Talkin Shop with ShopSabre

Hosted by ShopSabre

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The official Talkin Shop with ShopSabre podcast hosted by Brandon Bombardo from ShopSabre covers all things CNC. Covered will be a variety of CNC topics, discussions, tips, tricks, humor, and collaborations with other industry professionals. If you have an interest in CNC Routers or CNC Plasma machines, this is a podcast for you! We are excited to help you learn more about CNC Machines and what American Made Technology is all about. Tune in weekly for new episodes and joint he adventure. Learn More and Follow Us: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre/ https://www.facebook.com/Shopsabre www.youtube.com/shopsabre www.shopsabre.com

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 25148 min

Why Wasting Time Costs Your Business Big | Ep 251

Why is wasted time the most expensive cost in business? In Episode 251 of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters explain why time — not broken machines, material costs, or competition — is the single resource a business can never recover once it's spent. This episode covers the real-world cost of poor follow-through in manufacturing and the trades: unanswered quote requests, ignored emails, missed meetings, and delayed decisions. ShopSabre is an American CNC manufacturer based in Lakeville, Minnesota that builds CNC routers, plasma tables, and fiber lasers, and Brandon draws directly on what the ShopSabre sales team sees every day to illustrate how wasted time compounds. Brandon answers a key question: why does ignoring a small problem cost so much more later? He walks through how one avoided a five-minute conversation — like not addressing an employee who shows up late — can snowball into missed deadlines, lost team trust, employee turnover, and ultimately a lost customer. The takeaway: clarity beats slow uncertainty every time, and reliability, not brilliance, is what builds a business reputation. The episode also answers two listener questions. First, the difference between vacuum and CFM on a vacuum pump: vacuum measures how hard the pump pulls and holds the part, while CFM measures how much air it moves to overcome leakage on porous materials. Brandon explains why ShopSabre recommends Becker vacuum pumps — they run quieter, last longer in dusty woodworking environments, and deliver the highest pressure rating head-to-head for the money. Second, why sharing your full quote matters: customers who actually compare line-by-line quotes usually find ShopSabre delivers more value, not just a lower sticker price. This episode is for CNC shop owners, cabinet makers, metal fabricators, and any small business owner who wants to stop losing time, money, and customers to broken communication. 00:00 - Why Wasted Time Quietly Costs Businesses Thousands Every Year 03:11 - Time Is the Most Expensive Currency: Why You Can't Earn It Back 06:30 - Working Smarter Should Feel Like Cheating: Using Resources to Save Time 07:16 - Vacuum vs. CFM Explained: Why Vacuum Holds the Part, Not Airflow 10:15 - Why ShopSabre Recommends Becker Vacuum Pumps Over Cheaper Imports 12:23 - Why Sharing Your Full Quote Wins More Deals Than a Low Price 16:00 - Why Follow-Through Has Become the Rarest Skill in Business 24:58 - How Saying "No" Honestly Opens the Door to a Better Outcome 30:30 - How One Avoided 5-Minute Conversation Snowballs Into Lost Customers 33:16 - Why Reliability Beats Brilliance: Reputation Is Built on Consistency 38:35 - The Takeaway: Time Is Expensive Financially, Mentally, and Emotionally 42:25 - Why Communication Is a Lost Art: The Race Helmet Story 46:09 - Final Word: Respect Time, Honor Commitments, Keep Building #ShopSabre #TalkinShop #CNC #CNCRouter #SmallBusiness #TimeManagement #Manufacturing #Woodworking #BusinessGrowth #CNCMachine #ShopLife #Entrepreneur #MadeInUSA #Fabrication #BusinessTips Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

