In this episode, Will Mund joins to break down predictions for manufacturing in 2026: tariff impact on U.S. supply chains, workforce challenges, and how desktop/entry-level CNC machines could expand training pipelines for new machinists. A quick listen for CNC machinists, shop owners, and anyone watching the future of American manufacturing.

In this end-of-year wrap-up episode, Will Mund and I break down what actually mattered in manufacturing in 2025. We cover the launch of Machine Tool Maniacs, Will’s progress with Greenlight Machinery, key industry moves, and how AI is already affecting CNC programming, quality, and customer engagement.

If you’re a CNC machinist or machine shop owner, this is a quick look back at the trends that shaped 2025.

Machine Tool Maniacs where every story is a success story.

Get ready to sit down with Kelly Rus of Precision Machine and Repair to break down how he built a machine shop from the ground up in just a few short years. Kelly started by buying out a one-man shop and shipping it to a small town in Georgia, then setting up in the corner of a dump truck company with manual machines doing repair work. What really changed the trajectory was committing to a 24-hour breakdown repair model, which helped him earn trust fast, stand out in a small town, and charge premium rates. We talk about how he leveraged LinkedIn and TikTok to get access to large factories, the real pros and cons of running a shop in a small community, and how learning to adapt to customer needs has been critical to his growth. If you’re building a shop, doing repair work, or looking for practical ways to separate yourself and get taken seriously, there are a lot of solid nuggets in this one you won’t want to miss.

In this second part of my conversation with Chris Lamb from Triple Axis Manufacturing, we get into the real nuts and bolts of running a small machine shop. We talk about his actual equipment setup from near free machines to inspection gear, how he finds work without chasing every job online, and why networking has been the biggest multiplier for his business. We also dive into building and selling your own products, the marketing struggles nobody warns you about, and why diversification and quality systems matter even for the smallest shops. If you are running a garage shop or thinking about starting one, there are some serious nuggets in this episode you do not want to miss.

Part one of my conversation with Chris Lamb of Triple Axis Manufacturing is all about coming full circle. We dig into what it’s like growing up in a family machine shop, learning the trade from your dad, and how those early lessons stick with you whether you realize it or not. Chris shares his time in the military working on Blackhawk helicopters, how that discipline and attention to detail shaped him as a machinist, and why he eventually found himself back in manufacturing as an inspector while quietly building a shop in his garage. This episode is packed with real talk for small shop owners and anyone thinking about starting a shop on the side, covering the mindset, sacrifices, and long game it takes to turn experience into something of your own. This is part one of a two-part series with Chris, setting the foundation for how his journey came full circle and led to the shop he’s building today.

In this Machine Talk episode Will and I break down the one thing most machinists never think about. The foundation under the sheet metal. Cast iron weldments epoxy granite and concrete. What they do how they handle weight vibration and rigidity and why that matters for accuracy and tool life.

We explain terms like three point leveling double column and C frame castings as well as slant bed and discuss how these factor into overall machine performance.

If you have ever wondered why some machines feel planted and others feel light this episode gives you quick clear food for thought. Another solid Machine Talk conversation focused on helping machinists and shop owners make smarter choices.

In the second half of my conversation with Rocky Parkerton, we look ahead at where AZ3DPrint is going next and how he’s leveling up his entire operation. Rocky breaks down his future machine tool plans, why he’s doubling down on capability, and how his spin-off company Regolith Forge is becoming the platform for his product-design ambitions. We dig into the engineering mindset behind creating in-house products, solving real problems in the marketplace, and what it takes to merge job-shop work with true product development.

We wrap things up with a quick-round of questions, some solid advice for machinists and shop owners, and a deeper look at how Rocky is building a business model centered on creativity, craftsmanship, and long-term vision.

If you’re a machinist, a shop owner, or someone who wants to build something of your own, this episode is packed with inspiration and forward-thinking ideas.

Check out Rocky's companies here:

AZ3Dprint

Regolith Forge

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, Matt sits down with Rocky Parkerton, founder of AZ3DPrint and RegolithForge. Rocky shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army to becoming a CNC machinist, programmer, and ultimately a shop owner.

In the first half of the episode, Rocky talks about the challenges of transitioning from military life to the machining world — starting from humble beginnings, working his way up through the ranks, and eventually leading teams and shops before striking out on his own.

Rocky also dives deep into how the discipline, leadership, and structure learned in the military directly shaped his approach to machining and business. He explains how those same principles helped him build strong shop culture, develop effective processes, and empower others within his company.

It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, perseverance, and the drive to create — both in service and on the shop floor.