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Business of Machining

John Grimsmo of Grimsmo Knives and John Saunders of NYC CNC discuss their success, struggles, goals and more as machinists, business owners and entrepreneurs.
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Now displaying: Page 13
Apr 27, 2018

New INTERN for Grimsmo Knives!
At the risk of making the podcast solely congratulatory, Saunders gives his pal a pat on the back.

GK Mother of Pearl Video

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!

WW 195 Taskmaster

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!

Apr 20, 2018

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?

Apr 13, 2018

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?

How I Built This Podcast

Finally, Grimsmo gives an update about knife #1000

Apr 6, 2018

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?

whats the difference spongebob patrick

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!

Superglue Fixturing Video

To finish off, take a look at this video by SmarterEveryDay as they shoot a bullet into glass.

Mar 30, 2018

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!

Knife #1000 on IG

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!

Mar 23, 2018

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? 

Mar 16, 2018

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!

Mar 9, 2018

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.

Mar 2, 2018

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.

Threadmilling Video

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.

 

Feb 23, 2018

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!

 

Feb 16, 2018

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

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.

Feb 9, 2018
Yesterday, the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launched.  For all of us, it is a testament to our ability to keep pushing the limits.  Make sure you DON'T PANIC!
 
Saunders receives an intoxicating opportunity but it takes a while for the gravity to hit.
Check out the post HERE!
 
PAY THOSE DUES
Although tips for success are plastered everywhere, they won't be enough to get you there.  Getting started is not for the faint of heart or those who don't welcome the idea of a 60+ hour work week.
 
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
 
Mr. and Mrs. Grimsmo attend the Mayor's Gala Ball lookin' spiffy...in threads from the 1790's!
 
THAT YOUTUBE STING
Biting words from viewers take a toll.  
Saunders considers pausing the Wednesday Widgets but for Grimsmo, a foam video takes off!
 
GK Foam Video
How to Care for Your GK
 
Robin Renzetti's INSTAGRAM & YouTube Channel.
 
One month into 2018, Angelo makes a seamless transition into GK, the Norseman fixture is done-- everything's on the up and up.  Saunders and Grimsmo caution themselves about lifestyle creep. Purchases must be preparatory at MINIMUM.
 
Head over to the Business of Machining Patreon
to check out the GK machine shop crash!
Feb 2, 2018

**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.

Jan 26, 2018

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!

Register HERE! 

"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!

Jan 19, 2018

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!

Jan 12, 2018
"If we don't have fun, we die." - Grimsmo
 
A lack of fun and creativity could send you spiraling downward; away from the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs--a.k.a. the food pyramid of humanity.
 
For the 2018 Open House, Saunders Machine Works joins forces with MHUB to bring
The Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Summit (MES) to Chicago, IL!
 
PERFECT TIMING
The Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Summit will be held on Sunday, September 9th, 2018--the day before IMTS (America's Largest Manufacturing Show) begins.  
Two awesome events--- same place, same week, same trip!  Yes, please!
 
NYC CNC Event: MES Registration (Free!)
IMTS Registration (only $45!)
 
 Do you come from a land down under?
Next Generation Manufacturing with John Saunders & Autodesk CAM will be held on Tuesday, March 13th, 2018 in Sydney, Australia! Register here!
 
For growth's sake?  
You might think you're clear on the mission and direction of your business until 
"Hollywood" knocks at your door. Grimsmo struggles to be a careful yes man.
 
Operator Error - It's not only at your CNC machine
Thinking errors are REAL and they're muddying your brain.  All-Or-Nothing thinking is detrimental to perceptions of success and failure. 
Saunders finds himself in the midst of irony: His perceived failure of the LESS STRESS goal is adding MORE stress.   
 
How do I sharpen thee?  Let me count the ways.
Obviously, everyone that owns a GK has a super expensive belt grinder and 
Erik standing by to take care of it, right?
 
Grimsmo plans to make videos for knife sharpening at different price points AND maintenance!
 
Saunders faces his irrational fear about his Norseman after watching the new Dino Digging Video.
 
ITERATION
Fixture Plate Protectors + Laser Cutting = Mold Not Needed?
Saunders is on the hunt for a Laser Cutter.
 
Machining a Mold - Fixture Plate Protectors Video
 
Grimsmo shares cliff notes about the Hedgehog Concept from Good to Great by Jim Collins. Get your copy here.
 
