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.

All episodes

Best episodes

Seasons

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.

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!

🔔 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!!!

How Clean Should Your Machine Shop Be? | 06

The Impractical Machinists

09/17/24 • 73 min

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!

Why Fixtures Matter...and Why Machines Has Gotten So Expensive? | 07

The Impractical Machinists

10/01/24 • 56 min

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.

Should You Hire More Humans or Invest in Robots? | 08

The Impractical Machinists

10/15/24 • 83 min

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!

This Will Change How You See Your CAM Software | 11

The Impractical Machinists

11/26/24 • 80 min

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.

I Quit My Machining Job After 23 Years and Went Solo | 13

The Impractical Machinists

12/24/24 • 102 min

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 Covered:

Whether you're a machinist, shop owner, or someone dreaming of starting your own business, Shawn's journey is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

👉 What’s your biggest takeaway from Shawn’s story? Let us know in the comments!

Thread Milling vs. Tapping: What Works Best for You | 14

The Impractical Machinists

01/07/25 • 81 min

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 Tooling
Workholding Favorites: Vices, Fixtures, and Setups
Got your own tooling questions? Drop them in the comments, and we might feature them in our next episode!

Is Starting a Part-Time Machine Shop Worth It? | 15

The Impractical Machinists

01/21/25 • 93 min

🎙️ What Does It Take to Build a Machine Shop While Working Full-Time? 🛠️

In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, we sit down with Joe Kaslowski, a fire inspector by day and a machinist by night, who built a thriving CNC job shop in his garage. With no formal training, Joe turned his passion for machining into a side hustle without ever quitting his full-time job.

Whether you’re thinking about starting your own shop or just love hearing relatable stories from the machining world, this conversation will inspire you to keep grinding.

👉 Join the Discussion: Ever thought about starting a side shop? What’s holding you back? Drop a comment below!

What REALLY Defines Success in the Machining Trade? | 16

The Impractical Machinists

02/04/25 • 82 min

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!

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

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Impractical Machinists have?

The Impractical Machinists currently has 22 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.

Show more FAQ

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?

Comments