Machine Tool Maniacs

Matt Dvoracek
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Machine Tool Maniacs is where creativity meets craftsmanship. We share the real stories of makers, machinists, and entrepreneurs who turned ideas into reality. Each episode is designed to inspire you to create, while breaking down the processes, tools, and strategies that bring visions to life. Whether you’re building a business, a product, or just your skills, we’re here to spark ideas, share knowledge, and fuel your journey from concept to creation.

  1. Merchant of Machine Tools

    1D AGO

    Merchant of Machine Tools

    In this episode of the Machine Tool Maniacs Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Atkinson of Elevation Machine to talk about our history growing up in manufacturing and how we both leapfrogged through different shop environments to end up where we are today. Brandon breaks down how Elevation Machine helps manufacturers buy and sell quality used CNC machines and fabrication equipment through a consignment style model that’s designed to maximize value for both buyers and sellers. If you’re navigating a career in manufacturing, upgrading your shop, or looking to sell equipment the right way, this episode is packed with real world insight.

    1h 10m
  2. Special Delivery: Putting Your Business on the Map

    JAN 20

    Special Delivery: Putting Your Business on the Map

    In this episode, Matt and his wife Nicole break down how machine shops, CNC machinists, and product-focused entrepreneurs can start using short-form content to market what they offer. We cover why simple videos are enough to begin, how to show up consistently, and why perfection is not required. In today’s market you don’t have a real choice, if you plan on running a successful business, you must figure out how to show up on social media. If you’re a shop owner, a machinist building your own products, or someone in manufacturing who needs stronger marketing, this episode gives you a practical starting point.

    1h 16m
  3. G28 (2026)

    JAN 11

    G28 (2026)

    In this episode, Will Mund joins to break down predictions for manufacturing in 2026: tariff impact on U.S. supply chains, workforce challenges, and how desktop/entry-level CNC machines could expand training pipelines for new machinists. A quick listen for CNC machinists, shop owners, and anyone watching the future of American manufacturing.

    26 min
  4. Breakdowns and Breakthroughs with Kelly Rus

    12/22/2025

    Breakdowns and Breakthroughs with Kelly Rus

    Get ready to sit down with Kelly Rus of Precision Machine and Repair to break down how he built a machine shop from the ground up in just a few short years. Kelly started by buying out a one-man shop and shipping it to a small town in Georgia, then setting up in the corner of a dump truck company with manual machines doing repair work. What really changed the trajectory was committing to a 24-hour breakdown repair model, which helped him earn trust fast, stand out in a small town, and charge premium rates. We talk about how he leveraged LinkedIn and TikTok to get access to large factories, the real pros and cons of running a shop in a small community, and how learning to adapt to customer needs has been critical to his growth. If you’re building a shop, doing repair work, or looking for practical ways to separate yourself and get taken seriously, there are a lot of solid nuggets in this one you won’t want to miss.

    1h 2m
  5. Side Hustle to Systems: Chris Keeps Rolling PT2

    12/15/2025

    Side Hustle to Systems: Chris Keeps Rolling PT2

    In this second part of my conversation with Chris Lamb from Triple Axis Manufacturing, we get into the real nuts and bolts of running a small machine shop. We talk about his actual equipment setup from near free machines to inspection gear, how he finds work without chasing every job online, and why networking has been the biggest multiplier for his business. We also dive into building and selling your own products, the marketing struggles nobody warns you about, and why diversification and quality systems matter even for the smallest shops. If you are running a garage shop or thinking about starting one, there are some serious nuggets in this episode you do not want to miss.

    1h 15m
  6. Pedals, Planes, and Precision: Chris Comes Full Circle PT1

    12/08/2025

    Pedals, Planes, and Precision: Chris Comes Full Circle PT1

    Part one of my conversation with Chris Lamb of Triple Axis Manufacturing is all about coming full circle. We dig into what it’s like growing up in a family machine shop, learning the trade from your dad, and how those early lessons stick with you whether you realize it or not. Chris shares his time in the military working on Blackhawk helicopters, how that discipline and attention to detail shaped him as a machinist, and why he eventually found himself back in manufacturing as an inspector while quietly building a shop in his garage. This episode is packed with real talk for small shop owners and anyone thinking about starting a shop on the side, covering the mindset, sacrifices, and long game it takes to turn experience into something of your own. This is part one of a two-part series with Chris, setting the foundation for how his journey came full circle and led to the shop he’s building today.

    1h 2m
  7. Machine Talk with Will: The foundation of your CNC

    11/26/2025

    Machine Talk with Will: The foundation of your CNC

    In this Machine Talk episode Will and I break down the one thing most machinists never think about. The foundation under the sheet metal. Cast iron weldments epoxy granite and concrete. What they do how they handle weight vibration and rigidity and why that matters for accuracy and tool life. We explain terms like three point leveling double column and C frame castings as well as slant bed and discuss how these factor into overall machine performance. If you have ever wondered why some machines feel planted and others feel light this episode gives you quick clear food for thought. Another solid Machine Talk conversation focused on helping machinists and shop owners make smarter choices.

    1h 9m
  8. Moon-Dust Forge with Rocky Part 2

    11/19/2025

    Moon-Dust Forge with Rocky Part 2

    In the second half of my conversation with Rocky Parkerton, we look ahead at where AZ3DPrint is going next and how he’s leveling up his entire operation. Rocky breaks down his future machine tool plans, why he’s doubling down on capability, and how his spin-off company Regolith Forge is becoming the platform for his product-design ambitions. We dig into the engineering mindset behind creating in-house products, solving real problems in the marketplace, and what it takes to merge job-shop work with true product development. We wrap things up with a quick-round of questions, some solid advice for machinists and shop owners, and a deeper look at how Rocky is building a business model centered on creativity, craftsmanship, and long-term vision. If you’re a machinist, a shop owner, or someone who wants to build something of your own, this episode is packed with inspiration and forward-thinking ideas. Check out Rocky's companies here: AZ3Dprint Regolith Forge

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Machine Tool Maniacs is where creativity meets craftsmanship. We share the real stories of makers, machinists, and entrepreneurs who turned ideas into reality. Each episode is designed to inspire you to create, while breaking down the processes, tools, and strategies that bring visions to life. Whether you’re building a business, a product, or just your skills, we’re here to spark ideas, share knowledge, and fuel your journey from concept to creation.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Dvoracek
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Dvoracek
  • Show Website
    Machine Tool Maniacs

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