Bourbon With The Editor

The Precision Behind Scientific Cutting Tools

A family-built legacy powering modern machining. In this episode, Scientific Cutting Tools walks through the roots of their craft, the culture that keeps their quality consistent, and the technologies—Zoller, ANCA EPX, and CemeCon HiPIMS—that elevate their porting tools, thread mills, and custom solutions.

Vargus Pump Shaft Project (Part 2: Milling Operations)

Will, Aaron and Dennis sit down and enjoy a glass of bourbon while discussing the milling operations for the Vargus Pump Shaft Project.

Vargus Pump Shaft Project (Part 1: Lathe Operations)

In this episode, Will Nash and Aaron Kolb discuss the pump shaft machining project—executed with Vargus tooling and filmed start to finish at Harper College. From part print review and tooling selection, to programming in hyperMILL® from OPEN MIND, setup, running the first piece, and final inspection with Bruker alicona, the conversation takes you inside the process. This is Part 1 of our Vargus story, focused on lathe operations. Watch the full machining demo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv1HS67yiH4&t=4s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv1HS67yiH4&t=4s] Links Vargus: https://vargus.com [https://vargus.com/] Available Manufacturing Classes at Harper College: https://qr.ctemag.com/harper [https://qr.ctemag.com/harper] hyperMILL®: https://www.openmind-tech.com/en-us/cam/product-overview/ [https://www.openmind-tech.com/en-us/cam/product-overview/] Bruker alicona: https://www.alicona.com/en/technologies [https://www.alicona.com/en/technologies]

Threading Smarter: Pro Tips & Tools from Vargus USA

Thread milling gives you more control, flexibility, and fewer headaches — if you know how to use it right. In this episode, we’ll break down the fundamentals behind smarter threading: when to use it, how to set it up, and what to watch for in tool selection, programming, and material response. Along the way, we’ll explore real examples using Vargus solutions like TMDR™, Millipro™ HD, MultiFlute™, HCN, and MACH™ TM — but the goal is bigger than any one tool. We’ll cover: How to run thread milling at higher speeds — and why you should Programming strategies for clean entry, chip control, and fewer distortions What helix angle really affects and how to tame chatter Picking the right tool geometry and overhang for better performance How thread milling handles aluminum, Inconel, hardened steel, carbon fiber, and more And why more shops are switching from tapping to thread milling — including key advantages in accuracy, flexibility, and scrap reduction Whether you’re new to thread milling or looking to optimize what you’re already doing, this session will give you practical takeaways you can bring straight to the shop.

Uncorking Innovation: Vargus USA Showcases New Tools on Bourbon With The Editor™

In this live episode of Bourbon With The Editor™, host Dennis Spaeth is joined by Joe Magee of Vargus USA for a spirited conversation featuring new tooling solutions from the latest Vargus catalog. While sipping Old Bones Single Barrel Rye—an uncut, 133.4-proof whiskey from Backbone Bourbon Company—the two dive into the cutting-edge innovations redefining thread turning, milling, and solid carbide tooling. Tool highlights include the MACH TT and MACH TM lines, the versatile V-Mill and V-Drill, and the game-changing VT10 grade—all designed to boost precision and efficiency on the shop floor. They also explore VARGUS GENius™, the company’s intelligent tool selector and CNC code generator. And don’t miss the moment Dennis shares the backstory behind Backbone Bourbon’s name—a tale rooted in a bold business decision and a lesson in resilience that pairs perfectly with the high-proof pour in his glass. Whether you're deep in the world of CNC machining or just here for the whiskey wisdom, this episode delivers insight, innovation, and a toast to the tools that move manufacturing forward.