coop for his ever-growing flock. And Patrick? He's in the trenches with a nonstop, round-the-clock job that's testing his sanity—and his air compressor.The guys also get into shop layouts, probe setups, and the little things that make a big difference in a tight workspace. Plus, they answer some listener questions and share their hardest (or just most annoying) jobs to date. 

In this episode of The Impractical Machinist, we sit down with Randall Uerkvitz — a U.S. Army veteran and instructor at Workshops for Warriors. Randall opens up about his journey from military service to machining, overcoming hardship, and how teaching this trade gave his life purpose. 

After a lot of shoutouts, we finally got Jarrett Morgan from Possum Solutions on the podcast! Jarrett shares his story of how a hobby in machining went way off the rails - starting from working as a film camera operator to opening his own one-man CNC shop, making custom camera gear.We talk about how he taught himself machining during the pandemic, what it's like learning everything the hard way, and how he's adding automation (and a robot!) to help run his shop solo.If you've ever wondered what happens when a hobby gets a little too serious, you'll love this one.Find Jarrett on Instagram here: @possumsolutions

Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley are diving deep into shop life this week — the kind of stuff you don't always hear talked about out loud.Bradley just got back from PMTS and saw a robot setup that legit blew his mind — we're talking about loading vises, inspecting parts with lasers, updating offsets… all automated. Could that kind of tech actually work in a one-man job shop?Patrick walks through how he's heat treating tool steel in-house, and why it's not some mysterious black magic — just the right temp, some foil, and knowing your steel. Meanwhile, Cameron chimes in on the chaos of custom work, making things efficient, and why retirement plans in this trade aren't as straightforward as they should be.Oh — and they all swap stories on the messiest, worst, and weirdest jobs they've ever had to machine. Spoiler: there are some gems.If you're into real shop talk, no fluff — just machining, learning, laughing, and trying to keep the lights on — you're in the right place.

When the job starts draining you, sometimes the best move is walking away. Here's what happened next.Burnout doesn't hit all at once — it builds slowly, especially in high-pressure work environments. In this episode, we talk about what it really feels like to hit that point, why one of us finally decided to leave a demanding job, and what life is like on the other side.We also dive into bigger questions:– What makes a healthy work culture?– How do you keep a team motivated without burning them out?– And how can leaders build shops people actually want to work in?This isn't just a story about machining — it's about finding balance, building better workplaces, and making hard choices for the right reasons.

What if you could shave hours off cycle times, optimize your machining strategies, and get your entire shop on board with process improvements—without the usual resistance?In this episode of the Impractical Machinists Podcast, we sit down with Chris Zappettini, owner of Zappettini Consulting and co-host of Within Tolerance. Chris has spent years inside machine shops across the U.S., helping businesses cut waste, improve workflows, and implement smarter machining strategies. But as he explains, real improvement isn't just about faster cycle times—it's about getting everyone from the shop floor to management to buy in.Chris shares a behind-the-scenes look at a recent project where rethinking material selection, tooling, and machining strategies slashed cycle times from 15 hours down to just 7 or 8. He also dives into the power of five-axis machining, custom G-code macros, and how well-organized CAM systems and fixture libraries can transform efficiency.But this conversation isn't just for shop owners—programmers, operators, and anyone who's ever fought against change on the floor will get valuable insights on making processes smarter, not harder. Chris also opens up about life as a consultant, from navigating difficult customers to ensuring shops stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

Machining is more than just making parts—it's stress, tight deadlines, and trying to balance work and life without losing your mind. In this episode, we talk about the reality of burnout in the trade, handling overwhelming RFQs, and when taking big risks actually pays off.And much more! Stick around to the end for a big announcement from Patrick!

What does it truly mean to be successful as a machinist? Dive into this electrifying episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast where hosts Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley discuss the ups and downs of the machining trade. Get insights on deep hole drilling and boring, learn about overcoming shop maintenance woes, and hear about their personal definitions of success in both professional and personal life. Plus, catch their real talk on training the next generation of machinists and why paying attention is crucial. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation packed with valuable tips and shared experiences!

