Talkin Shop with ShopSabre

In this episode of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters sit down with longtime customer Brad Goodman of Goodman Metal Fab in Mississippi. After seven years running ShopSabre plasma and router machines, Brad opens up about why he invested his own hard-earned money in their 2kW single-phase fiber laser and how it completely transformed his shop.
Brad runs a busy aluminum fabrication business serving the racing world (think Street Outlaws and local heroes like Cat Kelly) plus high-volume industrial production parts. He walks through the real differences that matter on the floor: eliminating plasma taper for perfect bolt-ready holes within a few thousandths, slashing post-cleanup time on runs of 200–300 parts, and hitting the tight tolerances his big transformer customers demand. You'll hear why speed, edge quality, and drop-in-the-box parts add up to serious labor and consumable savings that pay for the machine fast.
Brad also shares honest laser operator advice that new owners need to hear. It's not plug-and-play, but if you come from plasma you already know half the battle. Learn what focus, duty cycle, air pressure, and nozzle size actually do, why you should run test cuts on your real materials, and how Brad had the machine uncrated, powered up, and cutting the same afternoon it arrived – all because he prepped and studied ahead.
The conversation goes deeper than machines. Brad and the guys talk safety (never skip the enclosure), the unbeatable ShopSabre tech support that's always a phone call away, and the fab-community mindset of sharing set points instead of hoarding them. You'll walk away motivated by Brad's no-nonsense take on quality-first business, hard work, right-sizing equipment for where you are today, and why relationships and reputation beat being the cheapest every single time.
Whether you're still on plasma, eyeing your first laser, or already running one and want real-world tuning wisdom, this customer story is packed with the kind of practical insight you won't find in a sales sheet. Brad proves that with the right machine, the right support, and the willingness to dial it in, your shop can level up without the headaches.
For over 20 years, ShopSabre CNC has built American-made routers, plasma tables, and fiber lasers right here in Minnesota with lifetime tech support and a focus on real fabricators who want to grow. Check out the full lineup at shopsabre.com and join the conversation in the comments – we love hearing what you're building next!
[00:00] - Intro to Talkin' Shop & Welcoming Brad Goodman
[03:35] - Brad's Business: Aluminum Fab, Racing Parts & ShopSabre Journey
[08:17] - Why Upgrade from Plasma to 2kW Fiber Laser?
[09:58] - Plasma Taper vs Laser Precision, Tolerances & Cleanup Savings
[14:06] - Laser Tuning Tips: Focus, Duty Cycle, Air Pressure & Nozzles
[16:15] - Same-Day Setup Story – Machine Running in Hours
[27:53] - Why Safety Enclosures Matter & ShopSabre Support
[32:53] - Community, Sharing Set Points & Long-Term Business Mindset
[47:35] - Future Plans, Rapid Fire Questions & Wrap-Up
#ShopSabre #FiberLaser #PlasmaToLaser #CNCLaser #MetalFabrication #AluminumFabrication #LaserCutting #CNCPlasma #FabShopLife #Manufacturing #LaserUpgrade #MadeInUSA #WeldingTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #CNCTips
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

