This week both John's talk about the million dollar Kern Microtechnik coming to the Grimsmo shop! Both John's also touch on the Christmas holiday coming up and about being a parent! Saunders touches on past issues about having machines delivered to his shop and the entire process of getting new equipment. We talk in depth about learning advanced lathe work, things like Fusion 360, tool paths and when to stop trying to hard. Things reference in this weeks podcast are listed below: BlueDriver LSB2...
Dec 20, 2019•37 min
The guys muse about their leadership role and how seriously they take it. In order to be a better leader, you have to be willing to admit when things aren't going well--and that's not easy. Tasks and Tiffs! Grimsmo shares current sticking points in the shop: sharing responsibility and co-worker conflicts. Incrementally, he's delegating more tasks. When it comes to conflict, he finds it easy to understand and validate both sides...which sounds good on paper BUT it's NOT! Grimsmo and Saunders talk...
Dec 13, 2019•41 min
This week John & John talk about firing vendors and turning failure into a victory, and money can buy you options but not happiness. John G also confirms that the lease on the new building is confirmed and they are now in the planning stage. John S talks setting up his new Haas Lathe to run a new part.
Dec 06, 2019•48 min
Welcome to the Business of Machining Podca---I mean, Business of Machining PRIVATE conversation. What were things like for Grimsmo and Saunders pre Lockwood button? Saunders remembers a lot more daily struggles, precarious situations, lack of confidence, and FEAR. Have things really changed? Perfectionism = Double-Edged Knife A driving force for achieving excellence, perfectionism comes at a high price. Could learning to be content in the moment be the key? Atypical but Awesome AutoDesk Universi...
Nov 29, 2019•43 min
This week both John's talk about how John Grimsmo crashed his swiss lathe. John Saunders talks about his class called "Growing Into 5 Axis at Autodesk University". They also touch on rigging and moving CNC equipment and a new tool management system that Saunders' created!
Nov 22, 2019•49 min
Entrepreneurial visions are known for being lofty, clearly defined, fixed ideas backed by extreme conviction. The truth is, visions evolve. Where you are now was probably an inconceivable thought back then. If you're thinking of becoming a manufacturing entrepreneur but don't know where to start, the guys have one simple piece of advice that can be the driving force for your business! Establishing Company Culture - Organic or Intentional? The Johns discuss the ideas behind creating a culture of ...
Nov 15, 2019•33 min
This week we talk about new shops and the sometimes ugly process behind it. Also John Saunders finally gets a lathe! Other topics discussed this week are the beginning of their careers in the early YouTube days. Finally getting a part made right just feels so good! John Grimsmo talks about the Saga pen being in full effect. Saunders' Fanuc Robodrill is rocking hard, it is making him re-think the robot arm.
Nov 08, 2019•37 min
ATTENTION: CALLING ALL PARKING LOT CIRCLERS! We want to feature YOU! If you're a Business of Machining podcast listener, send us an audio clip so we can add it to future episodes! Make sure to listen to this episode for further details! What's Up in Saundersland? John returns from Spectre EDM in Blue Ash, Ohio. "Good EDM Shops never cut corners (pun intended)." If you have any burning questions about EDM, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming tour video on YouTube! The comment section will be o...
Nov 01, 2019•45 min
What would Scott Harms do? We all have people we look up to, and take cues from in our lives. For Saunders, of course, that person is a machinist. Saunders got to TOUR of MetalQuest in Hebron, Nebraska, so keep an eye out for that on his youtube channel Teaser: This guy is positive AND realistic! It’s a story of slow growth, but it’s very relatable as an entrepreneur. GOOD VIBES Even though Saunders was only at MetalQuest for the day, he got some real mellow vibes from Scott and the employees. S...
Oct 25, 2019•46 min
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Finding a space that fits your business but still allows room for growth can be tricky. The mammoth 26,000 sg ft building turns out to be a bust for Grimsmo. However, he's found THE ONE and it's PERFECT--as long as the concrete's deep enough (more on that later). You don't know what you don't know. Signing leases might seem casual and straightforward especially if you've personally rented an apartment or house. However, there are lease options you aren't aware of that can ...
Oct 18, 2019•45 min
Taking it to the NEXT LEVEL Should The Business of Machining be more than a conversation between machinist/entrepreneur buddies? Saunders and Grimsmo discuss what makes BOM stand out among podcasts, and how to be more clear in their intentions for the podcast. Who can you trust?? To answer to your question “Be careful in this day and age because anybody will answer your question” - Quote Saunders liked In a world of opinions, decide in advance whose opinion you trust. Target your questions to th...
