Saunders is in Connecticut for a Yamazen/Matsuura event. A new technical center was opened; there’s going to be lots of learning to do!
Getting info is great--but info for the sake of info isn’t always a good use of time. You’ve got to know when to get your head out of that Rabbit hole! At the end of the day, you’re making parts, and only need to know so much before getting started.
GRIMSMO PEN PROJECT IS A GO #writeyoursaga
What’s the hardest part about designing a pen? Cutting it on a lathe. Grimsmo works out the final bugs in producing a pen (the Saga), and debates new methods of machining it.
“That should not go on a lathe, but I can do it.” - Grimsmo
Keep an eye out on Grimsmo’s channel for the first “Saga Saturday” video!
Also, is there a replacement for general ER collets? Saunders talks about what he learned from a presentation last week.
Busy doesn’t have to mean stressed, and it doesn’t equal success.
“Make sure you own your business, it doesn’t own you” - Saunders
It's definitely...something! Maybe even a milestone?
Grimsmo can focus without interruption now! It may not seem like a big deal but this is actually a milestone for his business.
Question of the Day:
How do you market your first product?
*YAWN*
Saunders is s bit sluggish from last night's informative
and intoxicating brain picking session after a DMG event in Chicago.
At a customer panel, Devon--1186 mfg and Albert from Machined Concepts share their stories and some food for thought: 5-Axis isn't just for one-offs or complex parts! A great deal of people are using 3+2 machining in a production environment, which is a great way to transition into full 5-Axis capabilities. So, does that make automating a 3-Axis machine worth it? Maybe not.
A NEW METRIC
Calculating your REVENUE per sq ft per YEAR has its merits.
THE SAGA of the SAGA
Grimsmo gets a blast from the past when he steps into a local spring making shop. With the fitting nomenclature and high quality, custom springs checked off the list, GK gears up to bring as many pens to Blade Show 2018 as possible! Get your Blade Show tickets here!
CORPORATE ESPIONAGE?
Alarm bells are raised when Saunders stumbles across a knife maker who's got a strikingly similar mechanism design...and you'll never guess who it is!
Grimsmo wants to be open about the processes and design for the new product BUT for now, he wants to keep the "secret sauce" simmering for a bit.
Hiring is RISKY business...
But Grimsmo’s gotten super lucky so far! Saunders points out that Skye might just have been Grimsmo’s riskiest hire, but so far it’s all good!
How long should it take before hiring = more product produced?
First it’s necessary to get a system set up! Grimsmo is in the midst of switching from temporary solutions to permanent solutions. Looks like it’s time to talk ERP SYSTEMS!
How to sketch a pen without a pen to sketch?
The Johns talk about Grimsmo’s process for designing and making pen parts on the ever slow Fusion.
Also, if you didn’t document the process, did you even make the pen?
Grimsmo feels bad about not making progress videos for the pen.
BACK TO BASICS
Sometimes the best improvement you can make to a shop is getting rid of everything that doesn’t make your product. Saunders would tell you BE BRUTAL ABOUT IT! Go for the purge.
On a softer note, you can read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Grimsmo mentions this book as a method of organizing your life.
It’s nice when things take a while.
Okay, this maybe isn’t the case if you’re waiting for Fusion to load, but if you’re learning something new or making a decision, the Johns agree that rushing doesn’t equal results.
“Everything of value comes after much hard work” - Grimsmo
Are you in the Chicago or Hartford, Connecticut, area? Do you want to meet Saunders and the Saunders Machine Works team? Now’s your chance!
- Wednesday May 8th Saunders will be in Chicago for the DMG Mori Innovation Days
- Tuesday May 15th Saunders will be in Hartford, Connecticut, for Matsuura’s Open House.
Both events are free, and the Johns are always thrilled to meet listeners!
New INTERN for Grimsmo Knives!
At the risk of making the podcast solely congratulatory, Saunders gives his pal a pat on the back.
FAST LEARNERS?
New people at the shops seem to learn at an alarming rate but processes viewed through a 10-year learning experience lens seem more complicated than they truly are. If it's easy to learn, that's a good sign!