June 3, 2026Episode 25043 min

Stop Competing on Price (Do This Instead) | Ep 250

Every customer wants the best quality, delivered yesterday, at the lowest possible price. So why does chasing all three destroy businesses from the inside out? This episode of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre breaks open the truth behind the "good, fast, cheap" triangle — and it might change how you price, produce, and position everything in your shop. Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters get real about the trade-offs that every CNC shop owner, cabinet maker, sign builder, and fabricator faces daily. Whether you are quoting custom jobs, managing lead times, or fielding price objections from customers who want champagne quality on a beer budget, this conversation is going to hit home. Hard. You will hear why the strongest businesses Brandon has worked with over the years never compete on price alone — and what they do instead that builds trust, loyalty, and long-term revenue. You will hear why companies that lead with "cheapest on the market" are building a ticking time bomb of low margins, burned-out employees, and inconsistent product quality. And you will hear a dead-simple framework for aligning your pricing, your capabilities, and your customer communication so nothing falls through the cracks. This is not theory. This is operational reality from a company that builds every CNC router, plasma table, and fiber laser in Lakeville, Minnesota and has supported over 10,000 machines in more than 40 countries. Brandon and Nick have seen what works and what collapses — and they are not holding back. If you have ever lost sleep wondering whether your prices are too high, your lead times are too long, or your customers expect too much — hit play. This one is for you. Like this video if you are ready to stop chasing impossible expectations and start building a business worth paying for. Drop a comment telling us which two YOU pick — good, fast, or cheap — and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Talkin' Shop. [00:00] - Intro to Talkin' Shop with Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters [00:25] - Hockey, Golf Etiquette, and Nick's Future YouTube Channel [03:05] - Viewer Q&A: RhinoCAM vs. MasterCAM for Fourth Axis CNC Work [06:15] - Viewer Q&A: Why Real Customer Project Videos Matter More Than Demos [08:45] - Viewer Comment: Do You Really Need a CNC to Make Quality Products? [12:00] - Raccoon Update and Community Shoutouts [12:55] - Defining the Good, Fast, Cheap Triangle for Your Business [16:25] - Why Marketing Creates Unrealistic Customer Expectations [18:10] - What Quality, Speed, and Low Cost Actually Require Operationally [21:05] - The Danger of Competing on Price Alone in CNC and Fabrication [23:10] - Why Value Always Beats Price: The Apple Analogy [26:15] - Quality Is Expensive to Build — Why Companies Ship Operations Overseas [28:35] - Speed Has a Cost: What Fast Delivery Actually Requires [30:30] - ShopSabre's Operational Discipline: When Saying No Protects Your Business [32:05] - Finding the Right Balance: Good and Fast vs. Good and Cheap [34:50] - Takeaway: Align Your Pricing with Your Capabilities and Communicate Clearly [37:00] - Henry Ford Quote: Coming Together, Keeping Together, Working Together [38:15] - Know Your Worth: Stop Letting Customers Dictate Your Value [41:55] - Outro: Build Smart, Communicate Clearly, Keep Building Something Worth Paying For #GoodFastCheap #ShopSabre #CNCBusiness #IronTriangle #ManufacturingTips #ShopOwner #CNCRouter #PricingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessTips #FabricationLife #Woodworking #Metalworking #MadeInUSA #EntrepreneurMindset Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

