December 2023 - SMW Machine Shop Update video!

New machines, shop improvements and plans for 2024 running our machine shop!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Links for this video
Toyota Lean Book: amzn.to/47Juufx
Rag hooks: amzn.to/4b6OkEw
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reach us / CNC Info:
SMW Products: saundersmachin...
Speeds & Feeds: provencut.com

[@piccilos]

I feed my family with the skills I learned from your channel.

[@nyccnc]

That. Is. Awesome.

[@supernan312]

What happened to the short curuit robot

[@OctaneWorkholding]

It feels like the end of an era watching you start to take a step back. As a business owner, I 100% understand. Health and family are most important, and this trade tends to be all consuming. We lost Octane Sr. this year to cancer, and it's been tough, to say the least. We've never met in person, but you've given me a lot of inspiration over the years.

[@bcbloc02]

Hard to believe it has been 8 years already! You certainly have done a good job growing and expanding the business.

[@ecksrg]

i’ve been watching this channel since the beginning. it’s cool to see how much your shop has grown. also.. i wonder if there are any other long time viewers that say “Hi Folks” before starting the video 😂

[@nyccnc]

:)

[@yesyoucanhal7325]

Only started following you guys a couple years ago. Your Fusion 360 lessons were a godsend, and helped me launch in a new direction. I use your feeds and speeds spreadsheets often😁

[@WatchWesWork]

It's fun to see how you have grown your business, but every time you make one of these videos I remember why production machining was purest form of torture I've ever been subjected to. The thought of going into work and actually worrying about the optimal layout of plastic bins in a toolbox drawer or on a shelf makes my soul hurt. The fact you not only willingly do it, but even get excited about it is really something.

[@Houcnc]

I think is fun for him becouse he is in the driver seat

[@Celciusify]

Imo it highly depends on whether you get the time to work with optimisation. If you can spend a couple hours a week doing it, while being allowed to keep whatever you did for a long time, it can be fun. If you're cramming it in and rushing it, while having expectations of continuous improvement all the time.... Yeah I'd dread it too.

[@hcr-motorworks]

Lol its funny cause everytime I see you pull in some new customer car I cant think of a worse form of tortue than replacing brake lines or exhuast on some salt exposed vehicle haha.

[@chrisyboy666]

@@hcr-motorworksI’ve known big company’s have whole teams of people some 20/30 people strong purely dedicated to 5s or now 6s..you would be surprised how putting those little plastic boxes in the correct draws actually is how much time and money it can actually save…

[@hcr-motorworks]

@@chrisyboy666 my reply was to @watchweswork and his channels content lol

[@kisspeteristvan]

It's great to see the hard work paying off . I'm not a guy like you , probably never will be , but i also know a lot more compared to when i started machining by the end of 2014 . In the last couple of years i've not been paying much attention to your channel , only 1-2 talking head videos per year , but in every episode there was something new , something better .

[@HandyDan]

Bro I've been watching your progress so long I'm watching you turn gray😂😂😂. Props to you for how far you have taken this shop. That Okamoto NC grinder is the best! I ran that exact same model, 7 digits display down to millionth's! Mirror like finishing on hard steel, you can draw Black, Blue, Red and Orange marker on a finished surface and touch each one separately dialing Z by the click💯

[@best49erfan]

I have been watching your videos since the time you were making the suppressors. That was what got me started on wanting a CNC Machine. I was looking at the Tormachs about the same time that you got one. I still have not got one and started using Fusion 360 before you switched to it and learned so much from you. I am about to start my own business with some of the things I learned from you. I was able to build a CNC router and use fusion 360 to create the parts and stock and even create the CAM to fabricate them. I have used what I have learned from you to create 3d printed parts and now am tinkering with laser cutters to create craft items. I have even been teaching Fusion 360 to other friends and hobbyists.

[@saundersmachineworks]

AWESOME!

