Within Tolerance

From an 800 sq ft pole barn to a 4,000 sq ft shop, Devin shares how Lichen leveled up: team, layout, and automation. We cover the R450 cobot project, M300 wins, live‑tool lathe realities, and building a stable, sustainable operation without the chaos. Check out Devin’s IG @lichen_mfg and check out his podcast Incremental at https://open.spotify.com/show/5pjzm7sFZrumDHv2eqytg5-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Jamie Peacock of JSpec Engineering and The Lone Machinists podcast joins to talk one‑man‑shop reality, from building and retrofitting machines to launching the Anchor Point zero‑point system. We hit in‑house anodizing, adding a 4th on Siemens, and why relationships beat everything in business.Link to the article discussed in the episode: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lets-talk-cheap-labour-expensive-mistakes-danica-peacock-cqrsf/ Check out Jamie's IG @jspec_engineering-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Juan March returns with InFab co‑founder Blake Nazario to share how a shop-floor problem became a purpose-built ERP for high-mix job shops. We cover InFab’s beginnings, its rebuild for multi‑tenant use, ITAR/GovCloud and CMMC, plus AS9100 tools. Juan also updates us on Jax’s growth: a larger facility, a Datron ML Cube, DMG DMC 85 with integrated pallet pool, a new CMM, and an industrial “Roomba.” We wrap with quoting realities, roadmap, and practical lessons on communication and traceability. Check out Juan’s IG @jaxmfgInFab's IG @infab.appand learn more about InFab at infab.app-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

From the coolest $10 aviator safeties to a future “van-cast,” Dylan and Zap catch up on shop projects and a mountain of listener Q&A. Dylan shares a smart coolant-dosing build, a bio-renewing parts washer win, PH Horn saw success, and ballbar/linear guide fixes that tightened up the Speedios. Zap details big wins on a project, Mastercam Mill-Turn on a Nakamura, and rolling out prepaid-hours plus Asana API automation. We dig into roughing tool holders (powRgrip, hydraulic, shrink), mist collectors, workholding vs toolholding, and more!Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

Zap joins me in the studio for our first-ever video recording! We share updates from both our shops, with Zap detailing his extensive travels and successful business model revamp. I discuss recent shop improvements, material supplier frustrations, and a surprising visit from wastewater management. We answer listener questions about optimal shop layouts, machine installation planning, and whether premium machines are worth the investment. Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

From Finance to Fixture plates - John Saunders reveals the winding path that led to creating NYC CNC and Saunders Machine Works. We discuss his transition from investment banking to manufacturing, building an audience through YouTube, and the hard-won lessons of business partnerships. John shares candid perspectives on his major equipment investments, product development strategy, and why focusing on fewer things done well transformed his business. Plus, hear his thoughts on automation, the challenges of balancing passion with profitability, and maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur. Check out SMW's IG @saundersmachineworksMachine Loan Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHdDt7VLhjM-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast⁠

This week, Justin Gray shares exciting updates about Toolpath Labs' new tool recommendation engine and their partnership with Kennametal, while Zap details his frustrating shop power saga and van towing misadventures. We explore the concept of "technical debt" in both software and machine shops, discuss whether location matters when starting a machine business, and debate the merits of various CAM systems. The conversation covers everything from managing customer-supplied materials and appropriate scrap rates to essential non-machining tools for the shop, with each of us offering practical CAM, metrology, and business tips from our experiences. Check out Justin's IG @justinsgray and Toolpath Labs @toolpathlabs or ⁠https://www.toolpath.com/⁠Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast

In this episode, I catch up with Zap after my paternity leave to discuss our recent experiences. Zap shares updates on his whirlwind travels across the country, shop move complications, dental health revelations, and his work on a high-precision linear motor machine. I talk about my new journey into fatherhood, the emotional rollercoaster of the newborn phase, and balancing life. We dive into technical topics like HyperMill automation scripts, Fusion configurations, and optimizing tool libraries. We answer listener questions about time management challenges, machinist education needs, coolant temperature effects on part tolerance, and share our candid thoughts on tool manufacturers' websites. Plus, we discuss how AI tools are changing shop workflow and documentation.Check out Zap's IG @zap.consulting-----------------------------------------Help support the podcast www.patreon.com/withintolerancepodcast