Revising the Welcome Guide
Driving culture is easy via paper but does it accurately reflect the in-action shop culture? The Johns don't have all the answers BUT the questions produce sparks!
MAXIMUM BENEFIT THRESHOLD?
Saunders praises the benefits of living in a digital age from a distance. There is a point at which things are TOO digital. When you start ignoring alerts, it's time to get physical!
NEW CHAPTER--or something like that.
Life journeys are gradual; pinpointing the beginning or end of a chapter proves difficult. Saunders embarks on a more defined focus.
The 7 things you must go through before making $1 million in revenue
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh on Amazon
Set an M01
Should a limit be defined that triggers an automatic re-evaluation of your company?
Rinse, Repeat, and RESCHEDULE?
Grimsmo turns his attention to rescheduling the order of events for knife making and this simple change could be paramount!
Plus, Rob Lockwood, the originator of this podcast is visiting GK tomorrow---and we're jealous!
IT’S JOH TIME!
And no, that’s not just John’s name misspelled. The Grimsmo team took a field trip to the 2018 Joint Open House last week!
Trip Notes:
- Have your codes and questions ready on the cloud. There are SO many people with answers there!
- Sweet to see an MX 330 in the flesh metal
- Spent 5 hours at Elliott Matsuura
- Checked out the Robodrill for a half hour
Keep an eye out for the 2018 Joint Open House video on Grimsmo’s channel!
Can’t wait? Here’s Grimsmo’s video from the 2017 Joint Open House
New machines are definitely in the cards for Grimsmo!
As a laser falls lower and lower on his list of necessities, robots seem more plausible. But could robots take over the Grimsmo shop one day? On the other hand, Saunders couldn't live without his CO2 laser!
Either way, Grimsmo's gonna need a new machine for the PENS he's officially bringing to market! He shows Saunders the prototype pen, and plans to bring 200 to Blade Show!
Thinking outside the box
Someone somewhere has the skills you need, don't be afraid to ask for help.
“That’s the kind of question you need to ask yourself and the industry; here’s the job I need, is it possible? Can it be done?” - Grimsmo
IMTS IS 5 MONTHS AWAY!
Look out for Grimsmo and Saunders as they run around learning a ton together.
Grimsmo hiring again??
A sixth person is coming to work at the Grimsmo shop for a co-op placement, he's a manufacturing engineering student.
The Irony of Capitalism; "The more successful you are, the better financing is" - Saunders
Saunders reflects on staying competitive.
Do you remember contour? No? That's because GoPro beat the marketing battle.
Everything’s always improving, and software is no different. Grimsmo and Saunders discuss what they’d change about Fusion. What would you?
Even amidst the morning grogg, the Johns still manage to talk big picture.
Today, is a Matsuura day and MAM-OH-MAM it's going to be awesome. While Saunders is in Connecticut to learn about values that drive Matsuura, Grimsmo heads to the Elliot Matsuura Joint Open House with his team to check out the BROTHER SPEEDIO S700X1.
everybody's workin' for the weekend...but the MAM72 works ON the weekend.
HOW DO WE LEVEL UP?
Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Serious
discussion ensues about debt and why it MIGHT be a necessary evil.
One thing is certain: Something's Gotta Give.
Beginner's Guide to Accounting for Machinists and Manufacturing Entrepreneurs
FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
Grimsmo to put himself in a new role
for a different perspective. What would you do if you were
an outside investor looking at your own company?
Finally, Grimsmo gives an update about knife #1000
Grimsmo’s wish list is GROWING!
He's lapping up a ton of information about Lapping Machines as the Grimsbros get “pickier with age.”
And hey, a diamond grit is a Grimsmo’s best friend!
Another thing on his wish list is a profilometer, to help measure the smoothness of the each blade’s surface.
Machining in Ohio vs. California vs. Australia. What’s the difference?
Should you invest in an ERP system?
ERP System: Enterprise Resource Planning
Does business size matter when it comes to considering an ERP system? Or is it just how you use the data?
"Foundations of Mechanical Accuracy" --Call or E-mail Moore Tool Company, Inc. to get your copy!
