Bain Machine

11/16/2025

1400rpm turning a 16in diameter aluminum part on the old Okuma. The greatest feeling is throwing chips on machine that is paid off.

The challenge is to know when to invest in new equipment. For me I know its time when you keep getting the same calls about a particular size and type of part for many months. There is a something in the water moment. You can take on some of the work, but not all of it...but you want all of it moment. haha

The gut feeling has some data behind it. Thats when I start to really contemplate a new machine purchase. Im pretty conservative with machine purchases but eventually you cant ignore the calls and the data that appear to support the equipment purchases.

Adding capacity needs a full on marketing campaign as well. The cost doesn't end with just the purchase and install of the machine. I would say my sales and marketing costs increase 50% for a few months after the purchase. This is an aspect a lot of people miss with the cost of new machines.

Buying new equipment for the Shop requires a ton of self confidence that you can keep that machine full of work. New business development is really hard. In the end take note of the calls your getting, chat with your colleagues and other Shop owners constantly, double and triple check what your gut is saying. Then take a deep breath and cut the check and schedule delivery.

11/08/2025

The difficulty for this project is pretty high. very cool groove thread completed on the Okuma. Then pressed into the outer ring. Then welded.

Next up a tough ID and OD buttress thread using Vardex cutting tools. Buttress threads are not easy. You really have to push hard and fast through the thread.

This 3 part assembly is for a very high pressure machine that shapes a plasticized material. Bain Machine has a lot of experience helping custom equipment builders. Specifically critical parts within those machines.

These parts have countless operations on multiple machine tools coupled with welding, grinding, heat treatment and more. Generally, our customers understand price is not the number one concern. And we are usually working directly with the engineering staff, because custom parts and assembly require specific manufacturing work instructions to deal with varying fits and movements and stresses of the part.

We certainly do production work, but these parts have built a 40 year old business. We are just starting to get our name out there in the marketplace.

We have some awesome investments coming over the next few months to better help serve our customers. Keep on the lookout.

11/08/2025

Fill Plug Valve for an automation line that produces adhesives and sealants.

The customer needed additional units at the ready, so at change over they can plug in the new unit and clean the spares.

The drawing had challenges, but its easy to work through things when you can easily shoot someone a text and get quick information.

The days of an email chain with 25 people copied trying to make decisions is over...its over if you want to get things done quickly...BUT a lot of large corporations still work like this which bogs down the supply chain especially machine shops.

They key is to help your Buyers. Help them Buy. Help them get info quickly from Engineering. Build trust. Don't ever assume the person your doing work for knows everything about their own company.

Show grace. Show empathy. This is how you build trust and showcase your expertise.

If your a machinist who started a shop or bought a shop...your no longer a machinist. Your a business person. And even more importantly your an advocate of the Buyer or Engineer purchasing parts from you.

One of my goals has nothing to do with my business. I want to help the person I work with get promoted and make more money. If I can solve problems and get things done quickly everyone succeeds.

01/18/2025

It's going to be -25 F wind chill early next week in northeast Ohio. We were able to get new Carhartt coats to the Team just in time.

Honestly is there anything better than a fresh Carhartt coat...nope...there isn't.

What's everyone's go to apparel brand for work?

01/17/2025

Fits like a glove.

This 3 part assembly for a defense customer showcases a tightly tolernaced OD and ID allowing for a perfect fit. We love doing parts like these.

Bain Machine partners with countless industries. Our goal is to build a great foundation of trust and transparency with our partners. We are laying the foundation to help America's defenses; along with the R&D for next generation technology.

11/01/2024

Throwing 4140 chips with the Haas VF3YT/50

10/30/2024

10/26/2024

Old school Portage horizontal boring mill

10/24/2024

4 Rules For a Business Owner

10/24/2024

10/22/2024

Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.” -Arnold Palmer