The Tormach 1100MX CNC mill has become Pohl's go-to machine in his workshop. (Image credit: Erin Witkowski)
Pohl uses Tormach's 1100MX CNC mill to create TV-ready championship belts for WWE.
Championship belt components
The Tormach 1100MX CNC mill at Jason Pohl LLC.
Pohl can now control the entire manufacturing process. (Image credit: Erin Witkowski)
From concept sketch to finished part, the Tormach 1100MX opened up new doors for Pohl.
A championship belt is machined on the Tormach 1100MX CNC mill.
ATC on the Tormach 1100MX.
Jason Pohl, known from the "American Chopper" TV series, now designs and manufactures championship belts for organizations like WWE, producing high-precision, TV-ready components on a CNC mill from his shop.
After more than 16 years as lead designer at Orange County Choppers (OCC), where he created more than 300 custom motorcycles, Pohl set out to move beyond design and into production. That shift led him into CNC machining and the launch of his business, Jason Pohl LLC.
Finding a New Creative Outlet
While Pohl loved the design process at OCC, he often found himself envious of the machinists in the shop. When the machine shop grew quieter, Pohl, like many independent makers entering CNC machining without formal training, seized the opportunity to teach himself how to run the equipment.
"I found myself in a giant machine shop with literally no one there," Pohl said. "So, I taught myself how to create G-code for my 3D parts and started making my own fixtures."
The hands-on connection between design and manufacturing quickly became addictive. No longer content with creating only digital models, Pohl wanted to control the entire process, from concept sketch to finished part.
How the 1100MX CNC Mill and PathPilot Simplify Workflows
After leaving OCC, Pohl set out to build a fully functioning workshop-a personal space where he could control every step of the creative process.
"Traditional CNC machines were far too expensive for my independent shop, but the discovery of Tormach at 3D Experience World changed everything by offering a lower cost of entry compared to traditional industrial CNC systems," he said.
"The Tormach 1100MX made it possible without risking everything," Pohl said. "It opened up doors I did not think were possible without a huge investment."
Now operating from his garage studio in Wallkill, NY, Pohl balances his full-time role as Industrial Design Champion with Dassault Systèmes (SOLIDWORKS) and his business, Jason Pohl LLC.
An early hurdle for Pohl was adapting to CNC machine interfaces, having learned on more complex systems that used cryptic functions and nonintuitive menus. Tormach's PathPilot software quickly changed that.
PathPilot is the user-friendly control software that powers every Tormach CNC machine. It features an intuitive interface, easy-to-learn controls, and powerful conversational programming right at the machine.
Features of PathPilot include:
- User-definable macros: PathPilot comes with subroutine support baked in. Operators can build and customize G-code subroutines for fast programming of specific application needs.
- Trajectory planner/high-speed machining: Look-ahead path blending in PathPilot's trajectory planner allows for high-speed machining.
- Visual conversational programming: A full-color graphic interface, walks operators through easy-to-understand, intuitive step-by-step templates to quickly write G-code for milling sequences.
- Expanded memory: 90 GB of built-in storage and memory has PathPilot ready-to-roll
- Second home position: Operator-defined Home position allows the user to set a preferred table location for easy tool loading or inspection.
- Built-in Dropbox support: Seamlessly transfer high-performance transfer and synchronization of program files and data sets of virtually any size.
- WiFi-ready: All the software necessary for connection is included in PathPilot.
- USB I/O kit: PathPilot supports up to 4 USB I/O kits for a total of 16 ins and 16 outs-all individually controlled by M-codes. Easily trigger aftermarket accessories such as auxiliary pumps, robotic part loaders, probes, and more.
"PathPilot uses words I already know-`copy,' `paste,' and `open'-and it is visual, just like working on a computer," Pohl explained. "It was five times easier than the other machines I had used."
With PathPilot, Pohl was able to get up and running the same day-touching off tools, loading files, and producing finished parts with minimal set-up time.
Tormach's "Right to Repair": Why it Matters to Makers
Another major factor that drew Pohl to Tormach was the company's strong commitment to the "right to repair."
"Many machine tool manufacturers restrict users from performing even simple maintenance without going through costly service plans or locked-down systems," noted a Tormach spokesperson. "Tormach takes the opposite approach, giving owners full access and support to maintain, modify, and troubleshoot their machines."
Tormach's software, including the PathPilot interface, is accessible on GitHub, allowing customers and developers to explore, modify, and even contribute to the platform. This transparency empowers Tormach users to truly own their equipment, making it possible for them to not only customize their machines, but also maintain and repair them as they see fit.
Users can opt to install, maintain, and repair it themselves, or reach out to Tormach's U.S.-based support team for expert assistance whenever needed. There are no restrictions on access to parts, no proprietary tools required, and no mandatory service contracts dictating how owners use or repair their equipment.
This flexibility allows Tormach users to not only keep their machines in top shape, but also to tailor their set-ups as project demands evolve, enabling long-term adaptability and value.
"Having the freedom to repair and maintain your own machine is huge," Pohl said. "With Tormach, you are not stuck waiting on a service tech for something simple. You can keep production moving without missing a beat."
That flexibility is essential for Pohl's workflow, especially when tight deadlines and overnight runs are the norm.
Manufacturing Championship Belts for WWE
One of Pohl's most high-profile projects is manufacturing championship belts for WWE. He designs and machines the Men's and Women's Heavyweight Championship, Universal Championship, and Undisputed Championship belts-all parts that need to look flawless on national television.
These components require tight tolerances, consistent surface finishes, and the ability to meet demanding production timelines, making reliability and repeatability critical.
"Most of the belts start as designs in SOLIDWORKS," Pohl said. "I machine about 98% of them on the Tormach 1100MX and then use my fiber laser for the super fine details."
Because WWE often operates on extremely short timelines, Pohl frequently runs his 1100MX lights-out overnight to meet delivery demands. Once machined, the components are roll-formed, gold-plated, inlaid, and then assembled, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern digital precision.
Beyond WWE, he also manufactures championship belts for companies like ABC Supply Co. and for competitions previously aired by NBC Sports.
Turning Passion into a Business
Today, Pohl has turned his lifelong love for design and making into a full-fledged business. His workflow, from concept to SOLIDWORKS modeling to machining on the 1100MX, has allowed him to serve clients with precision, speed, and creativity. His set-up reflects a growing segment of small-shop and advanced hobbyist machinists bridging professional-grade output with compact, cost-effective equipment.
His advice to aspiring CNC machinists and entrepreneurs?
"If it is your passion, just jump in and do it," Pohl said. "There is always risk, but that is what drives us to succeed."
For more information contact:
Jason Pohl LLC
www.jasonpohl.com
Tormach Inc.
4009 Felland Road, Ste. 120
Madison, WI 53718
608-849-8381
info@tormach.com
www.tormach.com