Installing & Fixturing with the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner's Vise

Our Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise is an excellent tool for learning about how to use vise workflows on the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine. Like our Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Low-Profile Vise, it’s compatible with both the T-slot bed that comes with your machine and the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet. You can also configure it in both an X- or Y-axis configuration.

In this guide we cover:

• Anatomy of the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise
• Installing the vise on both the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC T-slot bed and Fixturing Pallet
• Fixturing material using the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise

Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise Anatomy

Here’s a closer look at the components of our Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise. 

Installing the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise

You can install the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise in both an X- or Y-axis configuration on either the T-slot bed or the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet. For this how-to, we’ll install the vise in an X-axis configuration on the T-slot bed.

Installing the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise on the T-Slot Bed

The Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise uses the same T-nuts that come with your Desktop CNC Milling Machine’s L-bracket. Before you get started, unscrew the T-nuts from your L-bracket.

Then, place the button head screws with the washers into the holes on each of the adapter plates, on either side of the clamps. Screw the T-nuts onto each screw, but not too tight.

Slide the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise onto the T-slot bed in the orientation you choose. Using the hex key that comes with your Desktop CNC Milling Machine, tighten the screw on the fixed clamp until the screws are snug.

Note: While the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise is 100% compatible with our Material and Plan Placement Probing Routines, the Bantam Tools software doesn’t have a real-time preview for this accessory.

Installing the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise on the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet

The installation process for the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise is the same on the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Fixturing Pallet as it is on the T-slot bed, with one exception: You don’t have to remove the T-nuts from your L-bracket and install them onto the Beginner’s Vise. 

Position the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise in the configuration you choose. Then install the vise by tightening the screws into the threaded pin holes on the fixturing pallet using the hex key that comes with your Desktop CNC Milling Machine.

Important: When tightening the button head screws to secure your vise to the fixturing pallet, don’t over tighten the screws because doing so strips the threaded hole over time.

Setting Up Your Material

Now that you’ve installed the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise onto the Desktop CNC Milling Machine, it’s time to fixture your stock. Connect your Desktop CNC Milling Machine to the Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software, home the machine, and install and locate your 1/4” probing pin. See our Installing & Locating a Tool guide for more details.

Complete the following steps to fixture your material using the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise:

1. Using digital calipers, measure the X, Y, and Z dimensions of your stock and enter them in the Material Setup tab. Keep in mind that the max build height for the Beginner’s Vise is 2.67” and the max width is 1.9”.
2. Place the stock into the vise. With one hand, hold the stock, and with the other hand, use the knob to tighten the clamp until the material is snug. 

Once your stock is fixtured in the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Beginner’s Vise, click the Material Offset Probing Routines button, select the routine you want to run, and locate your stock.

Alternatively, you can use the toe clamps and L-bracket that come with your Desktop CNC Milling Machine. To learn more about using these fixturing methods, check out our Fixturing guides.