Machines Are Just the Start (How to Build a Shop That Lasts), 461

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If you’re in the trenches of manufacturing like we are—running a shop, growing a business, or even dreaming of starting your own—this episode is going to hit home. We’re diving deep into the real challenges and choices that come with equipping a machine shop. It’s not just about what machine to buy; it’s about how to make smart, future-proof decisions that keep your business agile and competitive. 

We walk through what it really takes to get started, from the very first piece of equipment to building an infrastructure that can handle growth. It’s a real-world conversation on budgets, strategy, and how to stretch your dollar without cutting corners that matter.

We talk openly about our own experiences—the good, the bad, and the costly. Whether it’s figuring out if we should buy new or used, or realizing after the fact that we didn’t budget for tooling, coolant, or the right chip conveyor, we’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. 

We even get into the nitty-gritty of power and air requirements, something that can seriously bottleneck your operation if overlooked. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of stuff that makes or breaks a shop’s ability to deliver and grow.

What’s great about this episode is that it’s not just our perspective. We brought in Keith Granno, a guy who’s been around the block more times than most in machinery sales. While we focus on what we’ve learned from running our own shops, Keith gives a broader view—what he’s seen work across hundreds of different businesses. 

He’s sold everything from entry-level mills to million-dollar systems, so he knows what it takes at every level. Together, we cover how to think about versatility, automation, and preparing for the jobs we don’t even have yet. If you want to set your shop up for long-term success, this episode is your blueprint.

Segments

• (0:00) Introduction of guest Keith Granno and the range of machines he’s sold
• (0:33) Take the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops survey
• (7:27) Starting a machine shop: budget machines vs. high-end equipment
• (12:39) Importance of having a known customer or diving in without one
• (16:44) Choosing niche equipment based on market demand and local gaps
• (18:22) New vs. used machinery: depreciation, risks, and inspections
• (23:13) The value of machine inspections and warranty limitations for used machines
• (26:43) Common mistakes in buying machines: budgeting beyond the machine itself
• (28:51) Aligning machine purchases with business vision
• (31:35) Key factors when selecting machines: size, tooling, automation, spindle specs
• (36:31) The role of sales reps in ensuring proper machine specs
• (37:25) Learn how to grow your top and bottom line with CLA
• (40:35) Infrastructure deep dive: power requirements, costs, and real-world constraints
• (45:55) Air systems in a shop: compressors, tanks, dryers, and why they matter
• (50:48) Considerations for tooling, fixtures and workholding 
• (1:01:07) Keith’s thoughts on shop layout and efficiency
• (1:07:54) The importance of MEP programs to manufacturing 
• (1:11:12) How to get connect with Keith & TITANS of CNC
• (1:12:42) Find a salesperson you trust to help you build out your shop
• (1:16:14) Why you should check out the Buy the Numbers podcast

Resources mentioned on this episode

• The Art and Science of Buying Machines
• Take the Modern Machine Shop Top Shops survey
• The Quiet Cut That’s Loudly Threatening Small Manufacturing
• Connect with Keith on LinkedIn

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