Oct 11, 2019•45 min
SHUT IT DOWN FOR CMTS! Grimsmo and the gang are shutting down the shop and heading to CMTS to learn! Everyone has an eye out for things that could improve GK processes AND now that Grimsmo's in a 5-axis mindset, he's ready to absorb as much as possible. TIME SUCK/DISTRACTION? Although trade shows are fun and full of information, they can also steal time from your business. Attending a trade show can feel productive; however, it can also be a cleverly disguised distraction preventing more importa...
Oct 04, 2019•42 min
Buckle up for this EPIC episode of BOM! Saunders and Grimsmo both have a LOT to talk about as Grimsmo bargains for the shop of his dreams, and Saunders takes on multiple projects that each have BIG implications and potential . Behind the GrimsBRO scenes When it comes down to it, Grimsmo Knives was started by two brothers, and they continue to make big business decisions together. Grimsmo shared a chat on his Insta story (@johngrimsmoknives) between him and Erik, and it left people guessing. BUT ...
Sep 27, 2019•45 min
#INSTAMACHINIST WARM FUZZIES & GERMAN CHILL A simple, offhanded comment in episode 134 generates a heart-warming response from the machining community. Click Image Below to Check Out Original Post from Ignite Digi Operation StickerBomb = Success! At first, Kern Microtechnik isn't about that sticker bomb life but when they realize that people aren't defacing property, they fully embrace it! Who doesn't love a high-precision company that can kick back while in the throws of a haughty, sophisti...
Sep 20, 2019•46 min
Do you even lathe, bro? “I LOVE LATHES!” - Not who you’d expect As Saunders gets deeper into research for his potential lathe, he plays 20 (000) questions with Grimsmo. If you’re thinking about buying a lathe yourself, or you just need some basic lathe tips, this is the episode for YOU! Get your notebook out, and let’s get started! Quick tips: “Get what you know you’ll need, and just buy more stuff later” - Grimsmo “This is like getting an HD TV when you’ve been reading and brailing your whole l...
Sep 13, 2019•48 min
LET'S DO THIS THANG. If you're a parking lot circler, share the podcast for a chance to WIN! Submission Deadline: Tuesday September 17th, 2019. Winner announced on September 20th Episode! Hints of an upcoming lathe purchase have been gracing these podcast episodes for some time. Saunders asks Grimsmo for advice on the right number of radial and axial live tool holders AND which machine features to purchase or skip to maximize utility. Holding tight to visions of automation, they discuss benefits...
Sep 06, 2019•45 min
In this episode: NEW IDEAS: “It’s amazing what can happen when you Palletize your life!” - Saunders Grimsmo’s new love...The BUYER’S Choice System If you know about Grimsmo Knives, you know about their Maker’s Choice system. This is the way they’ve been selling their knives for YEARS. The title of the Buyer’s Choice System says it all; if your name is picked, you can order a knife specific to your ideal Norseman. Check out the Grimsmo Knives website , and Grimsmo’s Instagram account for more det...
Aug 30, 2019•52 min
Settling In Nicely Anyone remember what it felt like to push that clunky snooze button on an LED Panasonic alarm clock? The Grimsmo family is settled comfortably in their new home--so much so that John has no recollection of his alarm or swiping the snooze. Double Time Reality Although Grimsmo's slowly inching toward handing off more responsibility within his company, this week it's double duty. Swiss Switch After machining an emergency collet on the Swiss FOR the Swiss, Grimsmo gets midway thro...
Aug 23, 2019•45 min
Work/Life Balance Saunders had a great time at Autodesk Fusion 360! Now it’s onto the Field Museum in Chicago with his family. “Your business and personal life has to go hand in hand!” - Grimsmo Grimsmo moved into the new house over the weekend, and it already feels like home. When can an entrepreneur start to give themselves a salary? Saunders talks about putting your profits back into the business in order to guarantee success, but at a certain point everyone needs to pay themselves. And there...
Aug 16, 2019•40 min
Portland, Oregon. Autodesk Fusion 360 Academy Day 2. Sans the glitz, glam, and exuberance of Autodesk University Las Vegas, the close-nit vibe and Fusion focused course material makes for an amazing time. Saunders shares an AWESOME Fusion 360 hack from Rob Lockwood's 5-Axis Fixturing Course. IT'S A SMALL WORLD During the event, Saunders has dinner with Don Grant from Helical/HarveyTool, the same person Grimsmo met at Autodesk Toronto in July. Turns out, Don had a sweet solution for Grimsmo's 3/3...
Aug 09, 2019•39 min
Our podcast name is DA’ BOM In other words, welcome back to the Business of Machining folks, where we talk about business, machining and in this case, budgets. Grimsmo and Saunders dive into all those little bits of business advice you would never think to give to a new entrepreneur if asked. They talk best budgeting software, time management, shipping, and lots of seemingly mundane, but equally important, technicalities to running a business. Look out for a Chip Break episode on the NYC CNC You...