Never scrape super glue from your inlays again!
To finish off, take a look at this video by SmarterEveryDay as they shoot a bullet into glass.
GOOOOD MORNING GRIMSMO!
Lego Batman and Knife #1000 make for an awesome start to the day. Between us, this knife is gonna be a MOTHER!
Saunders decreases his RPM, which goes hand in hand with meeting his goal for less stress.
ALLERGIC TO LEAN
Maybe you've had a bad experience or maybe it's got too much
hype--Lean may not sound sexy to some but when it's under
the franchise lens, you might do a double take.
Morning Meetings, Meh?
Saunders and Grimsmo discuss COMPANY CULTURE and how to improve it. How do you do it when you're at that awkward stage?
Bubble Wrap Mount on IG
SOCIAL MEDIA MONSTER - Admit it. You're sick of it too!
Saunders posits that we're living in the "Social Media Bubble" but when will it burst? Find out how they tackle comments and different social media platforms. The NYCCNC website forum is behind the paywall to create a troll-free interaction zone.
We want to thank those who offer constructive criticism and helpful advice. You are part of this supportive community that makes all the difference!
If winter is over, how can Saunders get chilled out? By CHILLING OUT in Australia, of course. Saunders is back from his 12 day vacation with his wife, and is totally mellowed out, dude, but ready to get back to work.
What was the hardest part for Saunders about being away from the business? Taking a vacation from Social Media Town.
Challenge accepted: how long can you go without using YOUR cell phone? Saunders went 3 days in Australia on a desert island.
Grimsmo on social media:
“Instagram is there for you to enjoy, you’re not there for it to be consumed. It’s there for you, you’re not there for it” - Grimsmo
Can news be spam?
“Not willing to pay the price of the daily noise [of daily newsletters and surveys] just for the possible benefit” - Saunders
Besides, the Johns can agree that if it’s important, they’ll hear about it from someone else.
Adapting your business to the country in which you’re running it
Saunders speaking about the Australian mindset on productivity:
“That’s the great thing about travelling and seeing other cultures; you don’t have to accept it, you don’t have to like it, but you need to see it.” So, should he cut back on his hustle?
How might one succeed in a place like Australia? Or succeed in another country in general that might not have access to the same resources as America?
Ask where the demand is, and do a SWOT analysis.
Sometimes it’s just about asking the question...“How do I take this disadvantage and turn it into an advantage?” - Saunders
Grimsmo on changes to the business:
“The one change you make is not solo by itself” - Grimsmo
If you make one change, other things have to change to suit that change.
Pierson Shop Tour video on the Grimsmo YouTube channel!
“Jay does a good job at showing the results, not just the things that you’re planning on doing” - Saunders
Question: if you had to set an expiry date on how long something could sit in your shop without you using it, how long would it be?
Today, the Johns are 1000 miles away--literally! Well, 15130 km or 9400 miles to be more exact.
Saunders Soup for the Soul
While in Sydney, Austrailia for the Next Generation Manufacturing event with Autodesk, he allows himself to detach, de-stress, and be in the moment. Woosah, for sure!
The GK team is on track to smash their best-month-ever record yet again! Spending a day cutting foam means enough for the month but still leaves something to be desired.
FOG 'N' BOG
Grimsmo installs 2 mist collectors BUT how will he choose to operate it? Light Switch or Arduino + Powertail, that is the question. Stay tuned for the installation video!
Did you say NOISE POLLUTION?
While not a common phrase in the U.S., it should definitely be a part of machine shop jargon.
Over the ocean and through parking lots to Nicholas Hacko, we go.
This place might have THE MOST ACCURATE MACHINE IN THE WORLD! Plus, a threadmill so small it leaves Grimsmo saying, "I gotta calculate that, where's my Imperializer?" Stay tuned for a video tour.
Meet Angelo in the GK NEW People and LEAN Improvements Video!
REAL ESTATE WOES
How big is too big? Grimsmo's thinking hard about the decision to move to a bigger shop. When leasing, unused space is as bad as unused inventory--lean goes out the window. Saunders offers some great suggestions.
Check out this ENORMOUS space in the New Possible GK Home Video!
