The Impractical Machinists

Practical Machinist

Welcome to The Impractical Machinists, a podcast for machinists’ who are creative, innovative and a cut above the rest. Join hosts Bradley, Cameron, and Patrick as they discuss everything from CNC machining, tool innovations, shop floor challenges, business strategies, and the latest trends and techniques shaping the industry.
Our episodes provide valuable insight and actionable tips from real machinists that you can apply in your own shops. Whether you’re a veteran machinist or just starting out, tune in and turn up the productivity on your machining operations.

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Top 10 The Impractical Machinists Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Impractical Machinists episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Impractical Machinists for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Impractical Machinists episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

What Do You Do When Customers Don’t Pay on Time? | 09

The Impractical Machinists

10/29/24 • 87 min

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.

🔔 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/categories/the-impractical-machinists-podcast.102/
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!!!

Do You Really Need $100K To Start a Machine Shop? | 05

The Impractical Machinists

09/03/24 • 102 min

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!

Why Most Machine Shops FAIL at Efficiency - Feat. Chris Zappettini | 19

The Impractical Machinists

03/18/25 • 88 min

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.

Biggest Risks in Machining, Tools, and Burnout | 18

The Impractical Machinists

03/04/25 • 87 min

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!

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

The Impractical Machinists

07/09/24 • 49 min

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

Is It Worth Spending $300K on a 5-Axis Machine? | 12

The Impractical Machinists

12/10/24 • 87 min

Topics:

Shop Updates
Why We Don’t Have a 5-Axis Machine
Managing Too Much Work
Supplying Tools: Shop vs. Personal
Medium-Term Shop Goals
Improving Tooling Manufacturer Support
Dealing with Costly Mistakes
Importance of Air Quality in the Shop
Teasers 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!

From the Air Force to a Machine Shop…Then I Lost It All | 17

The Impractical Machinists

02/18/25 • 84 min

🚨 He risked it all to build a machine shop from scratch—then one bad deal took everything.

Charles Sanborn IV’s journey is a rollercoaster of risk, redemption, and hard business lessons. At 18, he was on the verge of going to prison. Instead, he joined the Air Force, a decision that changed the course of his life. But the real story starts after that—when he turned his passion for machining into a full-blown business.

While still serving, Charles built a machine shop from the ground up, growing it into a thriving business. But one massive contract, a bad deal, and a costly mistake led to losing everything—his shop, his home, and everything he worked for.

This episode of Impractical Machinist is a must-watch for anyone who’s dreamed of running their own shop, taken big risks, or learned the hard way that success in machining isn’t just about making parts—it’s about making the right decisions.

💬 Have you ever taken a business risk that didn’t go as planned? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Connect with Charles Sanborn here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindertrackfab/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-sanborn-a0093126b/

How We Became Machinists | 03

The Impractical Machinists

08/06/24 • 67 min

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

Our Worst Machine Crashes Yet... | 10

The Impractical Machinists

11/12/24 • 67 min

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!

Shop Improvements, Work Preferences, and Career Moves | 04

The Impractical Machinists

08/20/24 • 101 min

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

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Impractical Machinists have?

The Impractical Machinists currently has 21 episodes available.

What topics does The Impractical Machinists cover?

The podcast is about Machining, Podcasts, Technology, Business and Careers.

What is the most popular episode on The Impractical Machinists?

The episode title 'CAM Software, Walk-in Customers & More! | 01' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Impractical Machinists?

The average episode length on The Impractical Machinists is 82 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Impractical Machinists released?

Episodes of The Impractical Machinists are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of The Impractical Machinists?

The first episode of The Impractical Machinists was released on Jul 9, 2024.

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The Impractical Machinists

Practical Machinist

Top 10 The Impractical Machinists Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Impractical Machinists have?

What topics does The Impractical Machinists cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Impractical Machinists?

What is the average episode length on The Impractical Machinists?

How often are episodes of The Impractical Machinists released?

When was the first episode of The Impractical Machinists?

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