Chips and Tips Podcast

CAM looks clean in theory. The shop floor decides if it actually works. In this episode of Chips and Tips, Tim Paul talks with James Meyette about what it takes to turn CAM strategies into parts that run reliably in production. They cover the evolution of CAM systems, why associativity changed everything, and how five-axis machining quickly exposes weak processes. The conversation dives into multi-pallet five-axis setups, post-processing and simulation realities, CAMplete, Mastercam, Fusion, and where modern tools help without replacing experience. Practical, honest, and focused on what really matters once the spindle starts turning.

In this episode of the Chips and Tips Podcast, I sit down with Devin Bedoni of Lycan Precision to explore the complexities of automation in CNC machining. We tackle the pressing question: should Devin invest in a new spindle or prioritize automation with a robot? As we discuss the nuances of high-mix prototyping and the challenges of integrating automation into existing workflows, Devin shares his insights on balancing production needs with skill levels and the mental load on his team. We also delve into the importance of tool management and programming capacity as critical factors in scaling operations. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on controlling chaos through automation and the strategic decisions every machine shop faces.

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/

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.

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.