In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs podcast, Will Mund and I break down the rise of humanoid robots in manufacturing and what it means for CNC machining, machine shop owners, and machinists. We discuss how robots like Figure are already working thousands of hours in real production environments, why humanoid robots fit into machine shops better than traditional automation, and how this could change machine tending, labor, and shop efficiency moving forward. If you are a CNC machinist, shop owner, or manufacturing engineer trying to understand the future of automation, this episode gives you a clear, real-world perspective without the hype.

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Schneiter to talk about his path from running a golf course to diving deep into CNC machining. What started as a drive to build his own invention led him to discover that CNC is at the core of manufacturing. Along the way, the invention took a backseat and a real passion for machining took over. Eric shares how he taught himself to retrofit machines, continues to tinker, and isn’t afraid to take on projects most people wouldn’t touch.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs podcast, I sit down with Bailey Shenk from Pizza Boy Metal Works. Bailey shares how he started his machine shop in his parents’ garage, building parts for the car community and turning his passion for cars and machining into real work. We talk about using social media to grow his brand, the challenge of quoting prototype and custom parts, and the realities of trying to make money while doing one-off work in a small startup shop. Bailey’s story is a good look at what it takes to start a machine shop from the ground up and how to build brand.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, Will Mund and I sit down with Aaron Morrill, better known online as CNC Repairman. Aaron shares how he got his start repairing CNC machines, why he began creating repair videos for the machining community, and how that effort led to developing practical tools that help machinists diagnose problems and keep their CNC machines running. Make sure you follow Aaron @cncrepairman or check out his site cncreplacementparts.com for products and solutions.

In this continuation of our Machine Talk series, Will Mund and I set out to cover multiple components and ended up going deep on one of the most critical parts of any CNC machine: the spindle. Whether it’s spinning the cutter in a mill or spinning the part in a lathe, the spindle is what makes material removal possible. We break down what separates a good spindle from a great one, what impacts precision and longevity, and what to look for when evaluating a machine. We also briefly touch on gibs and drawbars, and how those supporting components play a role in overall performance and reliability.

In this Machine Talk episode, Will Mund and I break down the next layer of CNC machines by focusing on motion. After covering machine foundations in the last episode, we get into what actually makes a CNC move, including box ways vs linear guideways, what “hand-scraped” really means on box ways, and how all of it affects rigidity, speed, and long-term wear. We also dive into ball screws, preload, backlash, and what to look for when you’re judging machine accuracy and performance.

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Atkinson of Elevation Machine to talk about our history growing up in manufacturing and how we both leapfrogged through different shop environments to end up where we are today. Brandon breaks down how Elevation Machine helps manufacturers buy and sell quality used CNC machines and fabrication equipment through a consignment style model that’s designed to maximize value for both buyers and sellers. If you’re navigating a career in manufacturing, upgrading your shop, or looking to sell equipment the right way, this episode is packed with real world insight.

In this episode, Matt and his wife Nicole break down how machine shops, CNC machinists, and product-focused entrepreneurs can start using short-form content to market what they offer. We cover why simple videos are enough to begin, how to show up consistently, and why perfection is not required. In today’s market you don’t have a real choice, if you plan on running a successful business, you must figure out how to show up on social media. If you’re a shop owner, a machinist building your own products, or someone in manufacturing who needs stronger marketing, this episode gives you a practical starting point.