Bantam Tools Desktop Milling Machine
Important Links
This CNC mill is well-suited for milling Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) from FR1 (FR4 is prohibited). It can precisely machine 6-mil traces with micro-stepping down to 0.000125” while holding a repeatability of .001”. This machine is integrated with an auto-probing feature to accurately measure your tool length and will probe stock material to ensure precise and accurate results, every time.
WORKING VOLUME: 5.5” × 4.5” × 1.6”
Materials that work great:
- FR-1 printed circuit board blanks
- Machining wax
- Linoleum
- ABS
- Acrylic
- Brass (for engraving)
- Aluminum (for engraving)
- Silver (for engraving)
Materials that work great if you're intermediate/advanced:
- Hard plastics (e.g., Delrin and HDPE)
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Hardwood (e.g., mahogany)
- Soft stone (e.g., soapstone)
- Leather (for engraving)
Don't mill these materials: * FR-4 (not supported) * Steel (stainless or otherwise) — Dull/melts the cutting tool * Iron — Dulls/melts the cutting tool * Magnesium — Chips can ignite and are difficult to extinguish * Titanium — Dulls/melts the cutting tool * Fiberglass (including FR-4 circuit boards) — Makes unhealthy dust. FR-4 should not be milled unless while using the Bantam Tools FR-4 Milling System. * Hard stone and precious gems — Dulls/melts the cutting tool and creates dangerous dust * Glass — Shatters, creating dangerous shrapnel * Silver chloride or other powdery materials — Very crumbly, doesn’t hold its shape * Chocolate, cheese, or other food products — Milling machine is not food safe.
Hazards
Do not touch the sharp ends of end mills, even when the milling machine is not in operation, as they may cause injury. Wear gloves when removing parts from the milling machine since a slip of the scraper could cause cuts.
Do not touch or place hands near moving parts — such as the carriages, rails, frame, spindle, and pulleys — while the milling machine is in operation.
When using the milling machine, tie back long hair and avoid clothing or jewelry that may get caught.
Avoid breathing in debris from the milling process. Vacuum-clean the milling machine before and after each operation.
Things to Avoid
- Do not use liquids in the milling machine.
- Do not operate the milling machine if you are tired, distracted, or otherwise impaired.
- Do not operate the milling machine if the material is not secured to the machine bed.
Use the Emergency Stop button to immediately stop the machine when necessary
Safety Checks
- Do not leave the mill unattended while in use.
- Make sure to use the mill on a flat, stable surface.
- Do not use the machine if the safety windows are cracked.
- Do not mill materials that are not supported.
Operational Checks
- Make sure the milling bed is free from debris using vacuum.
- Prior to operation, make sure the collett and tool are secure.
- Remove wrenches and other tools from inside the milling machine.
Cleanup
- Turn the machine off when not in use.
- Using the vacuum, clean up debris from the milling process. Use the Loading option in the BantamTools software to move the bed for easy cleanup.