The Impractical Machinists - Why Fixtures Matter...and Why Machines Has Gotten So Expensive? | 07

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

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.

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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!!!

Previous Episode

How Clean Should Your Machine Shop Be? | 06

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!

Next Episode

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

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!