Bye, Bye Bridgeport
Saunders sends some machines packing while Grimsmo defends purchases he hasn't used by coining a NEW TERM.  
Someone call the machinist's version of Webster's!
 
You CAN touch this!
Saunders shares an idea for bringing maintenance reminders back into the physical world, where digital alerts can't be ignored. Speaking of physical reminders, he STILL has this beat-up list of rules to live by on his desk after 10 years.
 
Jan 5, 2018

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!

 

Dec 29, 2017
Have a holly, jolly--uh, happy...Merry Christmas!  
 
No matter how you say it, it's a time of reflection, peace, joy, and hope.
Today's episode comes with a gift: NO MORE CRAZY LAG TIME. 
 
Sometimes you gotta go old-school. Saunders uses sheets of paper to get ideas in order.
Those little pieces of paper summon ideas to improve project organization.
TACTILE INSTAGRAM POST
 
Is Grimsmo on the verge of a huge decision or is it a case of "LIFE-STYLE CREEPING?"  
When the ball is in your court, the thought of taking a giant leap in growth is seductive.  
 
Click HERE for NYCCNC's recommended reading list.
 
LLCs, sub chapter S, loans, reinvesting capital--intricate components of a business entity can be very "TAXING" to say the least.  Saunders and Grimsmo discuss financial discipline.
"Money can't buy you happiness but it does buy you options." - Saunders
 
Coming Soon: 
A new shop tour video from Grimsmo!
Saunders struggles to decide whether or not to sub-out the job for creating a fixture plate for the VM3...  
 
While you finish laps in the parking lot and get ready to watch new videos from Grimsmo Knives, the end of this podcast might leave you with a  lump in your throat!
 
This is a private conversation between Saunders and Grimsmo ONLY but this time, they break the 4th wall.  
 
Happy Holidays from everyone at Grimsmo Knives and NYCCNC!  From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for being a part of this community.
 
2017 was a year of challenge, change, and growth;  a year chock-full of ups and downs, twists and turns-- and it's been great.
 
2018? BRING IT ON!
Dec 22, 2017

“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

Dec 15, 2017
Is this real life?  
Entrepreneurship is filled with surreal moments that 
leave your head spinning in a good way--and sometimes they come full circle.
 
Grimsmo's secured downtime for projects pushed to the wayside during Norseman production.  Stay tuned for a new video detailing Erik's tumbler tweaks
 
"It's on like Donkey Kong!"
Grimsmo addresses rumors about his absence from YouTube.  
The drought is over!
 
University Study on GK
 
Speaking of YouTube: DON'T FEED THE TROLLS
The guys discuss riding the social media roller coaster, the conscious decision to avoid negativity, and the fine line between pandering vs. creating genuine content.  Having a community that has your back makes all the difference.
  
Imperializer Video
 
Shop Update Video
 
iPad Time Machine Video
 
Clarifying the SCOPE of your business is an on-going process.  So, what's your tagline?
Saunders has one but he doesn't love it just yet. Takeaway = You've got to start somewhere.
 
 
Has Saunders finally discovered lathe love? HAH.  Love of 5th axis? Definitely.
There might be a new goal for IMTS 2018.  One thing is certain: A recent visit from HAAS brings MACRO gains.  
 
First 5th Axis Part Video
 
If your machines have tool changers but haven't heard of OPTIONAL STOP, get in on this pro-tip!
 
ON TAP TODAY: 
 
Rasks, a refurbish, and improving processes. The dino-digging knife is getting some TLC.  
 
Pre-historic Post
 
Saunders works with new intern (Alex) to demystify thread milling with information 
straight from The Machinery's Handbook.
Dec 8, 2017

“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. 

Superior Welding Instagram

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.

Dec 1, 2017
"Everything you do is a representation of who you are, even down to how you wash the dishes." - Grimsmo
 
Saunders returns from his 3rd round of AutoDesk University feeling refreshed. His perception of AU has evolved from one of pomp and circumstance to one of understanding and appreciation.  Plus, if your're a FUSION ULTIMATE customer, GENERATIVE DESIGN access has been granted.
 
If you didn't make it this year don't fret. Catch the keynotes, livestreams, and more for free here!
 
 
Stop! Hey! What's that sound? 
 
Production and quality are full steam ahead at Grimsmo Knives but the earsplitting sound of the tumbler is driving everyone nuts. With new equipment on the way and a media person to tackle branding and YouTube, John's bursting at the seams with ideas! 
 
Check out the CMTS Video to see the Vibra Tumbler here.
 