May 27, 202651 min

Private Label CNC Machines: What They Won't Tell You | Ep 249

What happens when you strip the covers off two "completely different" CNC machines and find the exact same frame, the same gantry, and the same components from the same overseas factory — just with different stickers? In this episode of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters break down the private label import CNC machine cycle — how one Chinese factory builds a single CNC router or plasma table design, distributes it to dozens of companies worldwide, and each one slaps on their own logo, picks a paint color, and markets it as their own proprietary product. If you've ever wondered why two machines from two different brands look almost identical once you strip them down, this episode explains exactly how that works and why it matters to your shop. Brandon answers a direct viewer question: what specifically makes a ShopSabre CNC worth more than an import? The answer starts with who builds it — ShopSabre designs, engineers, and assembles every CNC router, plasma table, and fiber laser in Lakeville, Minnesota, using brand-name components from Mitsubishi and Yaskawa that you can identify, source, and replace independently. It continues with 26 years of domestic parts stocking, same-time-zone technical support, and a track record where the very first ShopSabre machine ever built is still running today. You'll also hear a customer story from a 75-year-old retired cabinetmaker with 60 years of experience who ordered a ShopSabre Pro 408 CNC router — and calls it the best machine he could have ever hoped for. That's the kind of long-term result that private label imports with aggressive launch marketing and influencer partnerships can't manufacture. Whether you run a cabinet shop, sign business, or fabrication operation, this episode will change the way you evaluate CNC equipment — and remind you that the cheapest machine to buy is rarely the cheapest machine to own. Hit play before your next purchase decision. [00:00] - Intro: Import CNC vs. American Made — What This Episode Covers [01:50] - Viewer Catch: ShopSabre Fiber Laser Video — 2 Kilowatt Not 2 Watt [05:12] - Customer Story: 75-Year-Old Cabinetmaker Reviews His ShopSabre Pro 408 [08:55] - What Makes a ShopSabre CNC Worth More Than an Import Machine? [13:50] - How Private Label Import CNC Machines Work: Same Factory, Different Sticker [17:36] - Why Flashy New CNC Brands Make a Huge Splash Then Fade Fast [20:32] - The True Cost of a Cheap CNC: Downtime, Parts, and Support After the Sale [24:44] - Why Accountability and Reputation Matter More Than Launch Hype [30:34] - Why American-Made CNC Manufacturing Still Matters in 2025 [36:14] - Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Noise: What Smart Buyers Focus On [39:29] - Takeaway: A Different Logo Does Not Mean a Different Product [41:23] - Motivational Quote: The Best Things in Life Are Felt, Not Seen [45:43] - Closing: Keep Building, Keep Creating Jobs Like this video if American manufacturing still matters to you. Drop a comment with YOUR experience — import vs. domestic equipment — we read every single one. Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Talkin' Shop. Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

May 20, 2026Episode 24847 min

The Customer Is NOT Always Right | Ep 248

What if the most famous phrase in business is actually destroying your shop from the inside out? In this episode of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters tear apart the myth that the customer is always right and rebuild it into something that actually works for real business owners. If you run a CNC shop, a fabrication business, or any kind of service operation, you already know the truth: not every customer is right, and bending to every demand is a fast track to burnout, quality issues, and losing your best employees. Brandon witnessed an explosive customer meltdown in a retail store and it sparked a deep conversation about where this phrase actually came from, why it was never meant to be taken literally, and how misusing it creates chaos in your operation. This episode gets real about the dangers of letting customers run your business, why your team deserves to be protected, and how the strongest companies set boundaries without losing the relationships that matter most. You are going to walk away from this one with a completely different perspective on customer service. Brandon and Nick break down how to listen without surrendering your standards, how to know when it is time to walk away from the wrong customer, and why the businesses that say no strategically are the ones that last. They also dive into setting honest expectations, the ripple effect of one bad customer relationship on your entire team, and the mindset shift every shop owner needs to hear right now. This is not some corporate customer service lecture. This is raw, real talk from guys who live it every single day in the manufacturing world. Whether you are running a one-man shop or managing a growing team, the lessons in this episode will change how you approach every customer interaction moving forward. If this hits home, smash that like button, drop your wildest customer story in the comments, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Oh, and help us name Nick's raccoon. Seriously. Leave your best raccoon name suggestions below. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro to Talkin' Shop with Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters [00:43] - Today's Topic: The Customer Is Always Right — Or Are They? [04:32] - Viewer Questions: Sidekick CNC Plasma Projects & Fiber Laser Future [09:08] - Horsepower vs. Bit Limitations on CNC Routers [11:04] - Origin Story: Where the Phrase Actually Came From [14:07] - The Danger of Misinterpreting Customer Service Culture [17:14] - What Customers Really Want: Being Heard vs. Being Right [21:21] - Respect Without Surrender: Balancing Standards and Service [25:04] - Protecting Your Team When Customers Cross the Line [28:42] - Setting Honest Expectations and Building Trust [31:35] - Why Saying No to the Wrong Customer Protects the Right Ones [34:24] - The Real Meaning: Customer Experience Always Matters [37:13] - Motivational Quote: Every Problem Is a Gift [38:50] - Wild Outro: Robots, AI, and Naming Nick's Raccoon #CustomerIsAlwaysRight #ShopSabre #CNCBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #CustomerService #ShopOwner #BusinessGrowth #ManufacturingLife #FabricationLife #CNCRouter #CNCPlasma #FiberLaser #Entrepreneurship #BusinessMindset #talkinshop Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