[@rojadoja]

The cardboard bins are awesome for exactly the reasons you mention. My advice is to staple the front and back flaps as you assemble just to avoid any frustration and slop. Makes them super solid.

[@MrRctintin]

Finally!! M12 mod vice, thank you. Not all of us use banana measurement system 😉

[@MachiningandMicrowaves]

It's been fascinating watching your journey over the years. Tips like the tilt on the air receiver to make auto-drain work better and your gradual decoupling from doing EVERYTHING make these videos valuable. I've just bought a SYIL X5 CNC, mostly because of a height limitation at the barn door, and it's there for product development and short runs only, I'm going to outsource any volume manufacturing because I want to be doing sales, innovating and developing the business rather than feeding stock into a machine all day. I have a Bambu X1C with the 4-spool AMU and I'm using it a LOT for fixturing and productivity aids. I love the puck chuck fixturing concept. I need a system like that!

[@micultimy91]

If there's a KZbin channel that I'm thankful for, it's NYC CNC. I've learned Fusion360 CAD and CAM from NYC CNC and that learning experience offered me a job in CAD (Catia) and now I'm working as an laboratory engineer where I'm designing and building cool stuff at a professional level and also provide some consulting services whenever my colleagues want to choose the right fabrication process for their own setups. Thanks NYC CNC for all the good knowledge you've offered so far to the community. 💪🏻 You guys deserve all the good stuff in this world. 🙏🏻 Greetings from Romania!🫡

[@nyccnc]

Thanks - and congrats on your endeavors!

[@digitald2007]

To paraphrase Nathan Hale, I regret that I only have one like to give this video. I have been watching you since you were working out of your basement/garage in NYC. You just keep getting better and growing. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

[@nyccnc]

thanks!

[@sachie123]

Fascinating!! JOHN!!. I love the Idea of taking time off every week to assess and improve.

[@bruce8565]

It’s amazing to see how this business has grown from a Tormach mill to what it is now, that is no small feat! With the adaptations you and your company are making it’s starting to look like a quality management system/manual is on the horizon (assuming you don’t have one based not seeing any ISO or other certifications).

[@jonasfelleki8374]

Thanks for showing the shop and sharing your thoughts, as aiming for the same kind of journey, it's a privilege to follow you. And that reminder badge on a string will be implemented tomorrow. 🙂

[@nyccnc]

thanks - and glad to hear it helps!

[@sscadcam]

Shop is looking ddddddddddddddddddialed. Gotta come visit one day before you retire ;)

[@Concrete_Jake]

I watched your videos starting about 14 years ago. Life got busy, stopped watching for about 10 years. It's awesome to see you grow and become successful!

[@nyccnc]

thanks! Appreciate it!

[@Houcnc]

Thats one of my goal this year read more , tighten up the shop and have some sort of erp for the shop ,amazing how far john has gone so far and how he’s documenting his journey

[@ryanleslie7425]

You mentioned being able to access the "Coolant Off" state in the OSP control. I was wondering if they have something similar for accessing tool offset? I was thinking I could check to see if this is 0 when a tool loads, then throw a warning to touch off the tool.

[@nyccnc]

Yes, we already do that! No tool will run with a 0 length offset.

[@ryanleslie7425]

@@nyccnc Great! I'll have to contact our rep here in Canada and see what else we can double check in our Gcode.

[@monsieurb24]

HI, the best way to make sure your coolant run after you have remove manually , it's to set the ladder to reset or set coolant when you depress cycle start, the coolant can split on interface or nc code, under fanuc you can add switch under K bit to bypass or set active, you can ask your manufacter for it, if m8 or other you can restore the coolant if m09 or nothing no coolant, the only thing you need to remember it's in set-up, you can set it with your door and your cycle start. :)

[@jacobvaughn7247]

Love the videos. You are living my dream life and one day I will own a business like this. Automation and machining are my favorite things to do.

[@saundersmachineworks]

Thanks!

