BARN CNC Shop Built from a Homeschool Project | Schwarz & Mueller Engineering

Video Description

Join me for an inspiring shop tour at Schwarz and Mueller Engineering near Buffalo, New York! Meet Robert and his daughters, who turned a homeschooling project into a successful, self-taught CNC machining business specializing in engineering and custom design. 🎤 Want to share your story on this channel? Reach out at [email protected] — I’d love to hear from you! In this video, Robert and Elizabeth share their journey. Elizabeth, a 22-year-old with 10 years of experience, walks us through their impressive setup. Learn how they tackle one-off parts, reverse engineer broken components like a snowblower part, and even create complex fixtures for clients. You can contact them at [email protected]. Featured Equipment & Software: Mini Mill (HAAS Mini Mill): Their workhorse machine that's seen a lot of action, despite some challenges with synthetic coolant. HAAS VF5: A larger machine in their second shop for bigger projects. CO2 Laser (60 Watt): Used for marking parts, making tags, and precision cutting. 3D Printer (Raised 3D): Capable of printing with materials like carbon fiber and PEEK, ideal for prototyping and creating custom fixtures. ST-10 Lathe: A used but well-maintained machine for turning operations, including intricate robotic wrist joints and custom bumpers. Wire EDM Machine: Their newest addition, this machine handles incredibly precise cuts and can work with any metal hardness, using a super-thin copper wire and electricity. Kaeser Screw Compressor: A silent compressor providing essential air for their operations. CAD Software (Fusion 360): Elizabeth's preferred choice for 3D modeling and design, highlighting its parametric capabilities. CAM Software (Fusion 360, Mastercam, Aspire, CorelDRAW): Used for generating tool paths for various machines. Discover how they overcome common machining challenges, from dealing with sticky coolant and magnetic chips to mastering complex 3-axis vertical machining with tapered parts. This shop focuses on short-run production and custom engineering projects, taking on unique challenges that larger companies might avoid. It's a testament to their dedication, problem-solving skills, and passion for bringing ideas to life. 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Business overview and origin story - Elizabeth 2:38 - Example parts 3:58 - Epilog Laser and RAISE3D Printer 5:25 - CAD Modeling - Fusion 360 7:24 - Campro Plug 8:31 - Haas Mini Mill, Blaser coolant 12:12 - Tooling 13:55 - CNC Router 14:45 - Haas ST10 Lathe 16:34 - Wire EDM Accutex 19:53 - Kaeser Screw Compressor, Starrett CMM 21:28 - Haas VF5 24:28 - Long term vision 26:04 - Business overview and origin story - Robert 29:38 - Haas ST10 acquisition 31:31 - Wire EDM acquisition, sinker EDM plans 33:50 - Enjoyable and sustainable career, invention 35:42 - Rehabbing dead Toyota Prius #cncmachining #machineshop #engineering #manufacturing #haasautomation #wireedm #3dprinting #lasercutting #customparts #shoptour #selftaught #HomeschoolSuccess #madeinamerica #smallbusiness #metalworking #tooling #CAM #CAD #precisionmachining