• Automations and Cheese Plates - Ep. 138
    Nov 20 2025

    In the 138th episode of Taps and Patience, AJ and Harrison discuss updates from their manufacturing shops, including AJ's experience with a mouse in his workshop and his automation efforts with a 3D printer, while Harrison shares challenges in integrating a new robot system into his own operations. They also detail their experiences with various tools and technologies in machining, emphasizing the need for good workholding, inspection tools, and effective communication systems in their businesses. Additionally, they touch on Subtract's transition into beta and emphasize the importance of improving sales processes and workflow management.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Not JUST Fidget Spinners - Ep. 137
    Nov 13 2025

    In the 137th episode of "Taps and Patients," host AJ chats with Derek from Fidget Things and Harrison from Precision Ingenuity, discussing the growth and evolution of their businesses since Derek was last on the show two years ago. They delve into the challenges and advancements in their machining operations, particularly talking about new equipment, production processes, and the impact of social media on marketing and sales. The conversation also covers various manufacturing techniques, tools, and personal anecdotes about their respective journeys in the industry, as well as brief mentions of upcoming collaborations and product ideas.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • HE BOUGHT A HERMLE?? - Ep. 136
    Nov 6 2025

    In the 136th episode of Taps and Patience, hosts AJ and Harrison, along with guest Ken from Flux Work Holding, discuss Ken's transition from Robertson Custom Creations to primarily focusing on Flux Work Holding, detailing the challenges and growth he experienced in refining his product line amidst changes in e-commerce and marketplace dynamics. Ken emphasizes the efficiency gains he achieved by adopting new machinery, specifically a Hermla five-axis machine, and shares insights on product development, marketing strategies, and his approach to maintaining a niche business model with an eye toward automation rather than expansion. The conversation also veers into technical discussions about the design and functionality of vices, culminating in a light-hearted exchange about coffee preferences and future growth strategies for Ken's business.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • You won't believe who these parts are for!! - Ep. 135
    Oct 30 2025

    In the 135th episode of "Taps and Patience" hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their current work challenges and successes, with AJ sharing insights on recent jobs including complex part machining and shop improvements, while Harrison updates on the setup of a new lathe machine. They also delve into various teaching methods for work coordinate systems, revealing the struggles AJ faces in helping his students grasp the concepts involved in probing macros. The episode concludes with a blend of light banter about robots, upcoming projects, and the importance of streamlining shop operations.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • My most profitable month EVER... - Ep. 134
    Oct 23 2025

    In episode 134 of the "Taps and Patience" podcast, AJ and Harrison chat about their experiences with work and machinery, including updates on Harrison's new machine and its complicated electrical setup. They discuss their ongoing workload, productivity improvements, and the exciting potential for new automation technologies in their businesses. AJ shares that he's had a record month in income due to increased efficiency and successful projects, while Harrison highlights his growth and plans for the future, including exploring new machinery options.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 32 mins
  • This is why I should have Threadmilled - Ep 133
    Oct 9 2025

    In the 133rd episode of the Taps and Patients podcast, hosts AJ and Harrison discuss their hectic October work schedules, including details about Harrison's new machine which is awaiting a transformer and power upgrade to become operational. AJ shares a challenging experience with part manufacturing and shipping issues that led to broken tools and costly shipping problems, emphasizing the need for efficient processes in a machine shop. They also touch on upcoming advancements in Harrison's adherence to AS9100 standards, their ERP system progress, and a new teaching methodology AJ is implementing, concluding with a call for collaboration on manufacturing projects.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • I bought ANOTHER Doosan... - Ep. 132
    Oct 2 2025

    n Episode 132 of the Taps and Patience podcast, AJ and Harrison discuss Harrison's new lathe, a DN Solutions Lynx 2100 LSYB, its specifications, features, and the expected learning curve associated with it. They also touch upon challenges faced in machining, such as warping of materials and improving operational efficiency, and discuss the importance of adapting workflows and systems to keep up with their growing manufacturing needs. Finally, they introduced a new tool developed for generating Kanban cards from Fusion tool libraries, emphasizing the balance between busy work in the shop and higher-level strategic thinking.Check out our Kanban Generator: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/kanban

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 23 mins
  • ITAR in the Home Shop - Ep. 131
    Sep 26 2025

    In the 131st episode of Taps and Patience, hosts AJ and Harrison are joined by guest Ben, discussing their backgrounds in machining and the evolution of their respective businesses. Ben shares his journey from trade school to founding his shop, Prickly Pear Prototypes, which focuses primarily on ITAR work for defense startups and research labs. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies, growth challenges, and the intricacies of managing a machine shop, highlighting the importance of documentation and finding the right balance between production capabilities and business management.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 40 mins