In this year-end wrap-up episode of The Lone Machinist, Jamie and Curt unpack the wins, losses, and lessons of 2025 while looking ahead to 2026. From broken thread mills and tool break detection paranoia to shop layout upgrades, anchor point workflows, and the mental inertia of one-man shops, this conversation is packed with practical insights and plenty of laughs.

They dig into why small annoyances matter more than big purchases, debate the true ROI of sticker printers, dream about overbuilt anodizing setups, and agree that sometimes the smartest move is just making life easier. If you’ve ever driven the struggle bus, overthought a workflow, or bought a tool just to remove friction, this one’s for you.

Links Discussed:

 * cheap lathe video (must watch): https://youtu.be/h-8BlX8pxAg?si=inSjol-Yo5pNf5Sm
 * Fiber Laser Coin Video: https://youtu.be/p-GXAnlnAxg?si=sya0FS2GEpWEKJDX  [https://youtu.be/p-GXAnlnAxg?si=sya0FS2GEpWEKJDX]
 * Local Raspberry Pi AI: https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/whisper-qwen3-mellotts/         [https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/whisper-qwen3-mellotts/]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 54: Cheap as Beans and Expensive as Time

This week on The Lone Machinist, Jamie and Curt catch up after a chaotic end to the year that included sick days, machine crashes, voltage gremlins, and at least one deeply buried electrical landmine.

They break down how being a few volts out of spec can derail an entire shop, why automation math is often more depressing than helpful, and what happens when Fusion gives you just enough confidence to crash a machine. There’s also talk of tool changers, transformers, misprinted wiring diagrams, and why machines love to misbehave right before the holidays.

If you’ve ever trusted a setup because it “ran fine last time,” this episode is for you.

Links Discussed:

 * Cheap lathe video (must watch): https://youtu.be/h-8BlX8pxAg?si=inSjol-Yo5pNf5Sm
 * Train book link: https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/kozo-hiraoka/   [https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/artisan/kozo-hiraoka/]
 * BixAxe Lottery Miner:  https://bitaxe.org/         [https://bitaxe.org/]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 53: We Found the Problem (It Was Us)

In this canned episode of The Lone Machinist, Jamie and Curt go full laser-brain and unapologetically geek out over CO₂ lasers as shop support tools — specifically for packaging.

From hacked-up K40s and DIY laser builds to cutting foam, cardboard, MDF, acrylic, sandpaper, and occasionally setting things on fire, they break down why lasers quietly become one of the most valuable machines in a modern shop. The conversation drifts through parametric packaging, origami-grade box design, why cardboard is terrifying, why bubble wrap is the devil, and why making your own packaging still beats outsourcing — even when it absolutely shouldn’t.

They also cover diode vs CO₂ vs fiber lasers, bed-of-nails workholding, extraction mistakes, dying laser tubes, LightBurn evangelism, and the harsh reality of competing with retirees charging five cents a minute.

If you’ve ever thought “maybe I should get a laser,” this episode will convince you — and then warn you why you probably shouldn’t.

Links Discussed:

 * LightBurn: https://lightburnsoftware.com/
 * OpenBuilds: https://builds.openbuilds.com/        [https://builds.openbuilds.com/]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 52: Everything Is a Packaging Problem (So We Bought Lasers)

In this episode, Jamie and Curt dismantle some of the biggest myths in home and garage machining. No, you don’t need 100 horsepower. No, a bigger phase converter won’t magically create more power. And yes, you will destroy your driveway at least once. From machine layouts and electrical realities to coolant disposal horror stories and scrap economics, this episode is a practical — and occasionally unhinged — guide to making industrial equipment behave in residential spaces.

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 51: Horsepower Is a Lie (And Other Garage Shop Myths)

Join Curt, Jamie, and special guest Dylan as they navigate a week packed with cursed tolerances, and unhinged workholding ideas.

They dive into Dylan’s questionable engineering philosophies, the psychology of over-tightening everything, and why some jobs require therapy instead of tooling.

Expect chaos, CNC heresy, and the kind of unfiltered commentary that should probably require a permit.

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Dylan:

 * Proteum Machining: https://www.proteummachining.com/
 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proteummach/
 * Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ProteumMach
 * Within Tolerance Podcast: https://www.withintolerancepodcast.com [https://www.withintolerancepodcast.com/]

Ep. 50: The Proteum Protocol: Inside Dylan’s Machining Mind

Join Curt and Jamie as they flirt with disaster via stainless chip-welds, rogue wave springs, and Spinderella doing witchcraft-level tolerances.

