Just like with the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine, taking the time to clean the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory is critical to ensuring optimal performance and prolonging its lifespan. Let’s get cleaning!
You’ll need the following items:
- Computer with the Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software installed
- Safety glasses
- Vacuum cleaner with narrow wand attachment
- Brush
- Lint-free wipes
- Mask, N-95 (to avoid breathing in fine-dust debris)
- Chuck key (2)
High Priority Areas to Clean
Remove the jaws from the chuck. This ensures that the jaws won’t collide with the XZ-carriage while you’re jogging the axes around. Turn the chuck dial, first using the chuck keys and then by hand, until you can remove the jaws.
Vacuum any chips that are on the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory. Take extra care to vacuum around the chuck. If debris builds up in the slots, this can lead to misalignments during the 4th Axis Installation routine or when fixturing stock.
Important: When cleaning the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory, take care not to hit the stepper motor. The stepper motor is a key component to ensuring the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory rotates in precise increments.
Additionally, be diligent about cleaning the spaces around the headstock housing. Debris can build up in the space between the chuck dial and the headstock housing, as well as the space between the drive belt and headstock housing. Use a small brush to dislodge debris and then vacuum it up.
Also, take care to clean off and make sure no chips or dust is getting built up on the drive belt. Keeping this component clean is important to ensuring the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory operates optimally.
Using the Clean-Up Wizard
For quick, easy, and thorough clean up, we recommend using the built-in Clean-Up Wizard in the Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software. Put on your PPE, grab your cleaning tools, and complete the following steps:
- Connect the Bantam Tools CNC machine to your computer using the USB cord, and turn it on
- Launch the Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software
- Go to the Settings tab
- Select Run Clean-Up Wizard
- Caution: Make sure your hands are outside the machine before you click “Next” and don’t start cleaning until the carriages have stopped moving. Failing to do so can result in injury.
- Follow the on-screen prompts in the pop-up windows to clean your machine.
Note: You can manually move the X, Y, and Z carriages using the Jog menu controls, but we designed the Clean-Up Wizard in the Bantam Tools software to make it quick and easy to move the carriages, so that you can focus on clearing away debris.
If there are any chips in hard-to-reach places, use a small brush to move the chips and then vacuum them up.
Limit Switches
There are three limit switches in the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine, one for the X, Y, and Z axes. These switches are a calibration sensor that use a pressure switch to detect moving parts of the mill. As a result, they play a crucial role in the homing process, probing routines, and more.
After you finish machining a job check the limit switches to make sure there is no debris built up around the switches. You can vacuum out the debris.
Safety Windows
The windows on the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine are made from polycarbonate. While the loading door swings open, the windows on either side of the machine's frame are not meant to be removed. These windows are durable and were made with your safety in mind. Through regular use the windows may get nicks from debris and fingerprint smudge from touching them. If you would like to clean your windows we recommend using:
- Water and soap
- 91% isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free wipes
Note: If you're using soapy water or 91% isopropyl alcohol make sure that the towel or cloth you're using is not sopping wet. You want to avoid dripping water in the machine.
On the other hand, you'll want to avoid the follow cleaning products:
- Any cleaning products with ammonia
- Scented cleaning products
You’re all done! Be sure to keep up on cleaning and maintaining your Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine and Bantam Tools Desktop CNC 4th Axis Accessory to maintain optimal performance. Remember, take care of your machine and it will take care of you!
Additional Cleaning Resources
- Clean-Up Wizard guide
- Cleaning & Maintenance guide for the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine
- Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Vacuum Accessory
- Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Air Blaster Accessory