# S7E17 Joe Couitt | How to Design for Swiss Machining

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2026-04-17
- Length: 44m
- Episode: 17
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-04-17-s7e17-joe-couitt-how-to-design-for-swiss-machining

## Summary

Joe Couitt, founder of JMC Swiss Solutions, explains the mechanics and design constraints of Swiss machining, highlighting how sliding headstock technology achieves tighter tolerances than standard lathes. He details common engineering pitfalls, such as impossible chamfers and tool access issues, and discusses the operational advantages of Citizen L20 machines, including dual spindles and live tooling. The conversation also covers the industry's workforce challenges, specifically the significant age gap and the debate over the necessity of college degrees for skilled machinists.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-04-17-s7e17-joe-couitt-how-to-design-for-swiss-machining#t=0) Introduction: Joe Couitt and JMC Swiss Solutions
- [4:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-04-17-s7e17-joe-couitt-how-to-design-for-swiss-machining#t=266) Swiss Machining Mechanics: Sliding Headstock vs. Lathe
- [14:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-04-17-s7e17-joe-couitt-how-to-design-for-swiss-machining#t=898) Design for Manufacturing: Chamfers, Tool Access, and Feasibility
- [24:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-04-17-s7e17-joe-couitt-how-to-design-for-swiss-machining#t=1464) Workforce Dynamics: The Age Gap and Degree Requirements
- [39:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-04-17-s7e17-joe-couitt-how-to-design-for-swiss-machining#t=2367) Running JMC Swiss Solutions: Sales, Service, and CAD Learning

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- JMC Swiss Solutions (company)
- Citizen L20 (product)
- SolidWorks (tool)
- Onshape (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Zero Setup Time: Inside Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik GmbH's 23-Machine Automated Shop | Ep. 49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop) (Lights Out)
- [STL 84: One Big Problem with Helical Cutterheads](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2015-05-08-stl-84-one-big-problem-with-helical-cutterheads) (Shop Talk Live)
- [196: The Skills CNC Machinists Need that You WON'T Learn in Trade School!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-07-30-196-the-skills-cnc-machinists-need-that-you-wont-learn-in-trade-school) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Training Machinists with an Automation Mindset with Titan Gilroy, Ep #1](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-training-machinists-with-an-automation-mindset-with-titan-gilroy-ep-1) (Lights Out)
- [Filling the Skills Gap One Student at a Time w/ Matt Guse](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-05-25-filling-the-skills-gap-one-student-at-a-time-w-matt-guse) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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