May 13, 2026Episode 24740 min

6 Hard Lessons in CNC Shop Leadership | Ep 247

Step into the leadership role you were meant for by learning the lessons most shop owners only discover the hard way. In this episode of Talkin' Shop, Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters dive deep into the personal side of building a business. Leadership isn't just about making decisions or telling people what to do; it's a learned skill that often requires facing uncomfortable truths. Brandon shares six pivotal lessons he wishes he knew before he started leading, ranging from the importance of setting the tone for your team to understanding that accountability must always start at the top. Beyond the leadership deep dive, the guys answer critical technical questions for anyone looking to optimize their CNC performance. We break down whether rack and pinion systems truly move faster than ball screws and why gantry clearance is a "king" metric for industrial engineering. We also touch on the ShopSabre motto: "Buy your second machine the first time," and why cutting costs upfront can often be the most expensive mistake a business makes. Whether you are managing a team of two or twenty, or just trying to decide on your next machine investment, this episode provides the roadmap to grow with intention. [00:00] - Welcome back to Talkin' Shop with Brandon Bombardo & Nick Peters [04:48] - Technical Q&A: Is Rack and Pinion Faster than Ball Screws? [06:15] - Engineering for Success: Why Tall Gantries and Clearance Matter [07:49] - The ShopSabre Motto: Buy Your Second Machine the First Time [10:01] - Leadership Lesson 1: Not Everyone Will Think Like You [12:03] - Leadership Lesson 2: As a Leader, Your Presence Sets the Tone [17:25] - Leadership Lesson 3: Accountability Starts at the Top [20:59] - Leadership Lesson 4: Responsibility Over Popularity [25:11] - Leadership Lesson 5: Growing Outside Your Comfort Zone [26:51] - Leadership Lesson 6: Why You Don't Need All the Answers [33:42] - Inspiring Others to Reach Higher: Final Motivational Thoughts [38:40] - Brandon's Duck Call and Keeping it Fun in the Shop Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

May 6, 2026Episode 24641 min

What Does Industrial Really Mean in CNC? | Ep 246

Everybody online has an opinion about what makes a CNC machine "industrial." But here is the real question — does any of that noise actually help you run parts, meet deadlines, or grow your business? Welcome to the Official Talkin Shop Podcast, hosted by Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters from ShopSabre. Today we are tearing apart one of the most overused and least defined words in all of CNC manufacturing. The word industrial gets thrown around like confetti on the internet, and we are done watching it crush the motivation of shop owners who are out here building real businesses with real results. Brandon gets fired up about online critics who have never touched the machines they trash, breaks down why size, weight, and price tags do not define capability, and shares a powerful weekend conversation with Router Bob that reframes everything you thought you knew about comparing CNC brands. You will also hear a jaw-dropping customer success story from a listener who turned part-time work on his ShopSabre into serious profit in year one — and the simple financial advice that made it possible. This episode is a wake-up call for every shop owner who has ever second-guessed their equipment because of some stranger in a comment section. If your machine runs production, delivers repeatable results, and keeps your business moving forward, that is industrial. Period. Plus, Brandon connects it all with a surprisingly perfect Minnesota Wild hockey playoff analogy that every business owner needs to hear, and drops a motivational quote that will stick with you long after you close the browser. [00:00] - Intro to Talkin Shop with Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters [00:25] - Coach Nick's Baseball Season Update [02:05] - Setting the Stage: What Does "Industrial" Really Mean? [06:12] - Customer Questions: Vacuum Table Performance [07:39] - Does Machine Weight Actually Matter? [09:39] - Listener Success Story: $55K Profit Part-Time with ShopSabre [12:37] - Deep Dive: "Industrial" Is Just a Buzzword [17:44] - Right-Sizing Your Machine to Your Business Stage [23:14] - Addressing the Online Critics Head-On [27:12] - Finding the Right Fit: Application Over Assumption [31:12] - Build the Business, Not Win the Argument [34:37] - Motivational Quote of the Week [36:13] - Minnesota Wild Hockey Playoff Analogy [39:56] - Final Thoughts and Outro Like this video if you believe results define industrial — not opinions! Drop a comment telling us what "industrial" means to YOUR shop. And if you have not subscribed yet, now is the time — join the conversation every week. If you are tired of the noise and ready to focus on what actually builds businesses, this one is for you. Hit play now. Like this video if you believe results define industrial — not opinions! Drop a comment telling us what "industrial" means to YOUR shop. And if you have not subscribed yet, now is the time — join the conversation every week. #CNC #CNCRouter #CNCMachine #ShopSabre #TalkinShop #AmericanMade #CNCManufacturing #SmallBusinessGrowth #MadeInUSA #ShopOwner #CNCShop #ManufacturingPodcast #IndustrialCNC #CNCBusiness #fabrication Discover all our CNC machines and accessories: https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow ShopSabre for daily updates, tutorials, and expert tips: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Since 2000, ShopSabre CNC has delivered high-quality CNC routers, plasma cutters, and laser engraving machines built in the USA to businesses and hobbyists worldwide. Subscribe for more insights on CNC technology, project builds, and industry-leading machine performance.