Vibra Website
 
Leica A60 Microscope
 
 
 
Growing, Growing, Gone?
Adding people means increasing payroll. An accountant can show you the numbers but what story does it tell?  According to a U.S. Bank study, 82% of businesses fail because of cash flow problems.  
 
Budgeting Video
 
 
Machine Shop ROI
 
Generalized Business Assessment
 
NYCCNC struggles with demand while Grimsmo Knives struggles with supply.  The guys discuss a direction for the podcast and desire to allow people to connect in a more personal way.
 
 
How many circles the parking lot does it take to finish a Saunders and Grimsmo podcast?
The fact that people tune in leave both Johns awestruck--even after all this time. 
Nov 24, 2017
"It's a good time to be alive." - Grimsmo
It doesn't get any better than having the world of information at your fingertips.
 
SAYONARA lag time!  The guys record using ZenCaster to lean out the podcasts and close the gap between life and release date.
 
What happens in Vegas...is AUTODESK UNIVERSITY.  Saunders attends to speak about Social Media and Modern Manufacturing.    
 
One step back, two steps forward. While gathering information about the intricacies of an ERP system, Saunders realizes the first step starts with streamlining processes in the shop.
 
The only thing harder than saying "no" is following through with a begrudged "yes."
Grimsmo finds that being honest and upfront gets easier with practice. 
 
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Grimsmo and Erik?  
Not only are they literally flying high, this past few weeks of production have left them on cloud 9.
 
Erik's Instagram Post
 
Hiring employees is a lot like DATING.  While the comparison might seem like a stretch, the similarities are striking. Although local schools and colleges have a pool of candidates, the protocol for reaching out seems ambiguous.   
 
In a world of immediacy, it's no surprise that finding uninterrupted time is like trying to find Sasquatch.  Maybe it's not about finding it, it's about deciding what can wait.
 
Calling all listeners! We want to hear from you.  If this podcast has helped you, make a post on Instagram or Facebook.
 
Nov 17, 2017

"Grimsmo's frowning at me with disdain--"

 
"I'm THINKING!" 
 
With Thanksgiving rounding the corner, this episode of Business of Machining offers a lot of food for thought.
 
After a night of tossing and turning, Saunders uses his inability to sleep to his advantage.
 
How's that Norseman pallet coming, Grimsmo?  Finishing the much improved pallet while 
keeping up on production is a challenge.  
 
HUBRIS VS HUMILITY: 
The Johns are definitely not fans of arrogance but is it possible to be too humble?
 
Saunders contemplates the biggest business decision he's had to make thus far and it's all about ERP (enterprise resource planning).  While no holy grail of systems exists, one in particular catches his eye.
 
Check out ODOO here.
 
The Grimsmo Knives roster is set to gain some new names.  When hiring someone you know, it's not a question of their knowledge or ability.  The real question might surprise you.  
"Don't forget, you're the boss." - Saunders
 
ROBIN RENZETTI INSTAGRAM POST
 
The guys talk toolingchip formation problems, and solutions.  If you're getting 
some SCUFFS, you aren't alone!
 
When you hear the phrase, "custom tooling," what comes to mind?  Dollar signs and hassle?  
Put your mind at ease because it's much easier than you think!
 
Saunders and his team take Turkey Day to the extreme in a new, must-see video soon to air.   
Nov 10, 2017
The car is kaput. Grimsmo makes due with his mic from home.
 
If you've successfully changed the insert on a boring bar while holding your child, 
you might be a machinist.
 
Time flies when life is good.  Grimsmo reflects on obsession
When you say yes to the short term goal, are you short changing yourself?
 
The path from point A to point B isn't a straight line, so of course it takes longer to get there. 3.14 times longer, to be exact.
 
Grimsmo reveals a new, big goal.
"I hope you have time to talk to me in two years!" - Saunders
 
Saunders has what he describes as the BEST WEEK EVER.  Who knew 3 pieces of software could make such an impact?
 
 
What the heck is a nurdle?  It's not just a recommendation from the American Dental Association.
 
Take some advice from Tools of Titans and Stay Calm by clicking here
Remember: Slow is fast, Fast is smooth.
 
Asana is the MVP for organizing projects.  Think digital Pierson Boards! 
See the S&H Tour Video here.
 
Fusion released FORM TOOLS!  Click here to learn the trick.
 
YOU'RE ON THE CLOCK.  
Frank discussion ensues about dealing with unexpected visitors when time is of the essence.
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