6 Boxes of New Material AHEAD of Schedule? YES PLEASE!
Grimsmo gears up to sort through it while Saunders plays with CERA BLOCKS.
There's another machine up for consideration at GK--find out what it is!
The podcast flashback last week sent the John’s into a whirlwind of comments about what they were up to around Christmas time. It’s amazing how much changes in just a few months!
Is there a monetary value to time?
“There are two limitations in life, time and money” - Saunders
As it turns out, time-related stress doesn’t just stress you out, but also your wallet!
So, would spending the money to move to a much bigger shop be worth it for Grimsmo?
Check out Grimsmo’s latest video on their reconnaissance mission to see a potential new shop.
How to Scale Business: Fire Yourself
Here’s some news; Saunders got bored! So...he’s probably successfully fired himself! And it feels so good to know they have the systems in place to make workers autonomous. The next question is what will he do next?
In Grimsmo’s corner, Angelo seems to be autonomous on the lathe! Next step: Set up a system and process for business expansion.
“Machining is not a spectator sport” - Grimsmo
But the two John’s are going to keep making videos about it anyway. Keep an eye out for Post Processor videos on Saunders channel! It’s amazing how quickly you can go from “I don’t know”, to “let me teach YOU how to do that”.
Grimsmo’s putting it write out in the open...he’s developing a Grimsmo PEN! But will it take 3.14x the amount of desired time to make it to market? Who knows, at least he’ll share as much as he can about the process on the way.
Keep an ear out for an episode where the John’s talk about leadership/management styles.
See you next week, mate! Saunders is headed to Australia, but he’s sticking to the Business of Machining Schedule.
Today we're time traveling back to December 20th, 2017. This episode is the ultimate podcast throwback!
Saunders tiptoes around a sabotage situation. While success and influence are perceived as a threat to others, keep doing what you love with good intentions.
End of Year Reflection
Teamwork makes the dream work. While certain employees may not generate direct revenue, long term,
they increase market awareness and brand strength. For Saunders, money means you're doing things right. Plasti-Dip = True Happiness.
Grimsmo has a knack for going full bore on tasks even if they aren't the most important.
YouTube: Flop or Hit?
The SMW team makes a hilarious Thanksgiving video that flopped while another simple, straight forward video is all the rage.
Thanksgiving At A Machine Shop
Saunders opens up about losing someone close and how it's impacted him.
Grimsmo stresses the importance of gaining an audience, while they both agree social media is worth their time, having a big audience isn't the end goal; rather, it's a by-product of doing what you love.
Is Oculus Rift compatible with Mac?
Grimsmo’s got a guy! He's happy to answer this question for a friend. Connections will help Grimsmo maximize his company and Saunders thinks transparency will help both of them reach their goals.
Grimsmo returns from L.A. beaming with excitement after meeting with producers in Hollywood and touring Pierson Workholding.
Good friends tell you what you want to hear...best friends tell you
what you NEED to hear.
Like a best friend should, Saunders offers Grimsmo his full support and genuine concern. Hollywood can make AND break you, especially if you're not privy to its cut-throat nature.
Let's make sure Grimsmo TV is an all-around success!
There's a first for everything!
The Johns experience their first awkward moment --paying the price for making the podcast public.
Pierson Workholding plans to move soon - Doubling in size!
Saunders wants to hear Jay's thought process on replacing his Haas TM-3 with a VF-4SS.
100 perfect Norseman Pivots out of titanium instead of stainless steel? The Lesson: Better material organization!
ORIGINS
Pinpointing where inspiration, desire, and hunger come from proves to be difficult.
Recommended Reading: The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life
Engraving fixture post coming soon...make another circle in the parking lot if you must!
We want to thank our patrons...you guys rock!
If you'd like to get more insider access, click here to become a Business of Machining Patron!
The John’s celebrate Valentine's Day with episode 54 of the podcast, but Saunders doesn’t have much love for the accounting frustrations he experienced in the past week.
What is the AUTOSWEEP function on Paypal? Stay tuned for a video from Saunders.