Frustration isn't usually a sign of failure; it's often a signal that you are on the edge of growth.
In this episode of Talkin Shop, Brandon and "The Highlighter" Nick Peters dive deep into the psychology of business frustration. We explore why reaction without clarity can lead to disaster and how to transform that "daily grind" pressure into fuel for your company's expansion. Whether you are a shop owner, a manager, or an employee, learning to separate emotion from information is a critical skill for long-term success.
Before we get to the main topic, we answer your technical CNC questions! We cover the best practices for chip removal when cutting aluminum, strategies for holding down live-edge slabs for surfacing, and the controversial reason why we choose not to use bellows on our machine bearings.
In this episode, we cover:
CNC Q&A: Proper lubrication for aluminum, live edge clamping techniques, and bearing maintenance.
The Psychology of Frustration: Why high-performers feel it the most.
Reactive vs. Responsive: How to stop making emotional decisions that hurt your business.
Leadership Insights: How a leader's frustration impacts the entire team's morale.
00:00 - Intro to Talking Shop with ShopSabre
11:20 - Q1: Cutting Aluminum & Chip Removal Tips
12:36 - Q2: How to Hold Down Live Edge Slabs
15:42 - Q3: Why We Don't Use Bellows on Bearings
18:08 - The Real Definition of Frustration
23:38 - The Danger of Unmanaged Frustration
28:12 - Making Decisions: Emotional vs. Data-Driven
33:26 - Sports Analogies: Dealing with "Bad Games"
44:02 - How Leadership Frustration Affects the Team
48:45 - Focusing on the Outcome, Not the Obstacle
54:04 - Poll: What is Your Favorite Smoked Food?
#ShopSabre #TalkingShop #BusinessGrowth #CNCRouter #Manufacturing #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CNCAdvice #SmallBusiness #Mindset #Woodworking #MetalWorking
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

Tired of online hype making every company seem perfect or fraudulent? In Episode 236 of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Nick Peters sit down with long-time customer Chris McCormick of Hatch X to cut through the noise and talk real-world business—perception vs. reality, building trust over time, and why dependable CNC equipment matters when deadlines are non-negotiable.
Chris shares his journey from a home-based operation to a 100,000 sq ft powerhouse creating massive exhibits for global brands (including White House projects and high-stakes trade shows). This episode reminds every shop owner that real success is earned quietly through consistency, relationships, and getting your hands dirty.
[00:00] - Welcome & Episode Intro with Brandon, Nick, and Chris
[00:52] - Perception vs Reality: Internet Hype vs Real Business
[03:14] - Audience Questions: Software, Training & Turnkey Myths
[07:16] - Viewer Comments & Fun Shop Moments
[09:31] - Chris McCormick Intro: Hatch Exhibits Journey
[12:21] - How Problems Get Solved & Building Trust Over Time
[16:20] - What Makes ShopSabre Service Stand Out Long-Term
[19:17] - COVID Pivot: From Exhibit Shutdown to PPE Production
[23:01] - Why the Fiber Laser Upgrade? Precision & Redundancy
[30:19] - Growth is Messy: Triage, Micro-Failures & Pivots
[35:34] - Real Hurdles Every Business Owner Faces
[40:31] - Final Thoughts: People & Relationships Matter Most
[45:59] - Rapid Fire Questions & Motivational Close
[48:25] - Outro & Thanks to Chris McCormick
#CNCManufacturing #ShopSabre #PerceptionVsReality #BusinessTrust #CNCGrowth #FiberLaser #ManufacturingReality #ShopOwnerLife #Fabrication #CNCRouter #CNCPlasma #BusinessAdaptability #MadeInUSA #TradeShowExhibits #GrowYourShop
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