[@465maltbie]

Love the idea for checking the light on the Okuma. Lots of things like that you wouldnt think of. Charles

[@davidcashin9194]

Hi John great to see how far the shop has evolved over the years I have one of you Kant twist clamps you made way back in the day use it allot and it is holding up fine.

[@Casemetalworks]

Thanks for the video John..I found it helpful and inspiring. My business is way smaller than your's I can't imagine what you do everyday im sure it's TOUGH. Good thing we have people like NYC CNC on KZbin to guide and inspire us. Thanks

[@BomenJager]

cool to see the video from the shop in the suburbs and then seeing this

[@Aldenwv]

Thanks for the honesty. I think that one of the most important things I have learned from you is when to "cut bait". I admire the growth mindset, but at the same time when to let go of old tech. I still love the manual equipment for the home shop, but certainly see how it doesn't make sense if there is more than N=1. Thanks for the continual updates.

[@nyccnc]

Thanks - and you're right. Once we own stuff, we get attached to it (and tend to think its worth more than it is).

[@machinedcreations]

My new vises showed up. They are awesome!!! Thanks for making such a quality product!

[@nyccnc]

thanks!

[@par4par72]

@ 3:48 ..my dad told me "buy the machine you can grow into, not the one you'll quickly grow out of."-VP B&S (82/98).

[@bergenbroodryk8103]

Great show and well done on your journey!

[@craigromero5921]

completely amazed how far you have come since the basement in your house, your a heck of motivation Sir Great Job

[@nyccnc]

thanks!

[@horwichg]

I would love a list of some of your "must read" books, especially knowing what you do now regarding building your business. It has been a great journey to follow

[@nyccnc]

I've found books are contextual - it needs to be well-written but also applicable to your stage in business. Happy to add more / recommend if we can.

[@richhuntsd12]

Wow John. Great video. It’s interesting to see how you constantly are fine tuning. People tease me about that all the time. I was curious how many employees you have now.?My first business was a going concern for just over 26 years, it started as a two man shop and grew to 14 full time employees. Up until around 10-11 I was ok but at some point I realized over that number just really stressed me out and I had to take that step back as you have just to keep things organized and for my own sanity. Great job, I love your attention to detail. Keep up the great work😊

[@aj7utu]

Super video.

[@chrisrhodes5464]

How is Johnny 5 coming along been a while sense heard anything about it

[@nyccnc]

Short answer: no work lately but, well, a bunch of "excuses" - COVID, business growth, etc. (Just being honest). However, part of the "Days off in the shop" is to get SMW in a good place where I can spend some time on fun things like J5!

[@HandyDan]

I really like the Okuma Multus B250II multi axis and I agree I don't like 12 station turrets either, check it out and compare it to the Royal you have chosen 😊

[@GlassImpressions]

I would love to see your process/setup sheets in the process bins!

[@nyccnc]

Yea, those deserve a dedicated video.

[@gillisdebilio7086]

Always great to see the progress.

[@clodbusted1776]

Great video. I've learned a lot from your channel. I recently introduced cnc machining to my business, and your videos have been very helpful, especially the fusion stuff. Keep up the great work

[@nyccnc]

thanks!

[@sleddarcheddar]

nexgen skimmers man. Keeps coolant fresh when machines aren't running and skim constantly. Game changers

[@MortenEghj]

Thanks for sharing. I could be interesting to get an update for LEX and also how you are organizing the IT side of your business

[@BleughBleugh]

Awesome to see how well you guys are doing :-) How’s Jonny Five coming along?

[@TheBignick243]

Any updates on Johnny 5?

[@robertschauer376]

Thank you for your transparency

[@peterCheater]

Look into a Tsugami TMA8F or SS38. B-axis machine. All Fanuc, Simultaneous 5-Axis. The TMA8F has 2.5" Thru Bore, 60 Capto C4 Tools. And a lot of room to do back working in a smaller envelope. The SS38 version has 38 MM thru bar, is actually a swiss machine, with back working. And 40 tools Capto C4. Meaning you can run longer parts up to 11 inches in one stroke, and even longer with re chucks. These are way more cost effective than any new Willemin. And have more room than a Multus, but not big like an NTX. Perfect for smaller/medium sized components. I have a TMA8F and I can switch jobs within 30 minutes as long as the tools and work coordinates stayed the same.

