Machine Tool Maniacs

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 ch...

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 l...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 Mania...

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 help...

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 s...

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 eve...

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 m...

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 problem...

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 t...

In this episode of Machine Tool Maniacs, Matt sits down with Josh and Brad, sales engineers with Hartwig, to talk about their journey into the manufacturing world and the lessons they’ve learned helping shops level up. From guiding shop owners through the decision to move from used machines to new equipment, to emphasizing why the team behind the product matters just as much as the product itself — this episode dives deep into the ...

In this episode I sit down with Will from Greenlight Machinery to kick off our conversation about CNC controls and the history behind them. We start by talking about the three main controls you’re most likely to see out in the wild - HAAS, FANUC, and Siemens.

We keep it real and talk about where each one came from, what type of shops tend to run them, and how each brand built its reputation over the years. This isn’t a how-to episod...

In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, we sit down with Cody Ruud, the founder of Dynamic Machine, to dive into his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to running his own CNC shop. Cody shares what it took to take the leap-starting his shop right in his backyard-and the challenges and lessons learned along the way.

We also dig into how his creative approach to branding and marketing has set him apart, making it ea...

What do you do when you can’t afford the tools you need to make a living? For John McNerney, the answer was simple - you build them yourself.

Starting as a farrier, John’s need for quality tools pushed him into blacksmithing, where his talent eventually landed him on the hit show “Forged in Fire.” That same drive led him into the world of CNC machining, where he now runs Yukon Forge - a scrappy, fast-growing shop known for its stron...

Welcome back for part two with Brady from O.P.A. Industries!

In this episode, we wrap up Brady’s story - diving into how he’s grown O.P.A. to where it is today. We talk about how he leverages platforms like Xometry to maximize spindle uptime and keep his shop flexible with capacity. Plus, Brady shares some of the ways he gives back through his philanthropic efforts.

Tune in to hear valuable insights on running a modern machine shop a...