The Impractical Machinists

• Why Most Machine Shops FAIL at Efficiency - Feat. Chris Zappettini | 19

  What if you could shave hours off cycle times, optimize your machining strategies, and get your entire shop on board with process improvements—without the usual resistance?In this episode of the Impractical Machinists Podcast, we sit down with Chris Zappettini, owner of Zappettini Consulting and co-host of Within Tolerance. Chris has spent years inside machine shops across the U.S., helping businesses cut waste, improve workflows, and implement smarter machining strategies. But as he explains, real improvement isn’t just about faster cycle times—it’s about getting everyone from the shop floor to management to buy in.Chris shares a behind-the-scenes look at a recent project where rethinking material selection, tooling, and machining strategies slashed cycle times from 15 hours down to just 7 or 8. He also dives into the power of five-axis machining, custom G-code macros, and how well-organized CAM systems and fixture libraries can transform efficiency.But this conversation isn’t just for shop owners—programmers, operators, and anyone who’s ever fought against change on the floor will get valuable insights on making processes smarter, not harder. Chris also opens up about life as a consultant, from navigating difficult customers to ensuring shops stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry.🔔 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!!!

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• Biggest Risks in Machining, Tools, and Burnout | 18

  Machining is more than just making parts—it’s stress, tight deadlines, and trying to balance work and life without losing your mind. In this episode, we talk about the reality of burnout in the trade, handling overwhelming RFQs, and when taking big risks actually pays off.And much more! Stick around to the end for a big announcement from Patrick!Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify🔔 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!!!

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• From the Air Force to a Machine Shop…Then I Lost It All | 17

  🚨 He risked it all to build a machine shop from scratch—then one bad deal took everything.Charles Sanborn IV’s journey is a rollercoaster of risk, redemption, and hard business lessons. At 18, he was on the verge of going to prison. Instead, he joined the Air Force, a decision that changed the course of his life. But the real story starts after that—when he turned his passion for machining into a full-blown business.While still serving, Charles built a machine shop from the ground up, growing it into a thriving business. But one massive contract, a bad deal, and a costly mistake led to losing everything—his shop, his home, and everything he worked for.This episode of Impractical Machinist is a must-watch for anyone who’s dreamed of running their own shop, taken big risks, or learned the hard way that success in machining isn’t just about making parts—it’s about making the right decisions.💬 Have you ever taken a business risk that didn’t go as planned? Let’s talk about it in the comments.Connect with Charles Sanborn here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindertrackfab/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-sanborn-a0093126b/Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify🔔 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!!!

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• What REALLY Defines Success in the Machining Trade? | 16

  What does it truly mean to be successful as a machinist? Dive into this electrifying episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast where hosts Patrick, Cameron, and Bradley discuss the ups and downs of the machining trade. Get insights on deep hole drilling and boring, learn about overcoming shop maintenance woes, and hear about their personal definitions of success in both professional and personal life. Plus, catch their real talk on training the next generation of machinists and why paying attention is crucial. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation packed with valuable tips and shared experiences!Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify🔔 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!!!

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• Is Starting a Part-Time Machine Shop Worth It? | 15

  🎙️ What Does It Take to Build a Machine Shop While Working Full-Time? 🛠️In this episode of the Impractical Machinist Podcast, we sit down with Joe Kaslowski, a fire inspector by day and a machinist by night, who built a thriving CNC job shop in his garage. With no formal training, Joe turned his passion for machining into a side hustle without ever quitting his full-time job.Whether you’re thinking about starting your own shop or just love hearing relatable stories from the machining world, this conversation will inspire you to keep grinding.👉 Join the Discussion: Ever thought about starting a side shop? What’s holding you back? Drop a comment below!Everyday AI: Your daily guide to grown with Generative AICan't keep up with AI? We've got you. Everyday AI helps you keep up and get ahead.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify🔔 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!!!

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