Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy.

He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded conversation full of practical advice for anyone working with wood, materials or complex workshop processes.

Key Topics Covered

• How Mark moved from heavy goods engineering into large scale wood manufacturing
• Lessons from mass production and why seconds matter when scaling output
• How lean thinking applies to small artisan workshops
• Value stream mapping and why wasted movement destroys efficiency
• The real cost of poor tooling and why the cheapest cutters can damage quality
• How to decide if your workshop is ready for CNC
• Why skill shortages are shaping the future of making
• Expanding into stone, glass and advanced materials
• What a first time CNC buyer must evaluate before spending money
• How Biesse machines support small and mid sized makers with complex workflows

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

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Key Moments:

00:00 Mark’s background and early career in heavy goods engineering

04:00 Moving into woodworking and large scale pine furniture manufacturing

08:30 Training, City and Guilds progression and early CNC exposure

12:00 Managing teams, production flow and why seconds matter at scale

17:50 Lean principles and the importance of correct input processes

21:30 Cutting waste, skip costs and understanding value stream mapping

25:20 Why lean is pointless without clear information from designers and clients

29:50 The reality of manufacturing for prisons and major tier one contractors

33:40 Lessons from running workshops without formal training

38:30 Complex refurbishment projects including House of Lords benches

42:00 Joining Biesse and why real production experience matters in sales

46:30 Choosing the right CNC and why Mark refuses to oversell machines

49:10 Should small makers consider stone and advanced materials

52:00 What first time machine buyers must understand before investing

55:30 Why skilled labour plus CNC creates the strongest workflow

59:40 Advice for young makers and why...