Printing the Future: How One Shop Is Winning with Additive + Machining, 521

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What if the future of your machine shop isn’t just faster spindles or more automation—but an entirely different way of making parts?

In this episode of MakingChips: Generation CNC, we sit down with David Bamforth of Renscott Manufacturing, a young entrepreneur who’s not just building a shop—he’s redefining what one can be. By combining CNC machining with metal additive manufacturing, David has positioned his company at the intersection of two worlds, creating a powerful competitive edge in aerospace, defense, and spaceflight.

But this didn’t start with a master plan. Like many entrepreneurs, David began with curiosity, a willingness to take risks, and a mindset of figuring things out as he went. Over time, that evolved into something much more intentional: a clear strategy to move beyond being “just another job shop” and instead own the full lifecycle of complex parts—from printed blank to finished, mission-critical component.

What makes this approach so compelling is the problem it solves. Many companies can print parts. Many shops can machine them. But very few can do both well. Even fewer understand how to bridge the gap between the two. That’s where Renscott has carved out its niche, simplifying supply chains, improving reliability, and creating real value for customers operating at the cutting edge.

If you’ve been thinking about how to differentiate your shop—or where the industry is heading next—this episode offers a clear look at why additive manufacturing isn’t just a trend. For shops willing to embrace it, it’s a strategic advantage.

Segments

• (0:00) Light banter, missing co-host, and intro to the Gen CNC series
• (1:32) Meet David Bamforth: From automotive work to aerospace, spaceflight, and defense
• (4:46) Early curiosity: how tinkering and “How It’s Made” shaped his path
• (6:04) Engineering school, co-ops, and exposure to large-scale manufacturing
• (8:32) Buying the first Haas machine and launching the business with no roadmap
• (9:49) Why we love Paperless Parts for your quoting workflow
• (11:01) The “build it and they will come” philosophy—and learning the hard way
• (13:55) Self-funding the business, family support, and building a leadership team
• (16:49) The cool part of the Co-op that David participated in
• (18:59) What formal manufacturing education did (and didn’t) teach
• (21:36) How additive manufacturing became a strategic differentiator
• (27:13) Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding
• (27:56) The long-term vision: becoming additive-first with machining support
• (30:22) Real-world applications like internal cooling channels and complex geometries
• (32:34) Building the additive business like a startup within the company
• (34:25) Comparing labor, cost, and efficiency: additive vs. subtractive
• (38:15) Automation strategy across five-axis machining and robotics
• (40:02) Running an advanced shop as a young entrepreneur
• (41:23) Hiring ahead of growth and building a 5-year plan
• (42:41) Why you need to check out the Hennig WorkFlow
• (43:35) Overcoming (or avoiding) the “young founder” credibility challenge
• (46:01) Branding, culture, and connecting with modern manufacturing customers
• (49:03) Advice for young entrepreneurs: experience, cash, and patience
• (51:44) The importance of networking and building industry relationships

Resources mentioned on this episode

• Rennscot MFG
• Connect with David Bamforth on LinkedIn
• Why we love Paperless Parts for your quoting workflow
• Why we love SMW Autoblok for workholding
• Why you need to check out the Hennig WorkFlow
• NYC CNC
• John Grimsmo

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