UPDATE: Since we filmed this video (which was not sponsored), Bantam Tools has decided that, while they will still have a pro-level subscription option, they will open up full feeds and speeds override to non-subscribers. Here’s their blog post about the announcement: www.bantamtools.com/blog/speeds-and-feeds-override-are-included
@@johnarnebirkeland nah, looking into it you always had control of feeds and speeds but not on the fly. I think any subscription software can be opportunistic but their speed of reaction to the community was worth a well done. Now imagine a huge company like Apple or Facebook making a positive change like that without being dragged in front of Congress.
I wish to present a motion the the floor of calling this thing an "overpriced 3D desktop engraving machine" and never speaking of this episode again 😑 Sidebar But I would love to see Adam get into a 5 axis Hass and crank out like 50 lightsabers in one episode. Or some AvE copper swing presses is also acceptable
Hi @brocktechnology! To clarify, you don't need to buy the subscription pack if you don't want to. Every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack of the software for free and includes automated probing routines, SVG support, Fusion 360 templates, and more.
@@bantamtools But you took features out to gatekeep them behind a pay wall. The ability to manually adjust feeds/speeds on a CNC machine isn't an optional add on, it's a requirement.
I have no issues if you can stream custom G-code, then I will see the software as an added bonus. Still expensive 3600 even if the software was included.
Very heroic of you; thank you. Two words: entry and level. Two more: fck and that. I'm sure that 2 years later, there are better and less expensive. I just want a learning tool, I don't expect to actually do anything remotely good w/ the 3018 I'm looking at. And a sub? F&T again..
Yikes yikes yikes indeed. When you're learning it's absolutely essential to run the first part with your hand on the feed override the entire time, especially if you're programming yourself.
The price and subscription pretty much make it unreasonable for any home user. This is a pretty good machine to have sitting in makerspaces or schools because of the easy software, but otherwise any hobbyist would be better served with something like a shapeoko or any other DIY solution. Although that auto-probing sure does look nice though.
Hi there! Just a heads up we do offer monthly payments through Affirm to help make the Desktop CNC Milling Machine more affordable. We're also running a referral program to help people save more in addition to the discounted launch price. As for the subscription pack, this is totally OPTIONAL. Every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack of the Bantam Tools software for FREE and is loaded with a number of powerful features like the automated probing routines, SVG support, and Fusion 360 templates.
@@bantamtools @Adam Savage’s Tested Was this a sponsored video? Did you supply the machine to Tested free of charge on the condition they made a review? It seems a hell of a lot like you sponsored the video given how much you're responding in the comments. It'd be pretty unnaceptable for Tested to make a sponsored video without a transparent declaration of it being that way around.
@@ImmoSci I believe that reviews should always be transparent about where the reviewed product came from, no matter if it was sponsored or not. This video didn't do a great job in that regard.
@@bantamtools I have to tell you, I am on the fence. Mostly because of the subscription feature to get full software access. For that price point, I can't justify it.
Yeah, especially given the subscription price issue, this review feels a bit too positive. Might just be politeness, but without disclosure I'll assume the worst until tested states otherwise
How about a full disclosure statement for this video? This really felt more like an ad than a review, with big shortcomings glossed over all the while singing the praises of the product. It's easy to say it's a great tool if you got it for free, but based on the results I saw i wouldn't pay the asking price.
Nothing against the host, but it would also have been nice to get a review from someone with some machining experience who can discuss the thing's limitations as compared to more expensive machines. I balked when she said it was as capable as more expensive machines. It has to have some limitations to explain the price difference.
This machine can hardly do brass... look at that surface finish. My $1000 CNC router (for wood) can do better. This has unsupported round rods (flimsy, flimsy, flimsy), junk software that makes you pay extra for simple stuff like feed rate overrides? Every machine control software out there does that for free... This is essentially a $800 machine with $2800 software and enclosure. Save up for another month and buy a Tormach 440 if you want to cut metal. It's not that hard to learn....
Glad to hear you're interested in getting a machine! Let us know if you have further questions. Also, if you head over to our RUclips channel you'll find a number of projects and resources we've been working to develop for the machine.
I don't understand! This machine is selling for $4000, but how come everything is so cheap, Nema 17 stepper motor, lead screw, 250w spindle… for the cost of all these hardware configurations, I would pay no more than $1000 for this thing.
I repair CNC machines for a living and all I can see when this thing is running is the fact that the bed has no way covers and all those chips are building up around the wipers for the bearings. Even worse is the axis screw is exposed as well. That's a horrible oversight for a mini machine in this price range and will kill the table bearings and axis screw very quickly if you use it for metals. Seriously, a set of accordion way covers would cost 50 bucks or less for this thing.
That was my first thought as well. Screw the software ecosystem, I can work around it, but all of those exposed precision surfaces, bearings and screws are a complete dealbreaker. Without any dust control it will eat itself quickly. Plus I don't foresee a long life for that aluminium T-slot table.
I do believe this a highly engineered and well thought out product; they obviously have perfected their design life expectancy. The problem for the consumer is the designed built-in obsolescence looks to have been made to wreck the machine if you use it for metals for extended periods. And with the current setup they could get away without those extra protections because they probably think the primary use of the machine will be with softer materials like plastics and wood. I checked their website and I didn't see any specs for the kind of Aluminum the machine can handle but, they do sell a grade of 6061. Since they don't specify the grade I am guessing it's the cheaper, softer, annealed stuff. I would have also liked to see an option for using some type of coolant(or a provision to add it on at a later date) to help prevent the aluminum from getting too hot and then start getting gummy and fouling the tooling. So without a coolant option, I think that thing would only be good for nibbling at the aluminum and not doing any sort of "heavy" cutting(Or at least as heavy as you could go using only 1/4" mills).
