Justin sits down with automation nerd and Lights Out Manufacturing mastermind Graham Francis for a deep dive into the future of robot-tended machining.
From vacuum-gripping raw stock to running 25 chaotic OP1s on a trade-show floor, Graham breaks down why part-loading beats pallet-loading, why cobots aren’t “toys,” and how self-aligning fixtures make or break real automation.
They get into the messy truth of integrating robots with CNCs, the magic of force-feedback motion, the art of soft-jaw design, and what actually happens when your robot tries to open a chip-packed machine door.
It’s a brutally honest, deeply technical, and surprisingly funny tour through automation myths, machine-shop reality, and the wild engineering that makes lights-out machining possible.
Find Lights Out Manufacturing here: https://www.lightsoutmfg.com/
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1:48:15
#21 Get To Know Ben Engle of Toolpath
Join me in this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast as I sit down with Ben Engle, a multifaceted content manager at Toolpath. We dive deep into Ben's journey, from his early days tinkering in the garage to his pivotal role in transforming how machining is approached with AI-driven solutions. Ben shares his experiences at Toolpath, including his transition from technical operations to content creation, and how he's helping to shape the future of CNC machining. We discuss the importance of adaptability in the industry, the value of building relationships, and the exciting developments on Toolpath's horizon. Tune in for insights on innovation, community, and the ever-evolving landscape of precision machining.
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#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.
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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