Shows
Lights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsThe Juice-to-Squeeze Ratio: Why Time Freedom Isn’t Optional for Shop OwnersWhat if the real sign of a thriving machine shop isn’t how hard the lights are on—but how confidently you can turn them off? In this episode of Lights Out, we sit back down with Ryan Bankel of Imago Manufacturing to get into the guts of how a high-performing shop can run with minimal human presence and still crank out quality parts. This isn't about overnight success—it’s about obsessing, intelligently and intentionally, over what "lights out" actually takes, from tooling considerations to culture, chip control to checklists. Ryan pulls back the curtain o...2025-04-1147 minLights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChipsAutomation: The Key to Time Freedom in Machining, Ep #14Have you ever felt like the traditional path of working harder to get ahead isn't the answer? In this episode, Ryan Bankel, founder of Imago Precision Machining, shares the story of how he built his business from the ground up. What started in a garage has grown into a company with a strong focus on sustainability and automation. Ryan talks about how he carefully crafted his shop’s operations to run smoothly, even without him being physically present. His goal? Time freedom—not just for himself, but for his employees, too. As a self-taught machinist, Ryan...2025-03-2841 min
Machinist Therapy HotlineMachinist Therapy Hotline - Episode 32We catch up with Ryan Bankel, owner of IMAGO manufacturing an ISO certified, 100% Solar Powered, precision CNC machining company specializing in short to mid-range production of CNC parts with milled features. With over 30 years of machining experience in a variety of applications, Ryan spearheads the Imago movement to revolutionize precision machining, one order at a time. Proud father to Chloe and Leo, husband of 20 years to wife, Carrie, imitation fly fisherman and land- locked surfer. We talk shop, love, how to actually pronounce his business name and all things machining, this podcast is truly a love story unfolding!!2020-08-251h 26
Machinist Therapy HotlineMachinist Therapy Hotline - Episode 32We catch up with Ryan Bankel, owner of IMAGO manufacturing an ISO certified, 100% Solar Powered, precision CNC machining company specializing in short to mid-range production of CNC parts with milled features. With over 30 years of machining experience in a variety of applications, Ryan spearheads the Imago movement to revolutionize precision machining, one order at a time. Proud father to Chloe and Leo, husband of 20 years to wife, Carrie, imitation fly fisherman and land- locked surfer. We talk shop, love, how to actually pronounce his business name and all things machining, this podcast is truly a love story unfolding!!2020-08-251h 26