[@nyccnc]

I wanted to like the TMA8F but it still has a sub-spindle (versus a sub-vise). The sub-vise is significantly better for us re: access to machining features, crash risk, customizable, and cost.

[@pauljacquemin5909]

I like the visual Kanban system to drive the manufacturing also l didn't see any lines on the floor to describe to he walk ways thanks for sharing enjoy your videos.

[@billh308]

Every time I see you in a new video, you look 5 years older. You are giving me concern about starting my own job shop

[@Max_Marz]

Could you guys do a couple KZbin shorts of the willemin running some parts? For the sake of making it not a full video with a bunch of effort, I really want to see it run!

[@MrRctintin]

Have a look on Grimso knifes YT channel, John has a few videos of his running. It’s a fabulous machine, looks more adaptable than a turn mill for smaller parts.

[@nyccnc]

Will do that today!

[@praveenkumarva6320]

Hi john , i was really passionate.abt cnc machining but didn't had an idea abt where to start , i wanted u to know that the first video i watched was yours u thought basic cam operations in that i really fell in love with cam tool after watching that , u r my first inspiration to get into this industry , i wanted u to know that im 24 self thought machinist , i really want your help regarding the approach for a component which i recently got an enquiry and for fixtures development

[@MacWave710]

Anybody knows which book he is refering to @3:20 ? I would love to dive deeper into LEAN

[@nyccnc]

The Machine that Changed the World (link in description)

[@FesixGermany]

It is just amazing to see how you evolved from just one small Tormach CNC to a big hall full of big ass industrial grade CNCs. You still were the reason for me about 10 years ago to get interested in CNC stuff! One thing I noticed with the small fiber laser is the small solder fume extraction thing that for me is absolutely worthless even for solder fumes but especially for laser. It has no HEPA filter for the ultra fine particles that get created and this activated charcoal mat is doing almost nothing in terms of filtering the other bad stuff. Please think about getting a better extraction system like at least a proper industrial grade solder fume extractor to keep you and your guys safe at work!

[@samuelgunnarsson1983]

How is it going with Johnny 5?

[@deemstyle]

What’s going on with Johnny5?

[@texastad1989]

Quick question on the laser enclosure, which one is it please? :) We have a similar size laser and have not found a good enclosure yet. Would prefer something with an exhaust.

[@JohnSmith-lv8xk]

Dave Ramsey says work on Big things, Broken things and New things 😁

[@jongmassey]

Much happening in the other building? Im guessing from the machine sales that the training classes have wrapped up?

[@saundersmachineworks]

Unfortunately, our instructor moved - so yes, wrapped up (at least for the foreseeable future)

[@95dodgev10]

Fairly unrelated to this video but thoughts on a haas mini mill on single phase or using a phase converter? Spit balling a garage setup and just getting a feel for infrastructure and logistics requirments.

[@nyccnc]

Phase converter is probably inevitable for other equipment, so just bite the bullet now :)

[@95dodgev10]

@@nyccnc at the point that i need other equipment i would no longer be in the garage but still may be a good point. I have a 36x56 pole barn but it's dirt floor and only enough power for lights and other outlet powered stuff. So thats a long way off from being a shop plus i have too much personal crap lol. If i do this and out grow the shop i would likely be looking for a shop at that point. My research has shown some people have no issue while others say even though they're able to run single its better on the electronics to be on a phase converter and possibly more power too? Cant remember for sure on that. So many decisions as you know lol

[@mike-carrigan]

Those sky hooks, some of them look like custom sizes. How much weight can you lift on those at the VF6? I was thinking about calling in a quote for a custom size but was concerned how much they will lift at those boom lengths.

