Biggest Risks in Machining, Tools, and Burnout | 18

Explicit content warning

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!

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Bradley Thomas: IG: https://www.instagram.com/marvelmachining/ or PM@Marvel
Thanks for listening!!!

And much more! Stick around to the end for a big announcement from Patrick!

Previous Episode

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

🚨 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/

Next Episode

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

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.