We're tackling YOUR questions about tooling strategies, workholding setups, and more!Ever wondered when to use a thread mill instead of a tap? Or how to pick between solid carbide and indexable tooling? We've got you covered with real-world tips and personal experiences straight from our shops.Topics:Thread Milling vs. Tapping Solid Carbide vs. Indexable ToolingWorkholding Favorites: Vices, Fixtures, and SetupsGot your own tooling questions? Drop them in the comments, and we might feature them in our next episode!

What makes someone walk away from 23 years in a big shop to start their own shop? In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Brown from SBSOLOCO to hear his incredible story.From growing up around machine shops to building his own dream shop, Shawn shares the highs, lows, and hard lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how he prepared for the leap, the struggles he faced running his own business, and the strategies that helped him succeed.

Topics:Shop UpdatesWhy We Don't Have a 5-Axis Machine Managing Too Much Work Supplying Tools: Shop vs. PersonalMedium-Term Shop GoalsImproving Tooling Manufacturer SupportDealing with Costly MistakesImportance of Air Quality in the ShopTeasers for Next Episode - Shawn Brown from SBSOLOCO!Could a 5-axis machine save your shop thousands—or is it just overhyped?In this episode, we dive into some of the biggest questions machinists face: Why don't we have a 5-axis machine yet? How do you handle too much work without losing your sanity (or customers)? Should shops supply tools, or should employees bring their own? We also get into the nitty-gritty of medium-term shop goals, compare horizontals to 5-axis machines, and share tips on prioritizing jobs when your schedule is bursting at the seams. Whether you're a seasoned machinist or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss!

Topics:How ModuleWorks powers your CAM system.The challenges of full machining automation.Industry trends and the future of toolpaths.Think you know your CAM system? Think again.In this episode, we sit down with Julia and Greg from ModuleWorks, the hidden powerhouse behind many of the advanced toolpath strategies you rely on every day. Whether you're programming for a 5-axis machine or exploring automation, chances are ModuleWorks is behind the scenes making it all work.We dive into the story of how ModuleWorks started, their game-changing role in CAM software, and why they're shaping the future of machining automation. From tackling industry challenges like skill gaps to developing cutting-edge solutions like feed control and smart routing, this conversation is packed with insights every machinist and programmer will appreciate.What's in it for you?✔️ A better understanding of how CAM systems really work.✔️ Insider knowledge on what's next in machining automation.✔️ Practical takeaways to improve efficiency in your shop.Join the conversation:Did you know about ModuleWorks before this episode?What challenges do you face with your CAM system? Let us know in the comments!Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who loves learning about the technology driving modern machining.

Topics:Crash StoriesShop UpdatesThread RollingERP SoftwaresBest Way to Position JawsGiveawaysIt'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.

Topics:Kenny's Career JourneyHandling Complex JobsDealing with Payment IssuesFixture Design and MethodologyLeast Favorite MachinesManual Programming and MacrosIn 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.

TOPICS:Program ManagementAutomation vs. Hiring Employees Cheap Automation SolutionsMetric vs. Imperial Upcoming ProjectsAutomation 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!

TOPICS:IMTS RecapFixture DesignTool HoldersRising Machines and Tooling CostsWhen 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.

TOPICS:Cleaning and Organizing Your Machines ShopCoolant Tank MaintenanceUsing Social Media to Grow Your ShopLead Time EstimationEver 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!

Main Topics:Why Manual Machines Still MatterNew vs. Used MachinesHidden Startup Costs Managing DebtThinking 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!

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 WorkFavorite Shop ImprovementsReasons to Stay or Leave a Shop

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 & Updates06:55 Pathways into Machining08:35 Patrick's Apprenticeships37:01 Bradley's Start in Machining42:16 Cameron's Start in Machining

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 Intro00:40 Work-Life Balance04:05 Employee Tardiness / Challenges of Hiring and Training27:03 Dealing with Equipment Failures01:17:19 OutroDrop 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 

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 SoftwareTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:00 Walk-in Wednesday15:00 3D Printing35:00 CAM Software47:52 Outro