[@davidnorton5887]

It would be interesting to see how you've handles massive increases in raw material and other costs. Are they just passed on, partly passed on, etc, and how have your competitors prices changed and affected your pricing decisions. This has been the most difficult issue for me the last couple of years.

[@michaeljuan98]

really looking forward to non hobby metric plates.

[@SolidCAMisCOOL-uf1pg]

Мужик, ты гений! (Man, you're a genius!)

[@michaelgrimes9153]

Have you guys ever looked at a 50evo? (Not the eco) machine is 400k us and robo cell is 100k might be worth it and small footprint

[@rayz5508]

I am in NE Ohio. Do you have a web site for your CNC classes?

[@SteveN-bh3wv]

Haven't seen a vid in a while. No offense but you look much healthier now!

[@ajhartmanaero]

Gonna come do your cnc class when it’s available.

[@air-drive]

What you need is a Quarter Master, or internal Store, where tools and material gets booked out and booked back in at the end of a job. We had that system and the day that we took stick we could not account for $2.7 million Dollars of Tools and Equipment, because workers would simply bin tools at the end of the day and getting scrap dealers to pickup unwanted machines. After "militarization" we can account for every tool every single day, losses/shrinkage are now counted in a few hundred dollars a month rather than thousands. This is not an indication of distrust in workers, but putting and eye on margins.

[@mabmachine]

You covered a lot about the shop but I'm curious about the training side of the business. There doesn't appear to be anything scheduled.

[@jonathanmckinlay1747]

Hi John. Which Toyota book are you referring to? I’d be interested in reading it but there are quite a few to chose from. Thanks.

[@nyccnc]

The Machine that Changed the World

[@jonathanmckinlay1747]

@@nyccnc thanks!

[@mrwulfgar2001]

I have not been here in a while, was the Johnny 5 project terminated or disassembled.

[@nyccnc]

on hold!

[@mrwulfgar2001]

@@nyccnc thanks, much appreciated. Nice work on the other items too.

[@rs2024-s4u]

One machine is running production work loads in excess of 15hrs. daily, my advice and what I would do with my limited insite of your finances is to immediately buy another duplicate machine to get hours of daily useage down in order to insure future. If this machine goes down for any extended period a major portion of your cash flow would be interrupted and customers would feel impact of your company not having backup capabilities for these products. As a plus this would provide a runway for additional growth in this segment as extra capacity would now be available in the areas that this machine excells and newer version is probably more capable and efficient helping to offset some of the costs of acquisition and reducing your overtime expenses. And I would sleep better. Ray Stormont

[@Coconut7403]

What was the book title you talked about?

[@nyccnc]

The Machine That Changed the World

[@VincentDooley-z4b]

We're selling an Okuma Multis at work. It's in Virginia, so maybe not too far of a haul. (Don't mind my username, I never comment on KZbin)

[@nicholasmcneely245]

I appreciate that you don't "advertise" your products in this type of video, but sometime I would like to see a video of what your entire product line looks like these days.

[@saundersmachineworks]

Yea, it's in the works! I realized (personal share) that I cannot do that sort of a video probably until I get through the next few months of "days off in the shop"!

[@danielredmayne6956]

Love how you operate.....OCD much? haha!

[@MrVajutza]

Hey John, with your lean manufacturing journey, I would highly recommend combining it with strategic risk management. It will enable you to define the strategic objectives over the longer term and your focus can be to chase the barriers to those opportunities using all the lean manufacturing techniques.

[@MrOmarchingon]

Someone get him a glass of water

[@Houcnc]

I think he’s going mi turn imo

[@Thewaldo12345]

Guessing he sold the VM3.

[@PastThePoint]

Please don't get hit by a bus !! 🤣

[@JackFilmTube]

First

[@SELG88]

you look tired, managing people will suck up so much energy, most people have no idea how stressful that is. gotta do something about it.

[@jimjames7479]

what in the hell do you make. i hope its not that target crap. what are you doing product like.