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

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!

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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!!!

📌 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!

Previous Episode

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

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!

Next Episode

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

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!