Manufacturing faces a critical moment: adapt to artificial intelligence, or risk falling behind. In this episode of CNC Underground AfterHours, experienced manufacturing problem-solver Chris Stevens, known as "The Mfg Coach," shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies to help manufacturers use AI meaningfully, without losing sight of people or process.

The conversation takes you from the shop floor to the boardroom, untangling where AI can offer immediate value, how context can drive real results, and why small to mid-sized businesses may actually have the advantage. Tactics for capturing tribal knowledge, deploying AI for everyday tasks, and building a business foundation for sustainable growth are broken down with candor and wit.

Whether you're unsure about onboarding AI, already experimenting, or simply trying to keep pace, this episode brings a clear-eyed look at what's hype, what's real, and how to make smarter decisions for your shop, your team, and your future.

Are you ready to future-proof your shop? Find resources, events, and connect with Chris Stevens at thehomeofmfg.com and on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe for more manufacturing stories, strategies, and tech updates each week.

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Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christhemfgcoach/

The Home of Mfg: www.thehomeofmfg.com

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Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

Experience the world of CNC machine controls and manufacturing usability in this episode focused on how human factors impact shop efficiency and operator skill. The discussion centers on usability in CNC workflows, the often-overlooked costs of training and error, and how solutions like Kinetic OS seek to bridge the gap between seasoned machinists and newer operators.

With decades of manufacturing experience, insights touch on the evolution of machine controls, the persistent "clunkiness" of interfaces, and how improved user experiences can address labor shortages and operational safety. Along with practical demonstrations, listeners get a quick-fire round of trade secrets, and a glimpse into the parallels between engineering and sailing.

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Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn:

The Legetti Performance website: https://legettiperformance.com/

BEC Machining LLC website: https://becmachining.com/

Neilsen Norman Group link to write up describing usability:

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/usability-101-introduction-to-usability/

Neilsen Norman Group link to video describing usability:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st9AEPOjGpU&t=53s

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

CNC Underground Afterhours pushes past the marketing buzz to take a hard look at AI’s real impact on the machine shop floor. Industry veteran Tanmay, founder and CEO of Lambda Function, joins to discuss AI, automation vs. autonomy, and the relationship between technology and the artistry of CNC machining.

Learn why trust is harder to build with AI in manufacturing, what matters most to shop owners, and which tasks AI can and can’t handle today. Understand the future potential for AI-driven CNC, what’s holding back wider adoption, and how knowledge capture is changing the industry. Plus, the conversation takes a thoughtful look at psychology, learning from children, and finding inspiration outside manufacturing.

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Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground

Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Tanmay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanmayaggarwal/

Connect with Lambda Function on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lambda-function/

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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Chapters:00:00 Brand new part: Would you let AI run it?00:33 AI in manufacturing: Buzzwords vs. reality02:10 Path to Lambda Function and CNC programming04:48 The problem Lambda Function is solving05:55 Does Lambda’s AI actually learn from customer data?07:24 Why static G-code doesn’t work for a dynamic world09:54 Opinionated programmers and the art of CNC11:00 How little the general public understands CNC12:49 The difference between automation and autonomy13:33 Why true autonomy is so hard in CNC15:32 Will CNC become AINC? (AI numerical control)16:41 Change on the shop floor: What actually matters18:03 Knowledge capture, institutional memory, and scaling expertise19:41 Why trust matters more than the tech itself22:11 AI trust at work vs. in consumer life23:17 Risks, tolerance, and the role of human oversight24:05 Machinists as technologists and technology adoption in manufacturing25:49 Technology adoption speed and production risk26:46 AI or Absolutely Not? Game: What will you actually let AI do?29:39 Where AI can (and can’t) replace tribal knowledge32:48 AI isn’t here to replace people33:14 The skills gap and getting kids interested in manufacturing35:17 How technology can make CNC more accessible for the next generation37:47 The impact of 3D printing’s accessibility39:47 Why CNC isn’t as plug-and-play as people expect42:22 The value of problem-solving and engineering with kids45:14 The future: Iterating quickly, pragmatic solutions, and shop owner impact46:21 Market curiosity to active discovery for AI in CNC48:34 Predicting the machine shop of 203553:52 What will feel normal in 5 years?55:08 Examples of near-term AI applications on the shop floor57:12 Psychology, running, golf, and learning outside CNC58:05 How psychology affects business and leadership01:02:21 Lessons kids teach that business school can’t01:03:56 The biggest surprises about bringing AI to manufacturing01:07:22 Stay connected and closing thoughts

Tony Gunn shares a unique perspective shaped by decades on the shop floor and years spent visiting hundreds of manufacturing facilities worldwide. This episode covers the real difference between successful and struggling shops, what cleanliness and organization reveal about operations, and how global trends in automation and technology are impacting manufacturing everywhere.

