How to Run a Machine Shop Today (Expo 2024 - Episode 31)

This segment is for those of you running a machine shop and trying to get your business to the next level.
Lake Speed Jr heads down to the shop floor of ‪@straubtechnologies9011‬ to talk with owner, Chris Straub, about the benefits of investing in automated machinery.
Chris talks about his own hesitation when he made the automation leap (expenses, lack of technical know-how), and how the trouble of hiring good people and turning a profit finally pushed him to do it.
He also runs down the numbers on his costs versus expenses, the efficiencies automation brings (“making money when the lights are out”), and how Straub Technologies is now better positioned to succeed than many other shops who haven’t made the move.
Finally, Chris dispels the myth that automation is simply too complicated for guys like him with no technical skills. If you can use a smartphone, you can learn this. “I’m a dummy and I can run this machine,” he said.
A great segment for any shop owner who wants to keep their business moving forward.
(Segment originally aired live on January 12, 2024)
‪@Rottlermfg‬ #machineshop #engineshop #cncmachine #automation #enginebuilding #porting #businessprofit #enginebuilder #performanceengine #business101

[@Speedy2222]

Being in cnc machining for 15 years now, there is so much advantage for cnc equipment that make successful results possible and that is what truly drives your profits. Having repeatable processes is key for long term success. One day ill have my own shop.

[@dynobob]

What is the maintenance and upkeep like on those machines ?

[@timothyhess9403]

All true, but making payments on 300k ++ machine is tough at 5 years. You still need someone to clean, measure and assemble the parts. That can only be done by hand from very talented humans. That being said, there is a shop tour on KZbin that shows a Rottler hone in the background just doing its thing. Very cool as it takes a skilled operator to use a Sunnen CK or like machine as we are running out of them.

[@marktucker1651]

the fancy machines are great.but they wont fix a clueless builder. Ive seen well equipped shops still do crap work.and think they are the best around and think they are doing it better than any body and yet what they put out is crap. but it go/s both ways.

[@cheechmagee8512]

In my early 40s, working in Information Technology, building a Gasser drag car in my free time, too late to transition into a career with a machine shop, CNC, or anything performance engine related?

[@EnginePerformanceExpo]

If you're working in IT, you're halfway there already. Biggest barrier we see is people are intimidated by the equipment because they think it's too hard to learn (though it's not). You'd probably be a rockstar with a CNC machine.

[@philipclegg5792]

Get me franks email am coming to America