The Precision MicroCast

Joshua Hacko

The Precision Microcast is a podcast where Adam Demuth and Josh Hacko chat about all things precision. Adam runs his own business, Demuth Tool, leveraging his extensive experience as a toolmaker to make precision components for assorted industries. Josh is the Technical Director at Nicholas Hacko Watchmaker, and designs and makes internal mechanical watch components. Both of your hosts have a strong passion for precision, whether it be in manufacturing, metrology, design or in first principles. This podcast is simply an exploration of that passion! You can find their respective Instagram pages, where both of them post about their precision pursuits, at: Adam - @adam_the_machinist Josh - @nicholashackowatch @nhmicro

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20 episodes
Avg 57 min
English

Episodes 20

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S1 · E22
June 21 · 1 hr 18 min
22. Seiko Instrument Inc, Japanese cylindrical grinders, Odd threads and life updates
In this episode, Adam, Cyrus and Josh discuss the history behind SII, A plethora of JDM cylindrical grinders and their precision problems
S1 · E21
Mar 19, 2025 · 1 hr
21. Manufacturing in space, ASPE, Novel ultra precision grinding machines.
In this episode Cyrus joins Adam and Josh once again to become a permanent fixture of the pod- discussing his recent trip to ASPE, a deep dive in an obscure and novel grinding machine from Fives/Cranfield. Adam talks about his interest in in-space manufacturing, and the triplet talk through their precision problems.
S1 · E20
Oct 21, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
20. Home-made diamond turning lathe, Shibaura, and IMTS
In Episode 20, Adam and Josh welcome Cyrus Lloyd onto the podcast. Cyrus is a mechanical engineer focusing in precision manufacturing fields. They learn more about his previous and future projects. The trio chat about their key takeaways from IMTS, a fascinating Japanese MTB, and their precision problems.
S1 · E19
Oct 7, 2024 · 48 min
19. NS Tool Tour, Precision workflows and sanity checks
In this podcast, Josh recounts his recent trip to the NS tool factory in Sendai, Japan. The foreign correspondent report includes a recap of the endmill manufacturing workflow and comments on how the process informs the usage of the specialised tools. Adam and Josh discuss their precision problems.
S1 · E18
Feb 14, 2024 · 43 min
18. NN1000 Mori Scribing machine, History of Citizen, Erowa and guilloche
In this episode, Adam and Josh discuss an obscure 2010's Mori Seiki Diamond scribing machine, The industrialization of early 1900's Japan through Citizen, and their precision problems involving Erowa-based solutions and C axis guilloche.
S1 · E17
Aug 8, 2023 · 56 min
17. Zeiss, Optical profile grinders, Scribing and lapping
In this episode Adam and Josh talk about the history of Zeiss. They explore the world of obscure grinding machines, and talk about the interesting manufacturing problems they've recently experienced.
S1 · E16
May 22, 2023 · 43 min
16. Ceramics, modern blanchard, grit grooves and unattended wire
In this Episode Adam and Josh deepdive into the world of technical ceramics and their use within machine tools. Sodick is a main focus as they use technical ceramics within their EDM line of machines, as well as their high speed milling centres. The duo chat about some new releases from Okamoto as well as their precision problems.
S1 · E15
Jul 27, 2022 · 1 hr 24 min
15. Christian Wenzel - Innolite
In this episode of The Precision Microcast, Adam and Josh have their first guest/interview episode! Christian Wenzel, from Innolite GmbH. Based in Germany, Innolite produces ultra-precision diamond turning machines. They also run a contract manufacturing service for optical quality molds among many other demanding parts - all revolving around the field of diamond turning. Adam and Josh explore Innolite as a company and some of their technical advances in the world of ultra-precision machine tool building,
S1 · E14
Mar 16, 2022 · 1 hr 16 min
14. "The toolroom", Obscure Swiss Metrology and temperature management
In this episode Adam and Josh discuss the "toolroom". A concept, or methodology rather than the place, or so they'd like to propose! Adam and Josh also talk about the obscure swiss metrology equipment that they find interesting, and extend some discussion into the use of aluminium in demanding applications.