The conversation addresses the myths and realities of American manufacturing, including what the U.S. does well, where other countries lead, and how lessons from international shops can inform better practices closer to home. Topics include workforce challenges, how compensation compares to other industries, the critical role of trust in vendor relationships, and practical ways automation can help bridge skills gaps.

With stories from visits to shops in Brazil, Germany, Japan, India, Switzerland, and beyond, the episode highlights what each manufacturing culture excels at—from education and automation to precision, respect for the trade, and the willingness to invest in new tech. Listeners also get advice for making the most of trade shows like IMTS and insight into what manufacturing professionals really complain about (and how some of those issues could actually be easier to address than expected).

Whether you're a machinist, shop owner, or industry newcomer, this conversation brings honest perspective on where manufacturing stands today and where it's headed.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with CNC Underground on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnc-underground

Connect with CNC Underground on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midwestcamsolutions

Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theworldwidemachinist/

Connect with Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealworldwidemachinist

Connect with Tony on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWideMachinist

The Machinists Club: https://www.themachinistsclub.com/

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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Across the skilled trades, the hiring crisis has taken center stage but is it really only a shortage of applicants, or are businesses struggling just as much with retention? This episode breaks down why the trades are facing not just a hiring gap, but a “90-day problem,” where new hires often leave within weeks or months.

The discussion confronts common misconceptions, the power and pitfalls of mentorship, generational divides, and evolving workplace expectations. Listeners get both practical perspectives and real-world advice on making the trades an “option A,” not just an option B.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/

Andrew Brown’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/andrewbrowntrades

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Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

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About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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Chapters:00:00 The Skilled Trades Labor Crisis: By the Numbers00:37 Redefining the Problem: Retention vs. Hiring01:51 The “90-Day Problem” and Mismatched Expectations03:54 Realities of Working in the Trades05:35 Onboarding and Setting Expectations06:16 The Role and Impact of Mentorship08:03 Team Mentality, Knowledge-Sharing, and Obstacles09:29 Identifying True Mentors: Skills vs. Disposition11:38 Culture, Leadership, and Who Should Lead12:46 “Ghosting,” Work Ethic, and Generational Differences14:22 Can the Next Generation Fill the Gap?15:55 Skill vs. Will: What Makes a Retainable Employee16:53 Toxic Cultures and the Importance of Fit17:51 Building the "Perfect Apprentice": What Matters Most21:47 Experience vs. Culture: Rethinking the Hiring Process23:12 Gen Z in the Trades: Stereotypes and Reality24:32 Adapting to Generational Learning Styles26:13 The Impact of Technology and Industry Change27:00 Patience, Feedback, and Development in the Modern Workforce28:29 What Young Workers Are Really Asking For30:38 Pitching the Trades: Scenarios for Youth and Parents33:59 Are the Trades a Step Backwards? Considering Options35:57 Looking Ahead: The Cost of Inaction37:39 Industry Leadership and the Backbone of the Economy38:41 Guest Resources and Where to Learn More39:13 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

America’s manufacturing sector faces critical decisions on reshoring, workforce development, and automation. In this episode, Harry Moser, founder of the Reshoring Initiative, shares more than 50 years of industry experience and a practical look at what it will take to strengthen US manufacturing.

Harry breaks down why short-term thinking hurts manufacturers, how Total Cost of Ownership changes sourcing decisions, where reshoring opportunities exist, and why workforce development, automation, and smarter purchasing decisions all matter. If you run a machine shop, manage supply chains, or care about the future of American manufacturing, this conversation is packed with real examples, useful tools, and actionable ideas.

Connect with Jess:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Harry:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-moser-58a8024/

Reshoring Initiative:
https://reshorenow.org/

Total Cost of Ownership Calculator:
https://reshorenow.org/tco-estimator/

Import Substitution Program:
https://reshorenow.org/isp/

Join CNC Underground:
https://swiy.co/cncunderground

CNC Underground is the weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ machinists and programmers for practical CAM tips, tooling strategies, shop-floor insight, and manufacturing news.

About Midwest CAM Solutions:
The world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers improve productivity through CAM software, training, and support.
www.midwestcamsolutions.com

