Toolpath
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• 96 min
#21 Get To Know Ben Engle of Toolpath
Chips and Tips Podcast
Play
When you talk to Ben Engle, Toolpath’s Content Manager, it’s clear he’s driven by curiosity—the kind that starts with taking things apart just to see how they work. In this episode of Chips and Tips, host Tim Paul sits down with Ben to explore his path from a young maker building guitars and DIY CNC machines to helping shape Toolpath’s story and customer success efforts. It’s a conversation about learning through failure, finding purpose in hands-on work, and the culture that makes Toolpath such a unique place to build a career.
Every shop has a story, and for Ben Engle, that story starts with taking things apart. On this episode of Chips and Tips, host Tim Paul talks with Ben about his unconventional journey from homemade CNC machines and midnight machining mishaps to leading content and customer engagement at Toolpath. Ben’s story reflects the same curiosity and adaptability that define the company’s DNA: make things, learn fast, and never stop improving.
Ben began his career managing Toolpath’s R&D shop, running production jobs, and learning what it really takes to run a manufacturing floor. Those early experiences gave him a deep empathy for customers—he knows what it feels like to chase a deadline, break a tool, and rebuild under pressure. That empathy eventually shaped his current role in content and customer success, where he translates technical insight into approachable, real-world learning for machinists everywhere.
When Toolpath CEO Al Whatmough recognized Ben’s creative edge, the company encouraged him to lean into content and communication. It was a major career shift, but one that Ben welcomed with his signature enthusiasm. As he puts it, “I said, I’ll be the janitor. I don’t care. I freaking love the culture here” ([00:07:45]). That moment captures what makes Toolpath special—the people here are willing to pivot, to learn, and to build something bigger than their job title.
Ben’s maker mindset also fuels his side project, Black Fox Machining, where he designs and builds custom utility knives. It’s more than a hobby—it’s a creative outlet that connects his engineering background with the tangible satisfaction of craftsmanship. And even when things don’t go according to plan, Ben sees value in every misstep. As he shares, “I love learning from failing. Some people are afraid to try because they think they’ll fail—you probably will, and that’s how you learn” ([00:21:55]). That philosophy echoes across Toolpath’s approach to product development and problem-solving: progress happens when you’re not afraid to experiment.
As the conversation unfolds, Ben and Tim reflect on the importance of humility and listening in engineering and leadership. Ben puts it simply: “I’ve learned so much from just shutting up and listening, even when I think I’m right. You’ll always find value in what someone else has to say” ([00:26:00]). It’s a mindset that extends beyond machining—it’s about how Toolpath builds software, fosters collaboration, and earns trust within the CNC community.
The episode wraps with a discussion on family, mentorship, and creativity. For Ben, curiosity remains the through line—from disassembling RC planes as a kid to helping machinists find new efficiencies today. His story is proof that when you pair curiosity with courage and surround yourself with a supportive team, you don’t just make parts—you make progress.
• 96 min
#21 Get To Know Ben Engle of Toolpath
Chips and Tips Podcast
Play
