Fixturing with the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Strap Clamps

If you’re machining thin pieces of stock using our Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine and Fixturing Pallet, our adjustable Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Strap Clamps are a good workholding solution—especially if you’re looking to explore workholding options beyond the toe clamps that come with your machine.

Each strap clamp set comes with:

• Strap clamps (2)
• Washer, M6 (2)
• Steel socket head screw, M6 x 25 mm (2)
• Steel socket head screw, M6 x 15 mm  (2)
• Button head screw, M6 x 30 mm (2)
• Button head screw, M6 x 45 mm (2)
• Button head screw, zinc-plated, M6 x 40 mm (2)

The different sized screws allow you to adjust your clamp based on the Z-height of your material. The screws that come in this set enable you to fixture stock up to 1” thick. 

In this guide we cover how to:

• Assemble a strap clamp
• Set up your material and install the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Strap Clamps

Strap Clamp Assembly

Before you assemble your strap clamps, be sure to measure the Z-height of your stock using a pair of digital calipers. The size of your stock will determine the screws you use during your assembly.

Here’s how you assemble the strap clamps.

Material Setup & Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Strap Clamp Installation

If you haven’t already, connect your Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine to the Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software, home the machine, and then install and locate your 1/4” probing pin. See our Installing & Locating a Tool guide for more details. You’ll also want to have the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet installed in the machine. If this is your first time installing the fixturing pallet, see our installation guide. 

Follow these steps to set up your material and install the strap clamps:

1. Using digital calipers, measure the X, Y, and Z dimensions of your stock and enter them in the Material Setup tab in the Bantam Tools software. 

2. Insert dowel pins into the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet and then place the material against the pins. Note: Alternatively, you can use the L-bracket or 1-2-3 blocks to square the material.

3. Place the clamp onto the stock. Make sure that enough of the clamp is overlapping with the stock to ensure it’s held in place.

4. Tighten the socket head screw so that it lays flush to the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet and the clamp is flush to your stock. 

5. Use the hex key that comes with your Desktop CNC Milling Machine to tighten the button head screw until it’s snug in the fixturing pallet’s threaded hole.

6. Repeat the process with the second strap clamp.

Important: Do not over tighten the metal strap clamp screws into the aluminum fixturing pallet. Over time, this can strip the threads.

To learn more about additional fixturing options with the Desktop CNC Milling Machine, see our Fixturing guides. If you have technical questions, please reach out to our support team at support@bantamtools.com.