Whether you're a seasoned foundry veteran, a weekend warrior pouring metal in your backyard, or an aspiring entrepreneur with dreams of breaking out on your own, Foundry Talk is your crucible of knowledge. Join our hosts, Nate McLain and Perry Merritt, as they dive deep into the heart of the metal casting industry. Looking for a new career, a foundry might be just the place for you.
Foundry Talk S2E4 Jim Gauldin of Palmer Manufacturing
Join hosts Perry Merritt and Nate McLain on the Foundry Talk podcast for a lively conversation with Jim Gauldin, President of Palmer Manufacturing.
Jim traces Palmer’s roots back to a small evening foundry run by Jack Palmer and his father, where building their own sand mixer for speed led to an unexpected sale that sparked a full equipment-manufacturing business.
The discussion highlights Palmer’s innovative Flip Mold Machine (FMM), a compact all-in-one rollover/carousel design that boosts production cadence, saves floor space, and reduces operator fatigue—with growing installations and strong customer feedback.
They explore Palmer’s diversification into rail traction sand systems, golf course sand reclamation, and more. The conversation dives into Foundry 4.0—predictive sensors, data connectivity, AI possibilities, cybersecurity concerns, and the real challenges of adoption in small-to-large foundries.
Heartfelt stories celebrate the larger-than-life Jack Palmer—his creativity (including casting his own face in aluminum), boundless energy, and enduring legacy.
A great listen for anyone in metal casting interested in practical innovation, equipment evolution, and the future of the industry.
Listen now and visit https://palmermfg.com/ for videos, equipment details, and Simple Solutions That Work magazine.
#podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness
9 Mar 2026
Foundry Talk S2E3 with Rick Buellesfeld of Sooner State Pattern Works
Nate frequently says foundry people are "the salt of the earth," and this episode's guest certainly fits the bill. Join us as we sit down with Rick Buellesfeld, owner and operator of Sooner State Pattern Works in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Rick shares the story of founding his pattern-making business on New Year's Day 1989 after purchasing a shop, growing it from a small team to a dedicated crew of about eight, including family members like his son Randy (shop manager) and daughter Gayle (office manager). He reflects on the evolution from traditional manual layout work to embracing CNC machining since the early 1990s, tackling complex patterns for sand casting, investment casting, hydraulic components, impellers, diffusers, and even plastic injection molds. The conversation covers industry challenges like shrink variations, foundry-specific rigging, foreign competition, employee ideas and retention, the value of quality control, and the pride in building durable, precise tools that foundries and end-users rely on—delivering insights into the heart of American pattern-making and metal casting. #podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness#podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness
23 Feb 2026
Foundry Talk S2E2 with with Dave Schmidt of Finite Solutions
In this episode of Foundry Talk, hosts Nate McLain and Perry Merritt chat with Dave Schmidt, VP of Finite Solutions Incorporated, about metal casting simulation software. Dave shares the company's history since 1985, debunking misconceptions (yes, it works!), and demos flow/solidification analysis to predict defects, optimize rigging, and improve yields.
They explore real-world examples like turbulent fills, bottom gating issues, and how simulation aids robust processes—essential for modern foundries. Tips on using tools like SOLIDCast, plus contract services for those without in-house expertise.
Contact: dave@finitesolutions.com or (262) 644-0785. Visit finitesolutions.com for more.#podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness
9 Feb 2026
Foundry Talk S2E1 with Bill Crouse of Protech Pattern & Design
In this episode of Foundry Talk, hosts Nate McClainand Perry Merritt talk with Bill Crouse of ProTechPattern in rural Wisconsin. Bill shares his path from freelancing in1996 to opening his dream shop in 2018—built right next to his home forultimate convenience (and occasional work-home blur).
They discuss running a small, fast-responsepattern shop: long hours, quick turnarounds, CNC machining, laser scanning forquality, and exploring 3D printing for gating and cores. Bill covers the shiftfrom traditional bench work to modern CAD and additive tech, plus the value ofself-taught problem-solvers.
Full of practical tips and passion from adedicated small-shop operator—perfect for foundry folks and patternmakingenthusiasts.
6 Feb 2026
Foundry Talk Season 2
The Foundry Talk Podcast is back for a brand new season. Join us Monday February 9th as we start talking to new guests.
25 Aug 2025
Episode 13 Dave Rittmeyer, Matthews Additive Technology
Host [Host Name] interviews Dave Rittmeyer of Matthews Additive Technology about the surprising metal volume in memorial markers and bridging art and industry.
