Manufacturing Firefighting Tools in the USA with ShopSabre CNC

In this customer spotlight, we head to Summit, Illinois to visit Mitchell Huner, a Chicago firefighter and the founder of Fire Maul Tools. Frustrated by manufacturers who refused to produce small-batch, custom wooden handles for his revolutionary firefighting tool, Mitchell took matters into his own hands by bringing his manufacturing in-house with ShopSabre.

Mitchell breaks down his journey from starting with a compact ShopSabre 23 to moving into a new facility and upgrading to a heavy-duty IS-408 equipped with an Automatic Tool Changer. He explains how his CNC handles the extreme Z-axis movements required for deep 3D carving, how he machines his own custom spoil boards, and how CNC automation allows him to offer custom, 1-off axe handles to the public—a service normally reserved for expensive hand-carving.

If you are looking to scale a niche product, dive into 3D wood carving, or want to see the real-world power of American-made CNC manufacturing, this video is packed with inspiration.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] – Introduction to Fire Maul Tools in Summit, Illinois.

• [00:46] – Why a Chicago firefighter invented the “fire maul” for roof work.

• [01:25] – The struggle to find manufacturers for small-batch, custom tool handles.

• [02:35] – Starting the business with a ShopSabre 23 to fit limited floor space.

• [04:05] – Outgrowing the shop and upgrading to the ShopSabre IS-408 with an ATC.

• [05:01] – 3D carving deep handle profiles and making custom dust boots for extreme Z-movements.

• [06:05] – Creating a new business model: Custom, 1-off axe handles made on a CNC.

• [07:22] – Why buying American-made ensures you get reliable, same-timezone tech support.

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