CHAPTERS

00:00 Short-Term Mentality in US Manufacturing
00:57 Harry Moser’s Background and Motivation
03:14 Family Legacy and Industry Changes
04:17 Founding the Reshoring Initiative
06:00 Early Resistance and the Role of TCO
06:43 What Surprises Manufacturers about TCO
07:57 Geopolitical Risks and Supply Chains
09:10 Partnerships vs. Vendors
10:26 Long-Term Workforce Investment
11:01 US vs. Europe Investment Patterns
12:04 Why the Workforce Shortage Isn’t a Surprise
13:15 Attracting Young Workers
15:27 Visibility and Exposure in Manufacturing
16:59 Manufacturing’s Image Problem
19:42 Stories of Factories Closing
21:02 Societal Costs of Manufacturing Decline
21:46 Lowest Price vs. Total Cost
22:18 How Many Manufacturers Use TCO
23:34 TCO Examples That Changed Decisions
25:05 Inventory Reduction and Hidden Benefits
25:58 Other Overlooked TCO Factors
27:58 Engineering and Manufacturing Proximity
28:58 Bringing Programming Back In-House
29:02 Advice for Shops Losing Bids
30:02 Pricing, Freight, and Tariffs
31:06 Competing with Overseas Providers
32:21 Automation for Competitiveness
33:02 Speed of Delivery as an Advantage
34:03 Consumer Buying Habits
35:07 Quality vs. Price
36:06 Buying Decisions and US Jobs
37:13 Apprenticeship Programs
38:38 Building the Workforce Pipeline
41:07 Can AI Make US Manufacturing Competitive?
42:21 China vs. US Productivity
43:11 Congressional Testimony and Tariffs
44:31 Capital Equipment Tariffs
45:32 US Steel Decline
47:43 Industry Structure, Unions, and Change
49:13 Generational Workforce Shifts
51:56 Wage Pressure and the Dollar
52:23 TCO and True Cost Differences
54:06 Lightning Round
55:19 Reshoring Success Stories
58:08 Sourcing Decisions and US Jobs
59:21 “Made in China” on American Symbols
1:00:07 Reshoring Initiative Resources
1:01:34 How Job Shops Can Find Opportunities
1:04:01 Optimism and Next Steps
1:04:41 IMTS and Where to Connect

This episode tackles the root of what’s really behind the so-called “talent shortage” in manufacturing, pulling apart the difference between a lack of skilled workers and mismatched expectations in the industry. Hear stories of hands-on learners who sidestep traditional training, companies willing, or unwilling, to invest in people, and how producers can build their own pipeline of machinists rather than waiting for the perfect candidate to walk in.

Discussions highlight the value of attitude over experience, practical perspectives on automation, and what it really takes to foster loyalty and growth within a shop. The episode also features tangible examples, from a 19-year-old YouTube-taught entrepreneur to programs supporting military veterans, challenging what it means to “find good people” and offering real talk on leadership, culture, and building a sustainable workforce, plus, some fishing tales along the way.

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Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaurbans/

Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinacasanova/

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-christopher-5a4b839a/

———Join CNC Underground Newsletter! https://swiy.co/cncunderground

Join CNC Underground — the go-to weekly newsletter read by 6,000+ elite machinists and programmers. Get cutting-edge tips, tooling strategies, CAM shortcuts, and industry updates in one tight, no-fluff email.

————

About Midwest CAM Solutions:Midwest CAM Solutions is the world’s largest GibbsCAM reseller, helping manufacturers boost productivity with expert CAM software solutions, training, and support.

Learn more at: www.midwestcamsolutions.com

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Chapters:
00:00 Setting Expectations: Talent Shortage or Expectation Gap?
00:34 Mark Christopher’s Background and Industry Involvement
01:28 The Hiring Challenge: Who Are Shops Really Looking For?
02:29 Skills Shopping vs. Talent Development
03:01 Investment, Risk, and Fear of “Losing” Trained Workers
04:34 Building the Industry by Investing in People
05:35 Are Companies Consumers or Producers of Talent?
07:16 Word of Mouth, Reputation, and the Teaching of Attitude
07:49 Military Veterans: Untapped Talent Pool
08:24 Education Pathways and Employability Traits
11:43 Shop Floor Stories: Self-Taught Success with CNC Lathes
16:11 Self-Made Machinists and Lessons Beyond the Classroom
18:20 Where Professionalism and Accountability Start
22:52 The Role of Parents and Mentors in Shaping Work Ethic
25:05 Lightbulb Moments: Connecting Tech to Real-World Manufacturing
26:50 “Keep It or Kill It:” Shop Management Decisions
29:25 Equipment Strategy: Buying for Growth and Opportunity
31:16 5-Axis Machines and Expanding Capabilities
32:38 Attitude vs. Experience: Hiring the Right Mindset
33:34 Flexibility for Top Performers
35:29 Where Automation Truly Adds Value (and Its Limits)
37:55 Automation, Job Loss Fears, and the Human Element
40:03 Shop Floor Draft: Building a Realistic Team
44:43 Leading Teams and Managing Personalities
45:48 Work-Life Balance and Tournament Bass Fishing
46:53 Most Memorable Catches—and What They Teach
49:12 Fishing and Stress Relief for Machinists
50:25 Why Manufacturing Careers Offer So Much Potential
53:40 Connect with Mark Christopher: Career Advice and Networking