Let the podcast go on!
Saunders may have lost his voice, but that’s not stopping these two from putting out another episode.
Get ready, goal set, go!
Grimsmo is hitting lots of goals lately. The team averaged their ideal daily production number for the ENTIRE month of March!
Grimsmo is also on his final steps of purchasing a Swiss Lathe! Learn more about its specs and the steps Grimsmo is taking to prepare for his Swiss in this episode.
Upcoming goals in the Grimsmo shop:
- Get a new shop!
- 5-Axis, baby
How to Negotiate
It’s not all about getting a lower price! There’s lots of valuable add-ons or conveniences that you can push for. If you’re the customer, you’re in a position of power! Grimsmo talks about what he negotiated for when shopping for his Swiss, and shares some strategies.
Note: Building relationships with distributors HELPS!
Customer service isn’t everything, but it’s the company’s first impression
“They just make it so easy to buy from them, and their product is quality, so why not!” - Grimsmo
Saunders makes a point for the distributor model
“Sales forces are a relic of the past” - Saunders
What to expect when you’re expecting a Swiss Lathe
Grimsmo researches necessary tooling, and preparations he has to make for his new Swiss Lathe. Watch out for a video on Grimsmo’s YouTube channel where he goes into this more!
Lapping machine vs. a great end mill in a great machine?
Grimsmo talks about tools for getting that perfect mirror finish that the Grimsmo team is quickly becoming known for.
“That is the full-Grimsmo machine!” - Grimsmo
BOM goes international!
Saunders is visiting some machine shops around Europe, and Grimsmo tags along to check out the Kern Factory in Germany, and Tornos in Switzerland. While they’re at it, they plan on taping a BOM episode in Germany.
Word of the day:
5-axis
In other words, Saunders has his 5-axis Haas machine, and he’s spending some time lately getting to know it and CAMplete. He talks about his 5-axis starter kit, and moving up to technology that seemed almost unreachable before.
AND it’s helping Grimsmo thaw to the idea of learning more about 5-axis machines himself.
Becoming Swissish ROUND 2!
Grimsmo talks about his trip to Elliott Matsuura to check out some Swiss Lathes (one of which might just be purchased by the next podcast episode)
It's all about design, baby
The Johns discuss which design programs they use for their machines, and which ones to use with Swiss Lathes.
Bonus at Matsuura:
THEY HAD A ROUGHNESS TESTER! While Grimsmo visits, he gets to check out the roughness of his blades and handles. In this episode he lets us know the EXACT measurements.
Grimsmo bought an Ultrasonic Cleaner, and Skye approves.
“I wash the parts with water afterwards, and they’re cleaner than I could have gotten them before [having the Ultrasonic]” - Skye
Want to learn more about different kinds of cleaners? Saunders mentions this Wikipedia article as a great resource:
The Johns finish off this episode with talk of other cleaning supplies, cleaning methods, and a couple more notes on Swiss Lathes. Stay tuned.
A Stone's Throw Away
The parallels in the lives of Grimsmo and Saunders are uncanny to say the least. Both get the chance to clear their heads--one on Lake Ontario and the other on Lake Erie.
Full Steam Ahead
During one of the most emotional weeks of his life, Saunders watches on Instagram as the UMC-750 and TM3 are delivered in his absence--and that's a beautiful thing. With a team he can rely on, he's been able to focus his attention on who needs it most: with his wife! We're happy to say Evonne's made it through surgery and on the road to recovery!
#Inspired
Grimsmo gives an occupational talk at a local school. By taking
a hands-on approach, he's creating memorable experiences that resonate with the younger generation.
PLANNING FULL SWISS
Grimsmo knows exactly which part the Swiss lathe will play in shop production. In addition to tool holders, drill holders, and inserts, he plans to purchase a 60,000 rpm (not a typo) electric spindle to mill the torx pattern on the screws!
#7 TOOL UPDATE
In last week's episode, Saunders suggested that Grimsmo try ramping down to solve a recurring tool problem. Did it work?
WWYD?
Phil asks a thought-provoking question about whether or not to alternate between OP1 and OP2 on a 5-axis machine tool with 10 pallets. Short answer: It depends.
Higbee Threads? Tell me more!
With the SAGA having threaded parts, this clearly the way to go FULL GRIMSMO!
When high production is vital to your business, planning ahead for down time when employees are down for the count could make or break.
Although Skye thought he escaped the illness that overpowered his co-workers...he spoke too soon. Angelo steps up to the plate.
NUANCE + PROCESS SHEETS?
After Saunders tours Superb Industries, Inc., the Moore Jig Grinder poses a challenging question. How can you incorporate skilled labor into a process sheet?
Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Baker's Man....How Many Backups Should You Have on Hand?
Having doubles of EVERYTHING is not feasible so that means careful decisions about which replacement items you keep. Lead time, cost, and cash flow are just a few!
TRUST YOUR GUT
Big Kaiser goes haywire, causing SMW to begrudgingly scrap an expensive part. While troubleshooting, Saunders has his finger on it but is none the wiser.
NOT AGAIN, TOOL #7!
Grimsmo arrives to a flashing red light and a broken 1/8" flat 4-flute end mill--and this isn't the first time. When it comes to machining the tabs off of SAGA clips, this tool isn't cutting it (pun intended).
Kyocera Insert Update:
After blowing close to one insert per part, the problem is solved. Now, GK can get 200 + parts out of one insert!
NEW TOYS
From Swissish thoughts to full Swishish, Grimsmo's zeroing in on the machine GK needs.
In addition to the UMC-750, Saunders makes another purchase that will be a game changer.