April 29, 2026Episode 24540 min

Manufacturer vs Distributor: CNC Control Secrets | Ep 245

Ready to stop leaving your shop's success in someone else's hands? In Episode 245 of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters get straight to the heart of one of the biggest decisions every CNC owner and fabricator faces: are you truly manufacturing your products, or are you just distributing someone else's work? Brandon unpacks exactly why owning the full process—from design and production all the way through support and continuous improvement—delivers tighter control over quality, faster resolutions, rock-solid accountability, and the kind of customer trust that keeps shops growing year after year. You'll hear real-talk insights on the hidden challenges distributors face and why that extra layer can quietly cost you time, consistency, and long-term relationships. Whether you're a one-person operation dreaming of scaling or already running a busy production floor, this conversation will make you rethink how you build, sell, and stand behind your work. Along the way, they tackle your burning viewer questions: Is handcrafted really better than CNC? What's the smartest press brake choice for a small shop? And why do pros put that "tape" on high-power laser heads anyway? Expect plenty of shop banter, a laugh or two, and a motivational close that hits home when the going gets tough. If you're serious about building a stronger, more profitable CNC business with better control and happier customers, this is the episode you've been waiting for. [00:00] - Intro to Talkin' Shop with Brandon Bombardo & Nick Peters [01:17] - Today's Topic: Manufacturing vs Distribution [03:39] - Viewer Comment: Handcrafted Better Than CNC? [07:13] - Q&A: Best CNC Press Brake for Small Shops (Titan 2050) [08:07] - Q&A: Why Use Texture Tape on Laser Cutting Heads? [11:29] - Core Differences: Manufacturer Control vs Distributor Challenges [18:25] - Advantages of True Manufacturing – Ownership & Accountability [23:20] - Distribution Roadblocks: Communication & Expectation Gaps [31:58] - Why Bringing Production In-House Builds Long-Term Trust [37:04] - Motivational Quote of the Week [39:57] - Final Thoughts & Outro Like this video if you're ready to take full ownership of your manufacturing process! Drop a comment below: Are you team manufacturer or team distributor? Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode packed with straight-talk CNC business strategy. Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021 #CNCManufacturing #ManufacturerVsDistributor #ShopSabre #CNCBusiness #DirectFromManufacturer #CNCShopOwner #Fabrication #MetalFabrication #CNCAutomation #MadeInUSA #CNCRouter #CNCLaser #BusinessGrowth #ShopTalk #ManufacturingTips

