Bantam Tools PCB Mill Maintenance
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Being a milling machine, the Bantam creates large volumes of particulates or swarf. Therefore, cleaning and maintenance is of a high priority.
Contents
Cleaning
Daily Cleaning
- Vacuum out any swarf from the bottom of machine
- Be sure to move the build plate to vacuum underneath
- Vacuum any swarf around the spindle and spindle head
- Wipe off the inside of the windows with a dry wipe
- Clean any swarf that made its way outside of the machine
Monthly Cleaning
- Turn off and unplug the machine
- Remove all 4 windows
- Remove top metal panel
- Vacuum any and all swarf, be sure to rotate the machine to reach every point
- Brush and vacuum any hard to reach parts with the small black brush in the tools drawer
- Use compressed air, to remove the last of the swarf, outside if possible
- Be extra thorough with the spindle head and motor
- Spray into the collet holder, located where the tool bit is inserted
- Wipe the interior with isopropyl alcohol
- Reassemble and plug-in
Maintenance
Daily Maintenance
If any part of the maintenance does not seem right or you have questions, contact Kristof.
- Check if the spindle is wobbly
- Use the software to check if the spindle head and build plate move freely
- Examine build plate for any large cuts or missing sections
Monthly Maintenance
- Move spindle head to the center of the machine and lower it a few inches
- Not required but will make your life easier later
- Turn off and unplug the machine
- Remove all 4 windows
- Remove top metal panel
- Pull the two black spindle bands off
- Located at the top of the spindle head
- Check for any cracks, gouges, or abnormalities and replace them if necessary
- Wiggle the spindle
- It should not have any horizontal movements
- Unscrew the black collet holder
- Located where the tool bit is inserted
- Examine for any abnormalities
- Check the three axes for any nicks or stuck swarf/tape
- Reassemble and plug-in