They also endure pot-plant side quests, vacuum-fixture dark magic, and a Chop-o-Matic jailbreak that dumps 10 kilos of pins on the floor.

Peak chaos, peak craftsmanship, peak “why are we like this?”

Links Discussed:

 * VERY INTERSTING VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vjvudx-6RV4?si=cpjbjOhjm8xtCJDi         [https://youtu.be/vjvudx-6RV4?si=cpjbjOhjm8xtCJDi]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 49: One Spring to Rule Them All.

Join Curt and Jamie as they dive into coated-tool alchemy, German cans of death, and the eternal struggle against stupid-long gauge lengths.

They also unpack hydraulic holder upgrades, the Imperializer’s grand return, pallet fever dreams, sublimation spray sorcery, and why making tiny brass parts is sometimes better than dealing with tool steel tantrums.

It’s another episode of precision, profanity, and questionable engineering philosophy — powered by short tools, long opinions, and even longer rants.

Links Discussed:

 * Prusa Video: https://youtu.be/FG75hVA0xsw?si=kQbDsEzZRby5q0Va   [https://youtu.be/FG75hVA0xsw?si=kQbDsEzZRby5q0Va]
 * Blender 3D: https://www.blender.org/         [https://www.blender.org/]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 48: German Precision & Other Nightmares

Join Curt and Jamie as they dive into a week of machining mayhem, including the saga of the impossible tool stick-out, eight-sided geometry gymnastics, and a near-miss crash that proves physics always wins.

They also get into probe repeatability experiments, neighbor-induced noise paranoia, hand-crafted chamfers, and the eternal battle between fancy 3D toolpaths and good old common sense.

It’s another episode of chatter, chaos, and questionable overhangs — held together by coffee, carbide, and pure stubbornness.

Links Discussed:

 * Michael Reeves gaslighting ai: https://youtube.com/shorts/WP5_XJY_P0Q?si=IUFpwV_guSkmgj3r   [https://youtube.com/shorts/WP5_XJY_P0Q?si=IUFpwV_guSkmgj3r]
 * electronic lead screw: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009697369216.html        [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009697369216.html]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 47: Probe It Till It Works

Join Curt and Jamie as they discuss their week, including Spinderella’s royal crown upgrade, the great ABS hoard, Brick Shit House’s tournament domination, and Fondler 2’s triumphant debut.

They also dive into AI-assisted customer service, VFD tuning woes, round-bar philosophy, and why every shop should have bathroom SOPs.

It’s another week of chaos, craftsmanship, and coolant fumes, with a touch of royalty.

Links Discussed:

 * Once we were Spacemen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdcjiLEtcVM  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdcjiLEtcVM]
 * Local AI: https://localai.io/   [https://localai.io/]
 * Self-Centering Vices (AliExpress): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008804700687.html      [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008804700687.html]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 46: The Spindle Witch Project

Join Curt and Jamie as they discuss their week, including topics such as Bertha’s farewell move, the Coolant Flood Disaster, Carl’s lucky retrofit, Spinderella’s VFD woes, and why admin work might just be the real horror show.

Links Discussed:

 * Jamie's phase converter: https://arcweld.co.za/phase-converter-single-three-phas [https://arcweld.co.za/phase-converter-single-three-phase/]
 * Wild DIY CNC: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSuntravel   [https://www.youtube.com/@TheSuntravel]
 * M66: https://linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/gcode/m-code.html#mcode:m66   [https://linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/gcode/m-code.html#mcode:m66]
 * Mediocre maker syil x4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC6kKlsh2sQ&t=638s        [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bC6kKlsh2sQ&t=638s]

The Lone Machinist:

 * Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/
 * Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content
 * Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store
 * Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinists

Need Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/

Want to try out Toolpath [https://toolpath.com/]? Give it a go and get 10% off by using the code TLM10 at checkout: https://toolpath.com/

Jamie:

 * http://instagram.com/jspec_engineering
 * https://www.jspeceng.com/

Curt:

 * https://www.instagram.com/confoundedmachine/
 * https://www.confoundedmachine.com/

Ep. 45: The Great Coolant Massacre of ’25

Curt and Jamie dive into business and manufacturing as one-man shops.

The Lone Machinists