April 22, 2026Episode 24449 min

Challenges Don't Discriminate: Real Talk on Business Grit | Ep 244

Challenges Don't Discriminate: Real Talk on Business Grit | Ep 244 What if the deck isn't stacked against you — it's just waiting for you to stack the right kind of effort? In this no-fluff, straight-to-the-gut episode of Talkin' Shop, Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters rip the lid off one of the most uncomfortable truths in business: challenges don't care who you are, where you started, or how "fair" you think life should be. They hit every shop owner the same way. But here's the part that's going to light a fire under you — the ones who win aren't the ones who get handed the easiest path. They're the ones who show up, lean in, and let consistent effort do the heavy lifting. Get ready for raw, real-talk energy that blends shop-floor wisdom with hockey-rink lessons you'll actually use. You'll hear why some CNC businesses pull ahead while others stay stuck, how to stop comparing your starting line to everyone else's, and the exact mindset shift that turns pressure into your secret weapon. Brandon shares the unfiltered stories and hard-earned lessons that built ShopSabre into what it is today, while Nick keeps it real with listener questions that hit home for anyone running machines or running a business. This isn't another "motivational" episode that fades by Monday. This is the one that rewires how you show up when things get tough — and gives you the grit to turn every obstacle into momentum. If you're tired of feeling like the odds are against you and ready to build something unstoppable, hit play right now. [00:00] - Welcome to Talkin' Shop with Brandon Bombardo & Nick Peters [02:32] - Today's Topic: Not Everything in Life is Equal [04:02] - CNC Listener Questions: Aluminum Mist Systems & More [06:10] - Vacuum Pump Filters – What Really Works [08:09] - Why ShopSabre Machines Get You Running Faster [10:57] - Business Mindset: Stop Comparing, Start Owning Your Effort [15:32] - How Challenges Expose Real Growth (Hockey & Shop Lessons) [28:07] - Ownership Removes Excuses – Real Stories from the Bench [37:51] - Takeaways: Life, Business & Sports Aren't Equal [39:36] - Motivational Quote of the Week + Final Thoughts Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. #CNCManufacturing #SmallBusinessGrowth #ShopOwnerMindset #CNCBusiness #EffortOverTime #TalkinShop #ShopSabre #ManufacturingMotivation #BusinessGrit #CNCtips #HustleAndGrow #MindsetMatters #ShopLife #CNCrouter #entrepreneurmindset For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

April 15, 2026Episode 24344 min

Pressure Is Your Privilege: CNC Growth Mindset | Ep 243

Welcome back to Talking Shop with ShopSabre! In Episode 243, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters tackle one of the most universal challenges every CNC shop owner, fabricator, and business leader faces: pressure. What if the weight of deadlines, important decisions, and growing expectations isn't a burden — but actually a privilege that signals trust, capability, and real growth in your shop? Brandon and Nick kick things off with laughs about Nick's beach vacation, saltwater disasters, and a hilarious callback to his old "Crabby Nick" grocery store mascot days. They then answer real viewer questions from the ShopSabre community: how to hide exposed screws on garage cabinetry, why square drive screws beat Phillips head, and why ShopSabre's vacuum table uses flat-bottom channels (plus smart advice on when gaskets from All Star Gasket actually make sense). The core of the episode reframes pressure as the natural byproduct of progress. As your CNC business scales — bigger jobs, more employees, larger investments, and a growing reputation — the pressure naturally increases. Brandon shares stories from his son's AAA hockey goalie journey and his own race car side hustle to show how pressure builds better systems, sharper focus, and stronger leadership. They discuss why experienced operators feel it less, how to keep pressure from turning into anxiety, and practical ways to manage it: prioritize ruthlessly, build repeatable processes, trust your team, and stay grounded in facts instead of emotion. If you run a CNC machine, own a manufacturing shop, or lead a growing team, this episode will completely shift how you view the "heavy" parts of the job. Pressure isn't random — it follows your growth. Embrace it, and it becomes the force that creates real success. [00:00] - Welcome Back & Vacation Banter with Nick Peters [02:09] - Today's Topic: Pressure as a Privilege in Business [04:27] - Viewer Q1: Covering Exposed Screws on Wall Cabinets [05:40] - Viewer Q2: Why Square Drive Screws Over Phillips? [07:11] - Viewer Q3: ShopSabre Vacuum Table Design & Gaskets Explained [11:07] - Pressure vs Responsibility – Why It Feels Heavy [13:58] - Personal Story: Teaching Kids (and Yourself) About Pressure [19:05] - How Pressure Signals Growth & Change [23:54] - Manufacturing Realities: Timelines, Tolerances & Expectations [28:20] - Practical Tips: Prioritize, Build Systems & Trust Your Team [32:41] - The Direct Link Between Pressure and Opportunity [38:35] - Final Takeaway: No Pressure, No Diamonds [43:23] - Outro with Brandon Bombardo & Nick Peters Like this video if you're ready to turn pressure into fuel for your CNC shop's success! Drop a comment below: What's one area where you're feeling pressure right now — and how are you using it to grow? #CNCTips #CNCShop #ShopSabre #Manufacturing #SmallBusinessGrowth #CNCBusiness #LeadershipMindset #ShopLife #MakerCommunity #Woodworking #MetalFabrication #PressureIsPrivilege #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #NoPressureNoDiamonds Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021

