Brent Donaldson Editor-in-Chief

Brent Donaldson is Editor-in-Chief for Modern Machine Shop, where he is oversees the brand’s writing staff as well as day-to-day management of editorial operations. Brent also serves as a columnist and feature writer and reports regularly about his travels to machine shops, trade shows and conferences around the country and internationally. Brent is also co-host, producer and editor of Modern Machine Shop’s documentary-style podcast, “Made in the USA.”

Before joining Gardner, Brent was editor-in-chief of Northern Kentucky University Magazine — the same university from which he received his journalism degree in 2005. Brent previously served as associate editor for Cincinnati Magazine, and is the recipient of two Ohio Excellence in Journalism awards for feature news writing, Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists awards, and more than 40 individual awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for writing and editorial.

Fun fact: Brent was the last journalist ever to interview Evel Knievel.

How I Made It: Sherry Davies, CEO & President of T.J. Davies Co.

How do you transform a family machine shop into a thriving business while staying true to its roots? Sherry Davies recounts her path from childhood visits to her father’s machine shop to leading the business through growth and change. Here, she talks about her personal growth as a shop leader, her commitment to American-made products, and her lead-by-example philosophy.  

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Shop Tour Video: From Garage Shop to Leading Aerospace Supplier

From repairing aircraft interiors to manufacturing medical implants, Superior Joining Technologies excels at CNC machining, TIG welding, laser welding, and NADCAP-accredited nondestructive testing. Discover how this Rockford-based company supports the aerospace industry through a combination of advanced technologies.

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5 Ways CNC Job Shops Can Gain Visibility and Influence in the Industry

As machine shops navigate economic and political uncertainty, Modern Machine Shop offers a chance to share their stories, influence the conversation and seize new opportunities.

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CNC Machines, Wyoming Monks, and Enduring Works of Gothic Art

The Carmelite monks of Wyoming adopted CNC machining to help build a monastery that, without this technology, would take decades or longer to complete. How they are doing it is fascinating. But so is why. 

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Inside a CNC-Machined Gothic Monastery in Wyoming

An inside look into the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming, who are combining centuries-old Gothic architectural principles with modern CNC machining to build a monastery in the mountains of Wyoming.

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Automation

Four Questions (& Answers) About Data-Driven Process Improvement at CNC Job Shops

How can shops can make informed decisions using data-driven feedback to improve shopfloor efficiency and profitability? And how will these technologies differ between high- and low-volume production?

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Navigating Large-Scale CNC Machining: Suburban Tool’s Niche Strategy to Stay Competitive

Facing increasing competition from lower-cost imports, Suburban Tool made a move toward large-scale, in-house machining. By identifying a niche in large, precision angle plates and tombstones, the company has strengthened its ability to control quality and protect its reputation.

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Inside Machineosaurus: Unique Job Shop with Dinosaur-Named CNC Machines, Four-Day Workweek & High-Precision Machining

Take a tour of Machineosaurus, a Massachusetts machine shop where every CNC machine is named after a dinosaur! 

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Is Grant Funding Available for Your Machine Shop? Here's How to Find Out.

Grant funding for workforce training or the purchase of new equipment is an undervalued but complex resource for machine shops. We enlisted an expert to help navigate the process.

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IMTS

Chiron Group Unveils Virtual Showroom & Live Demos at IMTS 2024

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

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Grinding

Sparks Fly as Supertec Machinery Debuts New Booth, New Tech

Supertech Machinery, Inc. is showcasing new technologies and a new look for its booth at IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show in 2024. And giveaways! Don’t forget about the giveaways!

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How a Custom ERP System Drives Automation in Large-Format Machining

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

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