Grimsmo’s Lean Machining Lifestyle
Angelo frees up time for Grimsmo to make improvements to the shop. How can you minimize wasted time and effort by getting LEAN?
Entrepreneur. Manager. Technician. Which are you?
The E-Myth Revisited contains valuable insights.
Saunders plays with CMMs at the Mitutoyo Workshop.
FIXTURE FUN
- GK Shop Life 011
- Grimsmo wants to get SERIAL!
Ever want to learn more about fonts? There’s a documentary for that: Helvetica.
“Why did that tool break?” - Angelo
The Process of Measuring Tool Life
Saunders encourages Grimsmo to go to DMG Mori and play with a Matsura machine with a pallet pool.
Grimsmo’s going to Hollywood! He’ll be speaking with producers this weekend about a potential documentary series.
Saunders was a guest star on the amp hour podcast.
**HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUSINESS OF MACHINING!**
Machine for 10 years, clean your coolant once.
Grimsmo is reunited with his lost chips in this recent
Coolant Cleaning video.
Saunders proves his love for combining machining with IoT in the Air Compressor Text Alert video.
In a weekend long conversation on WhatsApp about 5-Axis with pallet pool, what used to seem like a trip to the moon is now a tombstone's throw away.
Grimsmo depends on his routine for stress relief but when he falls off the wagon, he finds himself in a pensive mood.
It's MY CAD model and I want it now!
Saunders wants global CAM variables instead of having to master model.
The business of the business of machining podcast (you read that right)
Although the podcast is first and foremost a conversation,
the Johns realize its potential to evolve.
Saunders gushes over his MHUB Chicago experience. To be clear, MHUB isn't JUST a maker's space. MHUB provides framework for businesses to succeed as well as make products!
This year, in lieu of a traditional open house, NYC CNC and MHUB present the Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Summit (MES) a day before IMTS (America's Largest Trade Show). MES will be Sunday, September 9th, 2018 and it's FREE!
"I want to earn enough to justify the lifestyle I want to live--that is, farting around a machine shop!" - Saunders
Grimsmo determines that constant improvement does NOT equal progress. There's always room for improvement but does it get you closer to your goal? Sometimes Tie Fighters get in the way and other times, they are exactly what you need.
Boxes, Bubble Wrap and Tape: A Medium for Messages?
Unfortunately, your product isn't the only thing that speaks to your reputation. Speaking of tape, find out WHY a gummy tape dispenser leaves Saunders wanting to crawl into a hole.
Coming Soon:
GK's newest employee and SMW's BOSS Laser Cutter.
Click HERE to become a Business of Machining Patron!
The Business of Machining Podcast has hit the big 5.0.! That is, their 50th episode.
Hunger: A Common Denominator for Successful Entrepreneurs
Success requires more than making a product. Remember: You are not an island and neither is your business.
Why are you an entrepreneur, anyway?
Let’s just say, it’s not REALLY about the money...or is it?
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh offers insights.
Get a copy here.
What would THAT GUY do?
Building relationships lets you climb inside the mind of someone else. Instead of making decisions based on emotion, removing yourself from the equation proves worthwhile.
A NEW SAGA EMERGES: Norseman Fixtures
“It’s like putting all of your eggs in one basket...but it’s a SWEET basket.” Check out Grimsmo’s Fixturing Strategies here. #worthit
Creating fixtures could benefit you! So, now’s the time to get schooled.
Register HERE for the February 2018 - Fixturing & Workholding Class
When Your Coolant Isn’t Cool Anymore
Grimsmo replaces his 2.5 year-old coolant and makes a 50 lb (23 kg) discovery that’s been hiding.
Saunders gets a new Skimmer! You can see which one here.
ON YOUTUBE:
Getting Views VS. Providing Content You Want To Provide
The pressure of expectation runs high but at the end of the day, it’s about being true to yourself.
Grimsmo’s doing it right!
Check out the new GK FOAM CUTTING VIDEO!
Dreaming of Air Bearings
Air bearings do what? Keep Grimsmo up all night, apparently!
Every Minute Counts
Customer service inefficiencies suck away time and get Saunders into a funk. While some things are out of your control; one thing is certain: you do have the ability to make your own happiness.
Accounting - KNOW YOUR TICKS AND BOBS!
Saunders and Grimsmo discuss pros and cons of accounting software such as Chase, Xero, Wave, and QuickBooks. Software is definitely not "one size fits all."
“Any process only works as good as you use it.” - Grimsmo
Looking Back
You might know your goals but do you know what they aren’t? Grimsmo and Saunders reflect on how success has impacted their work/life balance.
Getting FIRED = better leadership?
Grimsmo contemplates batching parts to free up the lathe for exciting new products. Finally, if you'd like to become a patron, visit the Business of Machining Podcast Patreon!
Coming Soon:
Guest series - Once a month, a guest from the machining industry will hop on board!
Flashlight Fridays!
“Share 90% of what you do, and charge like heck for the last 10%” - Grimsmo’s dad
Employer Vs. the employee. With businesses expanding, they research employee rights, benefits, and how to implement that into employment processes, agreements, and online business tools.
Choosing software is daunting but when it comes to accounting, WAVE might give QuickBooks a run for its money.
SHARING IS CARING.
Get insight into the internal workings of NYCCNC here.
Coming Soon: Saunders will share the start-to-finish process of the Imperializer in upcoming videos.
Dedicated hardware devices. We need them. Sure, you own a calculator or a phone but who wants to get their pockets wet trying to convert inches to millimeters??
Click here to cure “wet pocket syndrome.”
When bringing a product or service to market, you might be headed for a shark-infested ocean! Steer clear and head for the big blue instead.
Get your copy of The Blue Ocean Shift here.
Grimsmo shares his freight troubles and the necessity of hiring an agent becomes imperative.
Those Linda Wheels THOUGH!
Saunders and Grimsmo discuss problems and solutions for grits and thread-mills. Some problems aren’t worth the time and money to be solved.
If you haven't HEARD, Grimsmo's got a new Tumbler Video!
New Year, New You?
Although hesitant to make New Year’s Resolutions, the Johns agree that the New Year is coming at a fitting time.
“I need to quit” - Saunders
Saunders relays the importance of keeping stress levels down while still maintaining productivity by delegating tasks.
Inspirational ending note...
“We need to strengthen our blind faith in what we do” - Grimsmo
“The business is becoming its own entity, and we all work for that business” - Grimsmo quoting Pierson
Saunders and Grimsmo reunite after missing one of their weekly chats and they have much to discuss. As their businesses grow at a fast pace, having a great team and managing stress are becoming more important. The guys work to advance the skills of their teams as well as their own.
Jonathan Lewis is back to teach another Tig Welding class.
Get your pro-membership for NYCCNC here.
“Find great people, get them on your team, and let them do great things” - Saunders
Both of them have taken on a new team member in the past week; Saunders hired an intern from an award winning high school robotics team with a passion for engineering. Over in Canada, Grimsmo’s new Media Producer (and first hire), Erin Kelly, is taking on full time duties and crushing it. Grimsmo can’t stop generating ideas for his team to accomplish together and getting more excited about his work. By the time the new machinist arrives in January, it will be as if he’s “split himself into four people”.
Anything else? Yeah, lots!
Saunders reminds Grimsmo to get excited about what you do, and John talks about how this can reduce stress levels.
Having trouble with thread mills? Saunders offers advice.
Engineering students from McMaster do a presentation on Grimsmo Knives. Stay tuned to Grimsmo’s YouTube channel to watch the presentation and the chat afterwards between the students, Grimsmo, and Erin. More videos coming soon!
Saunders talks about custom vacuum plates.
Grimsmo combats his supply problem by making Rasks instead of Norseman knives. He declares he will never run out of material again.
Review of new Vibra Tumbler (spoiler: it’s great!). Video of unboxing and review coming on Grimsmo’s YouTube channel soon!
There is a lot of power in communication, especially if you’re a supplier. As Grimsmo says, “the human empathizes with personal problems, but the business doesn’t’ care at all.”
Get ready to hear the podcast with less and less of a lag between taping and publication. With two media people, “The Business of Machining” will be much closer to real time.