S1 · E13
Nov 21, 2021 · 1 hr 10 min
13. ASML, Micro HD and Optical measuring
In this episode, listen to Adam and Josh shoot the breeze about mega chip fab machine tool manufacturer, ASML and both of their new workshop purchases.
S1 · E12
Jun 3, 2021 · 49 min
12. Grinding Part 2, and Hauser Jig-Grinding
In this episode Adam and Josh continue the conversation going from last episode about grinding, with some responses and discussion from some viewer questions! They also talk about a new hardmilling-capable jig grinder from Hauser.
S1 · E11
May 10, 2021 · 1 hr 21 min
11: Laser turning, and a grinding overview
In this episode, Adam and Josh talk about laser turning from a company called GFH, and begin a long discussion about grinding. Adam entertains all of Josh's questions, as both explore their new machines.
S1 · E10
Feb 11, 2021 · 57 min
10: History of Carbide, New Grinding machines, Sarix Micro EDM
Adam and Josh are back from a very busy and eventful christmas break: marriage, new grinders arriving and being purchased and lots of parts through the door. In this episode they discuss Sarix Micro EDM, the history of carbide in cutting tools, as well as their new grinding machines and some precision problems. Enjoy listening to them chat! Show notes: https://www.sarix.com/en/3d-milling-en/ https://www.parkermajestic.com/ https://www.seedtec.com.tw/surface-grinder-full-auto-1-en
S1 · E9
Dec 22, 2020 · 1 hr 6 min
9: Origins of CNC, Hobbing machines and Precision problems!
Another long hiatus! Josh is getting married, so life is getting hectic, but nothing stops precision chats! This week we are looking at the origins of CNC machines, micro gear hobbing and our precision problems- thanks for listening, we really appreciate all the feedback, chats and also the messages encouraging our return! We both love doing this, and have some fun plans for the next year.
S1 · E8
Oct 29, 2020 · 1 hr 1 min
8: Japanese grinding machines, books and optical setting.
In this episode, Adam and Josh talk about their books on precision mechanics and design, comparing the two. Adam highlights 3 different Japanese grinding machine manufacturers. Josh talks about micrometers, and Adam discusses his underrated zero-setting method for a tricky part!
S1 · E7
Oct 13, 2020 · 30 sec
7. Newbould, Swiss machines, and a return from a short break!
After a short hiatus, Adam and Josh get together and talk about the Newbould indexer, small diameter Swiss lathes and their precision problems- Josh talks about Spring design and manufacture and Adam elaborates on his journey of making tightly toleranced ring-type/thin walled parts. Note: this episode was recorded around mid-August.
S1 · E6
Aug 6, 2020 · 50 min
6: Linear transfer micro-machining, Precision screws, Height gauges and clockmaking.
In this episode, Adam and Josh discuss transfer manufacturing, but focussing in on linear transfer, micro-machining. The Fleury Modulo is used in high volume watch production, where volume, speed, and accuracy are all required. Adam dives into the history of the precision screw, with some modern day comparisons between different types of screws, and Josh and Adam both share their precision problems!
S1 · E5
Jul 20, 2020 · 54 min
5: Electrochemical Machining, Diamond tooling and fixtures!
In this episode, Adam and Josh chat about a very unique machining process, electrochemical machining, and it's strengths and applications, PCD and MCD tooling, and their experiences with some fixturing methods as well as how raw stock can play a part in the precision chain!
S1 · E4
Jun 23, 2020 · 1 hr 1 min
4: 15um wire EDM and Watchmaking ruby bearings!
In this episode, Adam and Josh chat about the Makino UPN-01 wire edm, ID lapping, manual grinding with tight tolerances, ID lapping and watchmaking ruby jewels/bearings!
S1 · E3
Jun 10, 2020 · 43 min
3: Early high-speed 5 axis milling machines and very accurate holes
After a short delay since the last episode, Adam and Josh get together to discuss what is possibly one of the earliest high speed, 5 axis milling machines made by Moore, the FSP-300x. They also delve into their "precision problems", with a discussion about holes, how to accurately gauge them and the challenges associated with traditional methods of measurement

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