Lights Out at 20: Inside a One-Man, Multi-Axis Machine Shop with Michael King, Ep #33

What does the future of manufacturing look like when it's built by someone who has never known a world without digital tools, automation, or on-demand learning? In this episode of Lights Out, the hosts sit down with Michael King, founder of Munkworks, whose story feels almost implausible until you hear it unfold. Michael bought his first CNC machine as a teenager, owns a five-axis machining center before he's old enough to legally drink, and runs a growing shop almost entirely on his own. But this conversation isn't about novelty. It's about mindset. From early hands-on building and 3D printing to running production parts lights-out overnight, Michael's approach challenges long-held assumptions about experience, labor, and scale in manufacturing. The discussion traces his unconventional path from RC airplanes and additive manufacturing into full-scale CNC machining, contract manufacturing, and automation. Along the way, the hosts explore how content, curiosity, and community replaced traditional apprenticeships, and why automation was never an afterthought for Michael, but the starting point. More than a technical discussion, this episode is a reflection on priorities. Michael is building a business designed around time freedom, family, and stewardship, not just output. It's a candid look at how the next generation may redefine what a successful machine shop looks like, and why lights-out manufacturing often starts with intention, not robots. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) A 20-year-old shop owner with a five-axis machine (1:02) Meeting Michael King and why his story stands out (3:47) Early curiosity, hands-on building, and RC airplanes (5:09) Running a 3D printer "farm" as a teenager (7:47) COVID-era projects and leading hardware development (9:26) Moving from additive into subtractive manufacturing (10:47) Growth isn't accidental—it's engineered by Factur  (12:15) Discovering machining through YouTube and Titans of CNC (15:10) Balancing entrepreneurship, faith, and young family life (18:32) How contract work funded product innovation (22:37) Why automation was necessary, not optional (24:14) Choosing a five-axis machine without a pallet pool (25:16) Register for IMTS 2026 - we'll see you there! (27:24) A generational shift in how shops think about automation (30:07) First real "lights-out" win on the lathe (33:18) Designing a business around family time (35:04) Goals for scaling automation in 2026 (42:29) Moving a semi-trailer from Tennessee to Idaho (43:23) Surviving difficult moments as a young entrepreneur (47:33) Practical advice for automating without big capital expense (51:45) Why we love SMW Autoblok workholding Resources & People Mentioned Get a free report of opportunities in your industry from facturmfg.com/chips  Get your workholding from SMW Autoblok  Register for IMTS 2026 - we'll see you there! Within Tolerance podcast Connect with Michael King Connect on LinkedIn Munkworks Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK