MakingChips

A podcast dedicated to & created for metalworking professionals to educate, enlighten, and empower our listeners for professional growth. #MetalworkingNation

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

One of the smartest workforce development ideas we've heard:

Bring school counselors into the machine shop.

Let them hit the green button.
Let them make a part.
Let them see manufacturing firsthand.
Then they become your biggest advocates.

https://t.co/fNjeZr47iS

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

SendCutSend Cut Their Ad Spend from $170K to $4K...and it WORKED:

https://t.co/ivXOQYQpj2

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Melissa Ramos remembers crashing machines, crying in the shop bathroom, and having nightmares about destroying her dad’s investment.

At one point, she truly believed she’d never figure machining out.

Now? She runs M95 Machining, creates manufacturing content seen across the industry, and inspires the next generation of machinists every day.

This clip is a raw reminder that nobody starts as an expert. Behind every successful machinist is usually a pile of broken tools, hard lessons, and people who refused to give up on them.

Full episode on MakingChips.

https://t.co/uDyWoIfoB2

#CNC #Machining #Manufacturing #MakingChips #MachineShop #WomenInManufacturing

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

We posted this clip on YouTube and got some INTENSE reactions, so need to ask here...What do y'all think about this take?

US #manufacturing isn't "coming back."

According to Mark Christopher… it’s BACK.

This is what what he’s seeing across the industry:

🔥 Aerospace demand is surging
🔧 Defense work is booming
⛽ Energy markets are staying strong

The takeaway?
This isn’t a future trend—it’s happening right now.

If you’re in manufacturing, the opportunity is already on your doorstep.

#Manufacturing #Aerospace #Defense #MadeInUSA #CNC

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

3D printing might be the spark the manufacturing industry has been missing...

When students can design something in CAD and hold it in their hands minutes later, everything changes. That instant feedback turns curiosity into excitement—and excitement into a pathway into machining, engineering, and making.

Is this how we bring the next generation into manufacturing?

Let us know what you think and check out the latest episode of MakingChips!

https://t.co/mYLWwFsQNp

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Do shop owners have to step away from the machines to grow their business?

In this clip, Paul challenges a common assumption. If machining is what you love most, you don’t have to give it up.

As the owner, you can hire for the roles you don’t enjoy and focus on where you bring the most value.

Growth doesn’t have to mean leaving the shop floor. It means designing the business around your strengths.

From the MakingChips Generation CNC episode with young shop founder Chris Huffman. Check it out:

📷 https://t.co/iLunp9hdda
📷 https://t.co/HY9UkrQrzh

#MakingChips #metalworking #Manufacturing #Leadership #ShopOwner #CNCMachining

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Your machine should never be waiting on you.

If the spindle stops… you’re already behind.

The best shops stay ahead:
• Prep the next jobs
• Stage tooling
• Set up before the run ends

That’s how lights-out actually starts.

Not with robots. With discipline.

🎧 Full episode: https://t.co/NCxtscdXE3

#CNC #Manufacturing #MachineShop #Automation

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Young #machineshop owners: technology is oxygen.

Michael King runs 3 CNC machines by himself at The Monk Works — and he refuses to use paper job travelers.

Why?

Digital workflows are faster, repeatable, and eliminate friction.

🎧 Full MakingChips Generation CNC episode:
https://t.co/0DvGtpleuK

#CNCmachining #Manufacturing #MachineShop #GenerationCNC

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Most people see a job. Walter Peters sees an education.

In this clip, Walter explains why he still works at a high-mix shop while building his own machine business.

Different materials. Different strategies. Different challenges every day.

“It’s like going to school.”

In a local, tight-knit industry where reputation matters, he’s focused on becoming known as the guy who can get it done — while learning as much as possible along the way.

Yes, he works all the time. But he believes now is the time to do it.

🎧 Listen or watch the full episode of MakingChips to hear how he’s building his business intentionally.

https://t.co/DuORs4cJ5E

#Manufacturing #metalworking #Entrepreneurship #MakingChip

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

@zanehengsperger said something on our latest episode that stuck with us:

“If America is going to reindustrialize, you need someone working on every part of the supply chain.”

Not just machine shops.

Mills.
Metal suppliers.
Wire harnesses.
Automation.

The list goes on.

Reindustrialization isn’t one hero company.
It’s thousands.

The bigger issue? Most young people were never exposed to how important this world is to our economy and national security.

If you care about the future of American manufacturing, this episode is for you.

Full conversation: https://t.co/Y037xVcBEa

#reindustrialization #metalworking #manufacturing

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Lost our connection with @zanehengsperger on X but still live on LinkedIn 👇

https://t.co/8QEGv6ESqF

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Going live on X tomorrow at 1 PM CST (2/9).

We’re sitting down with @zanehengsperger from NOX Metals to talk shop—what’s working, what’s not, and where manufacturing is headed next.

No slides. No fluff. Just a live conversation.

Join us 👉 @Making_Chips

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Starting a business without a plan isn’t bold — it’s a gamble.

Larry Robbins doesn’t sugarcoat it: no plan means you’re taking the biggest crapshoot of your life. If you want to waste money, he jokes, you might as well just send it to him.

He also reflects on Die With Zero and the balance between being smart with money and actually living your life.

Blunt advice on ownership, risk, and intentional decisions.

https://t.co/r3u44XFGKw

#Manufacturing #EntrepreneurAdvice #GenerationCNC

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

They said starting a #machineshop with $10K wasn’t possible.
“You need $120K just to begin.”
Caleb knew the advice was probably right — it just didn’t match his reality. So he started anyway.
Watch Episode 505 of MakingChips.

https://t.co/ploJ2aRH4O

#GenerationCNC #CNC #Startup #makingchips

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

Can being a great #machinist WRECK your business? Hear the full conversation in episode 501 of #MakingChips: https://t.co/IZtne7BfAT

#BusinessOwner #entrepreneur #Metalworking

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

New Year, New Goals! 🎯 In the latest MakingChips, we explore actionable KPIs, gratitude journaling, leading with intention in 2025, and big news from Paul. Start 2025 inspired and ready to make chips! 🎧 https://t.co/SEeeq0GOBk #Leadership #Manufacturing #MakingChips

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

🔥 New MakingChips episode is LIVE — and Larry Robbins brings absolute chaos (in the best way).

46 years of wild stories, truth bombs, workholding wisdom, and zero filter. 😂

Buckle up.

https://t.co/WdN3Ouh44K

#MakingChips

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

What is the best part of the EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Event? David Capkovitz shares his perspective on episode 497 of MakingChips. https://t.co/vkQTbG78cY #networking #growth #EBITDA #Value

[MakingChips @Making_Chips]

How can #GoldmanSachs 10,000 Small Businesses program help your #machineshop?

Brandon Dahms shares his experience in episode 492 of MakingChips!

WATCH: Ahttps://youtu.be/HiN3uUad3DY
#smallbusiness #grow