April 1, 2026Episode 24245 min

Leadership Lessons Every CNC Shop Owner Needs | Ep 242

Welcome back to Talking Shop with ShopSabre! In Episode 242, host Brandon Bombardo and co-host Nicholas dive deep into one of the most important — yet often overlooked — drivers of every successful CNC shop and growing business: authentic leadership. Instead of textbook theory, this episode explores real-world leadership lessons taught on the manufacturing floor every day. From earning respect (not demanding it) to leading from the front, resolving conflict productively, making calm decisions under pressure, and building a team culture where people actually want to show up and succeed — Brandon and Nick share practical insights you can apply immediately in your shop, your business, and even your personal life. Whether you run a CNC router, plasma, or laser operation, manage a team, or simply want to become a better leader, this conversation delivers honest, no-fluff advice grounded in the realities of deadlines, machine breakdowns, customer demands, and daily shop-floor chaos. What you'll learn in this episode: Why true leadership is earned through participation, not titles How to handle conflict without yelling or creating fear The power of clear expectations and consistent support Why hesitation costs more than imperfect decisions How accountability paired with respect builds stronger teams Leadership principles that translate from the shop floor to family and life If you're a CNC machinist, shop owner, fabricator, or anyone in manufacturing looking to level up your leadership game, this episode is for you. 👍 Like if you believe great leaders work alongside their team 💬 Comment: What's the best leadership lesson the shop floor ever taught YOU? 🛠️ Subscribe and hit the bell — new episodes drop weekly! Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Timestamps [00:00] - Welcome to Talking Shop with ShopSabre Ep 242 [00:22] - Introducing today's topic: Real Leadership in Manufacturing [02:07] - What does leadership actually mean on the shop floor? [05:14] - Why manufacturing teaches leadership better than any classroom [13:13] - Leadership is earned, not assigned — respect vs title [16:01] - Handling conflict productively (the 3-strikes approach) [22:13] - Creating real motivation beyond posters and paychecks [25:40] - Decision-making under pressure — why hesitation hurts [30:10] - Accountability without blame: building psychological safety [35:08] - Patience, consistency, and staying a student of the craft [39:21] - Motivational quote of the week + final thoughts [44:33] - Wrap-up and vacation banter #CNCLife #CNCmachining #ShopSabre #ManufacturingLeadership #LeadershipLessons #CNCShop #MachineShop #SmallBusinessTips #ShopFloorWisdom #TradeSkills #CNCbusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #ManufacturingTips #MadeInUSA #WoodworkingCNC Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsabre Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShopSabreCNC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsabre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shopsabre-cnc/ Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more CNC router and CNC plasma cutting machine tutorials, DIY project builds, and more. We feature cutting in different materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and other various steels. For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has provided businesses and hobbyists with the best CNC machines at the best value. By focusing on unbeatable customer service and high-quality products built in the USA, we've grown from a single machine built at home to one of the most trusted CNC machine manufacturers in the country. Since building our first machine two decades ago, we now have over 10,000 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 40 countries. Our success is a result of our commitment to developing a better way to build CNC machines and support our customers. ShopSabre CNC www.ShopSabre.com 21673 Cedar Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 800-493-6021