Ep. 66: Fusion Executes Order 66
About this episode
The episode discusses the challenges of running a machine shop with solar power and the frustrations of using CAD software.
This week, everything works… except the things we actually need. We start off optimistically with solar power plans and dreams of energy independence, before immediately spiraling into real-world problems like rising fuel costs, questionable ROI, and whether running a machine shop on sunshine is genius or just expensive optimism. Then Fusion 360 decides to absolutely ruin Jamie's week, turning simple edits into 10-minute emotional journeys and making basic machining tasks feel like punishment. If you've ever shouted at your CAD software like it personally betrayed you, this one's for you. Meanwhile, Curt casually builds "internet in a box" like a doomsday prepper with a Wi-Fi signal, downloads all of Wikipedia, and somehow makes it sound completely reasonable. We also cover: * Why copy-pasting G-code is a dangerous game * The exact moment a missing line ruins your day * Buying a new 3D printer for "totally valid reasons." * Designing print-in-place tools that might actually save your machine * And why backups (and backup plans) are no longer optional It's part machining, part tech rant, part "how did we get here?" Subscribe if you enjoy: Questionable engineering decisions…
Topics covered
- solar power
- energy independence
- CAD software issues
- machine shop challenges
- 3D printing
- backup plans
More episodes of The Lone Machinists
- Ep. 71: The World's Cutest Vice (and Other Lies)
- Ep. 69: Insert Innuendo Here
- The Lone Machinists Ep. 68: Print It, Stick It, Break It, Fix It
- Ep. 67: One More Machine Will Fit (Trust Me)
- Ep. 65: If You Can't Make It Perfect, Make It Adjustable
- Ep. 64: Sausage Polishers & Shop Logic
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