The Lone Machinists

Jamie Peacock & Curt Van Filipowski (Feat. Jon Dillehay)

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

  1. Ep. 60: Schrodinger's Guest

    1 DAY AGO · VIDEO

    Ep. 60: Schrodinger's Guest

    Welcome to the Loan Machines Podcast, also known as the Schrödinger’s Guest Episode, where we ponder whether John is actually joining us or remains a ghost in the machine. In a harrowing turn of events, Curt recounts his battle with a porcelain ramekin that nearly claimed his eye during a routine oatmeal delivery for his rats—proving that while he wears safety glasses in the shop all day, the kitchen is a lawless wasteland. Meanwhile, Jamie has declared "open season" on expired patents to launch his Nautical Workholding line, including the new Keel Clamps and a control panel he is wiring with exclusively blue wire to ensure maximum "savage" confusion for anyone attempting to troubleshoot it later. Between reviews of the DC Collet system and its unexpected flex, we dive into the quest for acetone-resistant archival ink for the perfect pen refill and the logistics of punching half a million nails "for her pleasure" on an eccentric press. Whether you are here for the debate on "piss plastic" (Ultem), the shocking logarithmic power of 30W lasers, or Curt’s four-year-old’s deep dive into classic Pokémon, we’ve got you covered. Links Discussed: Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs_UgsQg7Vs/?igsh=MzhnMGEwaTU5MzZzThe Lone Machinist: Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/ Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 15m
  2. Ep. 59: Designed for Quadruple-Jointed Dwarf Mechanics

    11 FEB · VIDEO

    Ep. 59: Designed for Quadruple-Jointed Dwarf Mechanics

    Buckle up for another episode of the Lone Machines Podcast, where we discuss the fine line between professional machining and absolute shop chaos. In this episode, Jamie recounts his harrowing experience performing spindle surgery with tweezers to float solder into a corroded via—all because his probe decided to quit after being "slightly squished" at 12,000 RPM. He also explains how he's balancing a 700-enclosure production run with a new side hustle: serving as a personal chauffeur for his mother-in-law, conveniently timed to 18-minute machine cycles. Curt shares his plan to escape the "brain-sucking algorithm" of Instagram by building a custom media site powered by RSS, ensuring his content reaches humans instead of robots. He also reviews his latest purchase: a 90-centimeter parabolic softbox that has effectively turned his garage into the brightest spot on Earth. Whether you're here for the 3D printing drama, the AliExpress turbo scams, or the tax-deductible commercial vehicles, we've got you covered. Links Discussed: Grimsmo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSNo8pVeSZs ano video: https://youtu.be/btjaRaaXCBM?si=oC3BU-5KsRTT69S8 Story Telling Is Important: https://youtu.be/Ayhk9HXvZEE?si=m8-AT_ZkVfoX3rLiThe Lone Machinist: Website: https://thelonemachinists.com/ Bonus Content: https://thelonemachinists.com/#bonus-content Merch: https://www.jspeceng.com/online-store Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 15m
  3. Ep. 58: The Seizure-Inducing Delivery Sensor

    3 FEB · VIDEO

    Ep. 58: The Seizure-Inducing Delivery Sensor

    In this episode of The Loan Machinist, Jamie and Curt dive into the chaotic reality of running a machine shop while battling the elements and outdated technology. Jamie recounts a rough Monday in South Africa where 30mm of rain and a lightning strike claimed a workshop monitor, while his wife "swore at him" over comments regarding his machine's nicknames. Meanwhile, Curt reveals his seizure-inducing Home Assistant automation that flashes every light in the workshop the moment a delivery driver touches his walkway. The duo discusses the "magic" of VS Code and the necessity of adding dates to post-processors to stop the confusion of "reposting the same program". They also explore the merits of Grip CNC for spindle grippers, which Jamie claims can turn a two-day programming nightmare into a ten-minute breeze. Finally, Jamie explains why he pays a bean counter to handle his financials: "If I do it, I'm going to jail". Whether you are here for the Pi 5 case talk or the Bridgerton rage-bait, this episode is packed with shop talk and shenanigans Links Discussed: Smart lathe response to Caleeys cans: https://youtu.be/xt2YxyMm-9o?si=y9kEQaJ4TSfzd4pC   Maritool adjustable runout hydraulic sleeves: https://www.maritool.com/Collets-And-Sleeves-Hydraulic-and-Milling-Chuck-Sleeves-Adjustable-Runout-Hydraulic-Sleeves/c21_913_1888/index.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/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 6m
  4. Ep. 57: Just Another Brick in the Wall

