Bantam PCB Mill
Last updated
Copyright University of Portland 2023
Last updated
Status: technically works. Needs vacuum adapter designed+printed
Clean any dust left in mill previously with vacuum
Power on with switch on back right side of machine
Ensure emergency stop button is not pressed
Rotate red button on right of machine clockwise
Plug computer into machine via the mill’s rear USB port
If software prompts for homing procedure, let it do that, it should take roughly 10-20 seconds
Software should guide you through the remaining steps from this point
WARNING! THERE ARE SOME STEPS THE SOFTWARE DOES NOT GUIDE YOU THROUGH, SEE BOLDED STEPS
Install tool
Select install tool
Select tool you wish to install
For tool installation, you need two wrenches, they are on the top of machine
Do not use these they are awful just grab two adjustable wrenches and use those
Remove current tool
Put into correct tool holder
Select tool you are installing
Insert into tool collet
Leave an inch exposed after tightening
Put dust fan onto tool just above the point where the tool begins to narrow
Follow software instructions to perform touch off
Open file
Formats:
brd
gtl
gbr
cmp
gcode
nc
tap
svg
btm
btp
MILL TRACES THEN MILL HOLES AND OUTLINE
SELECT TOOLS TO USE
For traces the pcb milling .005” works the best and then the 1/32 and 1/64 flat end tools work fine for most other things
For 2 sided PCB’s Mill top traces, then bottom traces, then mill holes and outline
Select “generate gcode”
This is where to make plan offset adjustments if there is a specific spot on the pcb where you want to do the milling
Make sure everything is set up correct in the summary, then select
files to mill and either mill single files or mill them all at once