Aug 02, 2019•51 min
THE SCOOPS AHOY OF CNC MACHINING Grimsmo's KERN will be used as a positional 3-axis for knife making at first, meaning he doesn't need crazy tool or gauge lengths--at least until he decides to get fancy. IT'S A GRAVY SITUATION! EARTH TO SMW! Saunders and his team are back to Earth from visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., where Adam Savage, Andrew Barth, and Jen Schachter assembled the Apollo 11 Hatch Door Replica for Project Egress. 3D Pit Stop On the way ...
Jul 26, 2019•41 min
Hungry...for SUCCESS? If you wanna be an entrepreneur, you've gotta HUSTLE! And if you're in the manufacturing industry, you're also making parts. Grimsmo balances running the shop/being the boss, with learning the new machine. On Grimsmo's decision to buy a Kern... “You’ve restored harmony” - Saunders It's not two lathes against one mill, now there will be an equal number of each. Y aren't you working?! Grimsmo struggles with the Y-axis of his Swiss lathe. “Every time I think I get it, there’s ...
Jul 19, 2019•47 min
Apollo 11. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. 50th Anniversary. Adam Savage. Project Egress---need I say more!? SMW was given an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other makers and Adam Savage's team to make an Apollo 11 hatch door replica for the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. If you'd like to see the assembly of the door on July 18, 2019, click here for details! Click the Image Below For Video TOP OF THE LINE, END OF THE ROAD: KERN Still reeling from the arrival of the Tor...
Jul 12, 2019•46 min
The Elements of a Machine Shop: Coffee, Coolant, Oil, and FIRE! Swiss Lathe Update? “I have both crashed it and set it on fire” - Grimsmo About the fire…it wasn’t THAT bad Folks from the manufacturer of Grimsmo’s Mist Collector reassure Grimsmo that the machine is usually completely fine after a small fire like that. Regardless...GRIMSMO PARKING LOT TEST OF THE FLAMMABILITY OF OIL COMING SOON “You don’t want to talk about crashing your machine, but this is a safe place” - Grimsmo Is a Swiss wort...
Jul 05, 2019•49 min
Apollo 11. PARTS. NASA. SMITHSONIAN. ADAM SAVAGE?? Breaking the Silence on Project Egress! This "Top Secret" mission is a collaborative, maker-inspired, project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Saunders shares his crazy story about what the project is, why it's so important, how it ties into his renewed passion for 5-axis machining, and why he's ready to get a "real" lathe! If you want to meet up and see the project, swing by the National Air and Space Museum i...
Jun 28, 2019•43 min
Easy as 1-2-3! It's easy to commit to recording this podcast every week when you love it! “This is one of my favorite things to do each week” - Saunders “This podcast is a safe space for us to brag OR complain” - Grimsmo Even after so many episodes, the podcast’s format remains the same: two buddies gush over machining, the challenges that come along with it, and running a business. The Swiss Lathe TURNS into a conventional lathe (for now) A fluke in the order for guide bushing delays the Swiss ...
Jun 21, 2019•50 min
YOU BETA NOT MISS THIS! Saunders and his team gear up to launch their biggest project yet: redefining how the machining world consumes and learns speeds and feeds! Sign up to be notified about the beta launch HERE! BladeShow Brain Blur Erik & Jo (pronounced Yo) drive the tail of the dragon on the way to the most important show of the year. Although booth decor might not be their forte, who needs a fancy booth when you go #fullgrimsmo? Still reeling from the deep conversations in the pit, the...
Jun 14, 2019•52 min
Saunders pushes through the pain of a bowling injury. He's still tough enough to make parts on his new 5-axis machine! And there's SO MUCH to learn about it. Saunders wants to work on the 6th side of a part with his 5-axis, and then eventually tab it off Let's start a tab. Saunders gives some tips on how to tab off a part, and what he's learned since starting to play with his 5-axis. "Filing is not great, scotch brite wheels work but it’s not the best. The trick is just to get really good at tab...
Jun 07, 2019•50 min
BE AWESOME: BE BETA! For over a year and a half, Saunders and his team have been pouring themselves into a new business venture! John considers this "the biggest thing he's ever done" and rightfully so. The goal: redefining the way the machining world consumes and learns speeds & feeds. Click HERE to be notified when the beta launches! Pearly Whites Using the tried, true, cheap, and beloved superglue workholding technique, Grimsmo was finally able to machine those mother-of-pearl inlays for ...
May 31, 2019•48 min