    27 JAN · VIDEO

    Ep. 57: Just Another Brick in the Wall

    In this episode of the Lone Machinist Podcast, Jamie and Curt dive head-first into shop chaos, questionable safety decisions, and machines that just won’t stop printing money. Jamie introduces the Bukkake Blaster 7000, a new coolant manifold upgrade that blasts hardcore, while Curt reflects on the joy of a machine running nonstop for hours—hot, moist, and perfectly intolerant from the first part to the last. Along the way, they cover long-run machining, thermal stability, laser mishaps, intrusive pneumatic ideas, and why sometimes the correct fix is simply unplugging the wire. There’s also a surprise structural failure, a wall that absolutely “didn’t need to be there,” and a healthy reminder that lasers do not care about your eyesight—no matter how confident you feel in the moment. Machining, lasers, money printers, and safety third. Just another day in the shop. Links Discussed: smart lathe: https://youtu.be/on5yTSBz2tM?si=cNUjLE2XIThAa24l   a1 changer: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010477325746.html   Tiny Trains: https://youtu.be/DlL3AunnM_I?si=TbpS-hlauXLah6-R    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/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 18m
  5. Ep. 56: How Hard Can It Be? (Famous Last Words)

    20 JAN · VIDEO

    Ep. 56: How Hard Can It Be? (Famous Last Words)

    In this episode of the Loan Machines Podcast, Jamie and Curt bounce between small wins and absolute disasters in the shop. Jamie dives into poking around a PLC “just to see how hard it could be,” accidentally saving himself hundreds of dollars and making his machine do exactly what he wants. Curt, meanwhile, declares war on an inkjet printer in the name of responsibility… and loses badly. Along the way, they talk garage “statues” that never move, clearing mental clutter by throwing things out, fiber lasers and why they’re terrifyingly cool, and why some projects really should’ve gone in the bin years ago. It’s shop talk, light swearing, questionable decisions, and the kind of stories that only happen when you try to fix things yourself. Links Discussed: Jet trains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h4lLYmFtgY   Slow Mo Guys - Virtual Boy: https://youtu.be/jW7M8H99x7Y?si=aw0EbklFztmt6S8b Brother horizontal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwvuYcKNcZ0   GTEL Train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXXi3siVA_Q  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/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 16m
  6. Ep. 55: Machining, MacBooks, and Mild Panic

    13 JAN · VIDEO

    Ep. 55: Machining, MacBooks, and Mild Panic

    In this episode of the Loan Machinist Podcast, Jamie and Curt dive into fixing machining problems from opposite sides of the planet, building spindle grippers for unattended automation, and discovering exactly how much force is too much force. Along the way, Jamie accidentally starts a small fire, Curt fights Windows’ refusal to stay awake, and both agree that modern operating systems might just be adware in disguise. Expect deep machining talk, real-world automation lessons, AliExpress economics, and the unexpected debut of the “butt plug driver.” Links Discussed: Canada's lumber may go metric: https://youtu.be/V6HCKamszmw?si=49bLKRiOoZsR5SEz   mega grip: https://www.maritool.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=mega+grip curts tumbler:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8Y3pJM1VEA         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/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 11m
  7. Ep. 54: Cheap as Beans and Expensive as Time

    6 JAN · VIDEO

    Ep. 54: Cheap as Beans and Expensive as Time

    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  Local Raspberry Pi AI: 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/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 36m
  8. Ep. 53: We Found the Problem (It Was Us)

    30/12/2025 · VIDEO

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

    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/   BixAxe Lottery Miner:  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/TheLoneMachinistsNeed Work Done? Check out Subtract Manufacturing at: https://subtractmanufacturing.com/ Want to try out Toolpath? 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/

    1h 21m
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Peacock & Curt Van Filipowski (Feat. Jon Dillehay)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Lone Machinists

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