The Impractical Machinists

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:Shawn's Journey into MachiningWhen Is The Right Time to Start a Machine Shop?How To Quote Jobs?Balancing Fast Lead Times, Quality, and Integrity in MachiningMachining and Holding Large Flat PlatesWhether 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!🔔 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-HqvV2QConnect with the hosts on Instagram:Patrick Mcclintock: IG: https://www.instagram.com/job_shopper_tn/ or PM@Job Shopper TNCameron Graves: IG: https://www.instagram.com/machiningiscool/ or PM@MachiningiscoolBradley Thomas: IG: https://www.instagram.com/marvelmachining/ or PM@MarvelThanks for listening!!!

Topics:Shop UpdatesWhy We Don’t Have a 5-Axis Machine Managing Too Much Work Supplying Tools: Shop vs. PersonalMedium-Term Shop GoalsImproving Tooling Manufacturer SupportDealing with Costly MistakesImportance of Air Quality in the ShopTeasers 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!🔔 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-HqvV2QConnect with the hosts on Instagram:Patrick Mcclintock: IG: https://www.instagram.com/job_shopper_tn/ or PM@Job Shopper TNCameron Graves: IG: https://www.instagram.com/machiningiscool/ or PM@MachiningiscoolBradley Thomas: IG: https://www.instagram.com/marvelmachining/ or PM@MarvelThanks for listening!!!

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.🔔 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-HqvV2QConnect with the hosts on Instagram:Patrick Mcclintock: IG: https://www.instagram.com/job_shopper_tn/ or PM@Job Shopper TNCameron Graves: IG: https://www.instagram.com/machiningiscool/ or PM@MachiningiscoolBradley Thomas: IG: https://www.instagram.com/marvelmachining/ or PM@MarvelThanks for listening!!!

Topics:Crash StoriesShop UpdatesThread RollingERP SoftwaresBest Way to Position JawsGiveawaysIt’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!🔔 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-HqvV2QConnect with the hosts on Instagram:Patrick Mcclintock: IG: https://www.instagram.com/job_shopper_tn/ or PM@Job Shopper TNCameron Graves: IG: https://www.instagram.com/machiningiscool/ or PM@MachiningiscoolBradley Thomas: IG: https://www.instagram.com/marvelmachining/ or PM@MarvelThanks for listening!!!