Tired of chasing viral sales gimmicks that never deliver for your CNC shop? In Episode 235 of Talkin' Shop with ShopSabre, hosts Brandon Bombardo and Slippery Nick dive into why selling on tricks and shortcuts ultimately fails—and what actually builds long-term customer trust and business success.
We kick off with a hilarious (and painful) ice-falling story, answer viewer questions about satisfying CNC videos, in-stock vs. custom machines, and the myth that "any idiot can push a button." The heart of the episode? A powerful restaurant analogy exposing outsourced "private label" machines versus true in-house engineering. At ShopSabre, we design, weld, machine, and support our CNC routers, plasmas, and lasers right here in the USA—delivering unmatched rigidity, accuracy, and longevity without hiding behind flashy marketing.
Learn why your customers really buy: not the lowest price or clever bundles, but confidence in uptime, repeatability, real support, and a true partner who answers the phone. We discuss ditching copied playbooks, focusing on foundations (build quality, processes, honest expectations) over temporary features, and how listening to customers outperforms any script or tactic.
Whether you're a cabinet shop competing with big-box imports, a sign business fighting price shoppers, or any maker tired of noise—this episode reminds you: foundations win decades, gimmicks fade fast. Stop questioning yourself because of someone else's "hack"—double down on what makes your shop valuable.
If this resonates, hit play and get back to building real value in 2026.
[00:00] - Intro & Slippery Nick's Epic Ice Fall Story
[09:00] - Last Week's Episode Reactions: Tired of the Noise
[13:45] - Restaurant Analogy: Outsourced Food vs. Real Cooking (CNC Parallel)
[16:00] - ShopSabre's In-House Difference: Engineering to Support
[20:25] - Viewer Q&A #1: Satisfying CNC Machining Videos
[21:35] - Viewer Q&A #2: Why Wait on Lead Time When Machines Are In Stock?
[23:45] - Viewer Q&A #3: "Any Idiot Can Push a Button" Rant
[29:15] - The Gimmick Trap: Shortcuts vs. Sustainable Business
[33:40] - Sell Foundations, Not Features – Know Your Why
[39:00] - Listening is greater than Convincing: The Ultimate Sales Skill
[42:30] - Motivational Close & Upcoming Episode Tease
[45:40] - Outro & Call to Action
If you're done with gimmicks and ready to focus on real value, like this video, drop a comment with why YOUR customers choose you, and subscribe for more no-BS CNC business talk!
#CNCMachines #CNCBusiness #ShopSabre #CNCShop #ManufacturingTips #Fabrication #Woodworking #Metalworking #BusinessGrowth #NoGimmicks #RealValue #CNCAutomation #ShopOwner #MadeInUSA #Entrepreneur
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

Are you tired of endless scrolling, online drama, and highlight-reel success stories that make you feel behind? In this raw episode of Talkin' Shop, Brandon Bombardo and Nick " The Thermometer" Peters deliver the wake-up call every shop owner needs in 2026: the internet is loud and emotional, but real business growth happens quietly — off the apps and in the shop. Close the phone, open the doors, and get to work.
They dive into why social feeds show wins without the grind, sacrifices, late nights, failures, and unglamorous tasks like refining processes, training teams, fixing issues, and improving cycle times. Brandon shares honest reflections on self-doubt, reinvesting instead of coasting, crying in the car, and the pride of generational businesses. They discuss drowning out noise, focusing on what you control (quality, consistency, service, reputation), and why preparation beats outrage every time. Tangents on flats vs. drums, rectangle pizza, and mozzarella sticks keep it real and human — because even serious talks need some fun.
This isn't about going viral; it's about consistent, behind-the-scenes discipline that compounds into lasting success. Whether you're running a CNC router, plasma table, fiber laser, or any shop, the message is clear: builders build — they don't scroll.
If this hit home, smash that Like button if you're committing to less noise and more work this year. Drop a comment: What's one distraction you're cutting out to focus on your craft? Subscribe and hit the bell for more no-BS business motivation from ShopSabre.
[00:00] - Welcome Back & Nick the Thermometer
[01:15] - Today's Wake-Up Call: Get Off the Internet
[03:00] - Why the Internet Feels Broken & Fake
[10:45] - Highlight Reels vs. Real Grind & Sacrifices
[15:00] - Preparation Happens in Silence
[19:00] - Self-Questioning, Crying, & Late Nights
[23:00] - Doing the Unglamorous Work That Wins
[28:00] - Real Relationships Built Offline
[32:00] - Focus on What You Control, Not Trends
[37:00] - Close the App, Open the Shop
[41:00] - Motivational Quote & Final Thoughts
[43:00] - Outro + Food Tangent Wrap-Up
#TalkinShop #GetToWork #BusinessMotivation #ShopOwnerLife #CNCBusiness #MakerMindset #QuietSuccess #StopScrolling #BehindTheScenes #ShopSabre #CNCRouter #Fabrication #SmallBusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife #ManufacturingMotivation
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