#20 Ride the Makera School Bus with Miss Frizzle (aka Lauren Fahey)
In this exciting episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with Lauren Fahey, a mechanical engineer and self-proclaimed "Professional Badass." Join us as we explore her journey from working at NASA to her current role as a manufacturing engineer at a space startup. Lauren shares her passion for making things, including her adventures with a desktop CNC machine called the Carvera. We dive deep into her innovative projects, like crafting a custom music box and enamel pins, all while navigating the challenges of machining in a small apartment. Tune in for insights on CNC programming, design-for-manufacturing, and the unique experiences that come with being a maker in the engineering world.
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#19 Chips and Tips—So Bad It's Good (w/ Alex Rosner)
Justin hosts Alex Rosner of Wisconsin CAM Solutions for an in-depth conversation on the art and science of shop ingenuity.
Alex brings his dual perspective—running a machining business while also coding and engineering software—to the table. They begin by digging into unconventional probing macros, calibration techniques, and the idea that “doing things wrong” sometimes yields the best results.
Then they get into creative shop-floor physics: how to ballast an engine hoist with water, reverse its geometry, and push its limits. They discuss tool-setting trade-offs, the quirks of Brother Speedio machines, and how Alex blends software logic with hardware realities in his day-to-day work.
They also share stories of open-source macro development, DIY coolant recycling systems, and the economics of build-versus-buy. The episode wraps with the legendary Freddy coolant-vac debate—why every machinist dreams of owning one, and how to ghetto-rig something that actually works.
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#18 Chips and Tips—Shake and Bake!
Tim Paul sits down with Justin Gray, CTO of Toolpath, for a wide-ranging conversation about the craft, culture, and future of machining. Together they dive into why every shop has its own unique fingerprint, how investing in the right tooling separates good parts from great ones, and why machinists can be both stubbornly traditional and brilliantly innovative. Justin shares candid thoughts on breaking out of the “safe” processes we all cling to, and why there’s never been a better time to be a machinist. Whether you’re running a one-man shop or managing a full production floor, this episode offers sharp insights, shop-floor wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.
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#17 Chips and Tips — Kevin Schneider
In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with CAD/CAM legend Kevin Schneider, a key figure behind Autodesk's Fusion software. With over 26 years at Autodesk, Kevin shares his journey from hands-on manufacturing to leading innovative CAD solutions. We discuss the evolution of Fusion, the importance of integrating CAD and CAM, and the challenges of transforming traditional machining processes. Kevin emphasizes the significance of learning from mistakes and the need for a collaborative mindset in the machining community. He also sheds light on future developments in Fusion and the ongoing quest to improve user experience in software. Tune in for valuable insights from a true industry pioneer.
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#16 Chips and Tips — Pallet Load or Part Load? (Michael Gimbel, Gimbel Automation)
When it comes to CNC automation, should you invest in pallet loading or part loading? In this episode of Chips and Tips, Justin sits down with Michael Gimbel of Gimbel Automation to unpack the tradeoffs, myths, and hidden challenges behind each approach.
Michael shares insights from his own journey—starting as a job shop owner frustrated with inefficiency, to building innovative spindle grippers and modular systems designed to make automation simpler, cheaper, and more accessible. Along the way, he and Justin discuss:
• The real differences between pallet and part loading
• Why chips usually aren’t the problem machinists expect
• How spindle grippers can change the game for small shops
• The leap from one-op to two-op automation (and why it matters)
Whether you run a small shop or manage large-scale production, you’ll come away with practical frameworks for evaluating automation strategies—and a clearer picture of how to unlock more spindle time without breaking the bank.
We're here to chat about all things Toolpath, Autodesk Fusion, and the machining community. Check out the Chips & Tips blog for extra details on each episode. https://toolpath.com/chips-and-tips
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