# A Samurai's Journey to Automation, Ep #5

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2024-11-20
- Length: 46m
- Episode: 5
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5

## Summary

Steve Courchane, known as the CNC Samurai and currently a service engineer at Kern Precision, returns to discuss his journey from a prototype shop operator to high-end automation. He explains his 'Model, Make, Measure' framework for automating manufacturing processes, emphasizing that automation extends beyond just machining to include design and metrology. Courchane also shares insights on personal branding, the importance of bridging the gap between engineering and operations, and the evolving landscape of machine tool sales.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=0) Introduction and Guest Background
- [8:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=500) Machine Shop Masterclass: Recruiting and Onboarding
- [14:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=892) Manufacturing Leadership Spotlight: Chris Luecke
- [19:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=1190) The Origin of the CNC Samurai Brand
- [28:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=1706) High-End Automation at Kern Precision
- [36:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=2193) The 3M Process: Model, Make, Measure
- [41:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5#t=2474) Bridging the Skills Gap in Manufacturing

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Kern Precision (company)
- Tormach (company)
- Heimer (tool)
- 3R System (tool)
- NetSuite (tool)
- Pike Technologies (company)
- Dickinson Manufacturing (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Manufacturing's Past, Present, and Future w/ Jim Carr](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-15-manufacturings-past-present-and-future-w-jim-carr) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Bonus - That SCOOP Show Productronica Preview - Rob Raine and Alexander Hagenfeldt from ASM Assembly Solutions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2021-10-28-bonus-that-scoop-show-productronica-preview-rob-raine-and-alexander-hagenfeldt-f) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Ed Mehr on Transforming Manufacturing at Machina Labs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-03-13-ed-mehr-on-transforming-manufacturing-at-machina-labs) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [160: Buying a Manufacturing Company and Reimagining Upskilling with Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-11-07-160-buying-a-manufacturing-company-and-reimagining-upskilling-with-bill-berrien) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Phil Linscheid (Machining Operations Director, SendCutSend)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-09-17-phil-linscheid-machining-operations-director-sendcutsend) (Just Gonna Send It)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-a-samurais-journey-to-automation-ep-5. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Lights Out.