CNC Automation vs. Expanding Your Manual Labor Force | Ep 215
Release Date: 09/03/2025
Talkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s on everyone’s mind right now: uncertainty. The world is unpredictable — supply chains, costs, customer demand — and waiting until problems hit is no longer an option. That’s why forward-thinking CNC shops are turning to AI and predictive tools to stay ahead. Don’t worry, this isn’t about replacing people with robots — it’s about giving your shop better visibility, smarter planning, and a competitive edge. Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:24) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:14) Question 1 (5:42)...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today I wanna step back away from the machines and the numbers and the stress and talk about something a little bit bigger and that's running a business, managing a shop, or even just working in the industry. It's not always easy, but here's the truth, it's not that bad. When you actually zoom out it's a ride that's worth enjoying. Chapters (0:00) Intro (2:30) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:55) What is the thickest the Fiber Laser can cut? (7:34) I will say, I’ve talked to your tech on my 23 and they are great – I will say other products I would have purchased...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Do you grow your shop by adding more people… or by investing in CNC automation? Today, we are going to break it down. Chapters (0:00) Intro (0:53) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (2:42) Present your prices (7:04) Will you guys be at FabTech 2025? (8:05) It’s cheaper for me to hire a guy than to use a machine (10:39) Main Topic: Manual Work vs Automation (36:10) Outro Check out all of our equipment at https://www.shopsabre.com/ Follow us for daily CNC content Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsabre Instagram:...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
In today's episode, we discuss the myth that on-site support is needed when you buy a CNC machine. Chapters(0:00) Intro (0:52) Dad Joke (1:13) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (2:38) Referring to the Dinosaur Video – Cool cut but no Spoil board? (4:24) What nesting software are you using with the FiberSabre videos? (5:00) Why would anyone buy a machine through a dealer? (6:20) Main Topic: The Old School Mindset (27:19) Motivational Quote of the Week Follow us for daily CNC content on Facebook: Instagram: X/Twitter: TikTok: LinkedIn:
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today on Talkin’ Shop — the podcast where we dive into the realities of business ownership, manufacturing, and building with precision. Today’s episode is all about Defying the Odds — Why business owners are built to beat the statistics - how to keep proving it every day. Episode Chapters: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (3:53) 1. When comparing equipment, what are some of the most important things to look at? (8:32) 2. Had a blast with you guys at AWFS – Anyone in Central Missouri is welcome to come by and look at my...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today on Talkin’ Shop — the podcast where we dive into the realities of business ownership, manufacturing, and building with precision. On today’s episode, we’re discussing how rapid technological advances are reshaping our ability to turn challenges into opportunities—and how, if misused, they can just as easily turn success into setbacks. Episode Chapters: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (7:23) 1. Do you see CNC machines evolving with the adoption of AI? (10:15) 2. Have you thought about adding a 3D printer to your machine and...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today on Talkin’ Shop — the podcast where we dive into the realities of business ownership, manufacturing, and building with precision. On today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest—Chad Wilson, a key member of our sales team. Episode Chapters: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (6:46) 1. I heard from another vendor that ShopSabre imports their frames, is this true? (9:02) 2. Why should I consider a cnc versus a saw as a new shop? (11:58) 3. How much does a cnc really improve our business flow? I feel like I can...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today on Talkin’ Shop — the podcast where we dive into the realities of business ownership, manufacturing, and building with precision. On today’s episode, we’re joined by a special guest: Jeff Hill, CEO of Oneida Air Systems. Episode Chapters: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (4:27) 1. The Dust Dock takes too much time, why would anyone want to use that? (9:35) 2. Why spend the money on a more expensive dust collector when you can just buy something from China or Amazon? (15:57) 3. When selecting Dust Collection solutions,...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today on Talkin’ Shop — the podcast where we dive into the realities of business ownership, manufacturing, and building with precision. Today’s episode we're joined by Tricia Grissom of Becker Pumps Episode Chapters: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (8:24) 1. When it comes to vacuum hold down – why would I just not add another pump if I need more holding power? (10:39) 2. Vacuum hold down simply does not work for my work. (14:38) 3. Why should I use vacuum instead of just clamping or screwing my material down? (17:40)...
info_outlineTalkin Shop with ShopSabre
Today on Talkin’ Shop — the podcast where we dive into the realities of business ownership, manufacturing, and building with precision. Today’s episode we're joined by Eric Kollmansberger of Schmalz Episode Chapters: (0:00) Intro (0:23) Open Customer Questions / Comments: (3:41) 1. When considering shop efficiency, the lift systems will ultimately slow me down from naturally loading and unloading. (6:09) 2. Loading your machine is only a fraction of the time the machine runs, do you really think there is a ROI on this? (9:38) 3. Why would one...
info_outlineDo you grow your shop by adding more people… or by investing in CNC automation?
Today, we are going to break it down.
Chapters
(0:00) Intro
(0:53) Open
Customer Questions / Comments:
(2:42) Present your prices
(7:04) Will you guys be at FabTech 2025?
(8:05) It’s cheaper for me to hire a guy than to use a machine
(10:39) Main Topic: Manual Work vs Automation
(36:10) Outro
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 5,100 CNC routers, plasma, and laser engraving machines in a wide variety of industries in over 30 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