11 Aug 2025
Episode 12 Dan Weiss adatasol
Host Perry and Host Nate interview Dan Weiss, President of adatasol, about building custom database solutions and the dangers of spreadsheets for business owners.
28 Jul 2025
Episode 11 Bryan Davis Remelt Sources
Bryan Davis, National Sales Manager at Remelt Sources, illuminates the intricacies of certified metal alloys, including AOD and VOD refinement, and continuous pour casting in this interview.
14 Jul 2025
Episode 10 Professor John Campbell
Professor John Campbell discusses the detrimental effects of bi-film on casting quality and shares innovative pouring methods to achieve zero bi-film castings in this interview episode.
30 Jun 2025
Episode 9 Jerrod Weaver NFFS.org
Jerrod Weaver of NFFS.org discusses the critical challenges and strategies for success facing American foundries in a low-priced global market, focusing on regulations and targeted tariffs in this interview.
16 Jun 2025
Episode 8 Todd Yoder Hoosier Pattern
Todd Yoder, Additive Manufacturing Manager at Hoosier Patterns, discusses 3D printed molds and sand printing technology with Nate McLean and Perry Merritt in an interview.
2 Jun 2025
Episode 7 Chris Greenfield The Federal Metal Company
Chris Greenfield of Federal Metal Company discusses sustainable metal production and the crucial role of metal recycling in creating certified alloy ingots, highlighting innovation in the foundry business; this is an interview.
19 May 2025
Episode 6 Tim Carr Cutting Edge Abrasives
Tim Carr, founder of Cutting Edge Abrasives, reveals the unvarnished realities of establishing a business and emphasizes the critical role of customer-centric strategies in achieving lasting success in this interview.
7 May 2025
Episode 5 Clarke Easterling of Windy Hill Foundry
Get ready for laughs and valuable insights! We had a fantastic time chatting with Clarke Easterling from Windy Hill Foundry in Mississippi. Tune in as we explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the intricacies of furnace design, and the unexpected issues that come with canine companions. #podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness
14 Apr 2025
Episode 4 - Tony Workman of Art Castings of Colorado
If you're into metal, art, or just plain cool stories, you'll love this podcast! With nearly 80 years of experience between them, Tony and Nate geek out on foundry techniques. Tony has been running Art Castings of Colorado for over 30 years, turning it into a place where artists from all over the world come to make their visions a reality. Oh, and they also cast a seriously famous sports trophy. Want to know which one? Listen in as Tony shares his amazing story.
Visit http://artcastings.com to see the work Tony's team does
31 Mar 2025
Episode 3 Julie Markee of Key Process Innovations
Join us as we have a broad conversation with Julie Markee, Managing Director of Key Process Innovations. We talk chickens (yes chicken), investment casting, business process, and the wide range of opportunities that exist for employment in the foundry world. Julie's web sites include https://www.keyprocessinnovations.com/ and of course her thoughts on chickens https://www.keyprocessinnovations.com/news-2/. Be sure to check out the kpi-dry® Investment Casting Shell Monitor while you're there.
17 Mar 2025
Episode 2 Jerrod Weaver of Non Ferrous Founder's Society
Jerrod Weaver Executive Director Non-Ferrous Founder's Society http://nffs.org joins us to talk about the growing need for employees in the foundry industry and sheds light on the efforts NFFS is doing to get the word out and attract younger employees to the business.
Help support the podcast and check out our merch https://foundry-talk.myspreadshop.com/. Word to the wise, buy a size larger than you think 😄
3 Mar 2025
Episode 1 Meet the hosts
Nate McClain and Perry Merritt are your hosts for Foundry Talk. Get to know them, what brought them together and what led them to this podcast. Bet you'll never guess how these two met.
2 Mar 2025
Cast your future with Foundry Talk!
Whether you're a seasoned foundry veteran, a weekend warrior pouring metal in your backyard, or an aspiring entrepreneur with dreams of breaking out on your own, Foundry Talk is your crucible of knowledge. Join our hosts, Nate McLain and Perry Merritt, as they dive deep into the heart of the metal casting industry.
Get ready to:
· Uncover groundbreaking solutions that are revolutionizing the way metal is cast.
· Learn from industry titans who are shaping the future of this dynamic field.
· Navigate the challenges and triumphs of the metal casting world with expert insights.
Foundry Talk isn't just a podcast; it's your gateway to a world of innovation, inspiration, and endless possibilities. Listen in and ignite your passion for metal!
Who has been a guest on Cast your future with Foundry Talk!
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dave Rittmeyer
Dan Weiss
Bryan Davis
Professor John Campbell
Jerrod Weaver
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,746
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
38
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
32
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