Hi there! Just wanted to clarify a couple things. First, you don't need WiFi to use the software. You install it right onto your computer (either Windows or Mac), connect your computer to the machine, and you're ready to roll. Second, you don't have to purchase the subscription pack of the Bantam Tools software, if you don't want to. We realize that the subscription isn't going to be for everyone. That's why every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack of the Bantam Tools software for free.
@@bantamtools There's no way that your software doesn't periodically verify its subscription status to keep those 'premium' features unlocked. When you discontinue it in favor of a new solution or product, or god forbid just go out of business, how do they know that the real meat of the features you're locking behind a paywall are going to remain available? Either way it's a bullshit and greedy as hell move especially on a product at this price point. Letting people just flat buy the software features in an update package would still be greedy, but at least then they'd know that they own the features they want without worry of losing them at your 'premium' subscription whims.
@@Theexplorographer Fusion doesn't control the machine. it just generates the g code. She is using fusion gcode at 1 point in the video with the bantam software but can't even override the feed rate without subscribing! lol
@@Aoskar95 lol you can buy a Shapeoko that will cut aluminum just as well (and have a larger work area) for $2200... or you can buy a Tormach that will cut aluminum 5x better (and also have a larger work area) for $5500. This machine makes no sense at this price point.
Clearly this women understands her machine and its limitations. She provided a lot of information in an understandable manner... Good Job! I also like that machine.
Trying to wrap my head around removing a Z probe from a collet, then inserting a cutting tool of random length into the same collet and somehow not having a wreck due to an unknown tool length. Where is the magic wand located, and do you sell them separately?
The machine touched off on the corner of the bed when a tool was fitted @7:22- I assume this set the tool length. But yeh 2 collets should be supplied.
Normally the probe on these "desktop" CNC machines are only really used for locating the edges of the part; getting the length of the tool stick out is another problem entirely. Some of the nicer machines I have seen actually have a separate sensor pad for the tool touch off on to help with that problem.
@00:57 Hold up there... The Bantam too is just a 2.5D Milling Machine as you cannot mill all 6 sides without flipping/turning the stock yourself - Top side without overhang access, Sides without overhang access, Bottom without access. The only 3D Milling Machine in that prosumer price class ( I know of ) would be the Pocket NC 5-Axis CNC Machines - Top and Sides with full overhang access, Bottom with limited overhang access.
Probably going to get some hate on this one. Comes across a little too much like an Ad or informercial. Also, the vernacular at least here on YT, a mill is a precision tool. So putting mill in the title people will probably expect a demonstration of the precision and accuracy of the machine.
Thanks for doing such a thorough review! It was nice to see you take on multiple projects... Often times these sorts of reviews only show one simple part, and then say "So far I'm impressed, I'll keep working it it and follow up later". I felt like you were very thorough with your "initial review", thanks for doing such a broad set of projects!
An overly positive “review” for an overpriced product with a terrible subscription-based business model that feels exactly like an ad? I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.
Hi there! Sorry you feel this way. Just wanted to let you know though that the subscription package of the Bantam Tools software is totally optional. It's not going to be for everyone and so we don't believe everyone should have to buy it use the Desktop CNC Milling Machine. Every machine comes with a base pack of our software for free and includes features like automated probing routines, SVG support, and Fusion 360.
@@bantamtools It's kind of crazy to not let people change feeds and speeds on a $3500 machine. I can understand most of the cost is probably software related, but when the software is missing something that basic the price is too high.
Pro tip: Don't try to cut the material all the way to dimension in just one pass. Do a couple bigger rough cuts, then leave a few thousandths of material to take away in a finish pass and it will leave much nicer edges.
Hi Stuart, to clarify, the Custom Tool Library, which allows you to create fully customized feeds and speeds recipes, does come with the base pack of our software (which ships for free with every machine). Through the tool library, you'll have the power to add custom feeds and speeds, as well as import and export tools to and from other Bantam Tools users.
Thanks for your response Bantam Tools. However it didn’t come across that way in the video and judging by many of the comments I’m not the only one to infer this. I still think a subscription service for software is a looser for you that much is clear by the comments. @tested - was this a paid advert or a purchased review ?
Honestly I’d rather make my own using the wide amount of open source material there is for a fraction of the initial price and no subscription. Also unsure what educational spaces have the funds for this kind of machine, lots can barely afford books...
@@shadow7037932 nishbrown's assertion is most likely entirely correct. CNC machining isn't rocket science when it comes around to machine capabilities. A 250W spindle and extremely lightweight frame are not going to compare favourably to the next tier up in terms of part quality & capability. Sure the Bantam machine is in it's own little niche - but it's a slightly heavier duty CNC router, not a proper milling machine.
@@Olof123 At my work I needed a smallish machine to split plastic clamshells apart. I used a stepcraft, which at least has solid extrusions for rails, and a huge ammount of accesories, even tool changers and rotary axis. The new m series stepcraft looks fantastic. That being said, the small cnc I would recommend buying is the pocket nc 5 axis, its significantly more useful. part size isnt huge, but the 5 axis capability makes a huge difference in the types of parts you can make.
CNC mills have been around for la long time, but unlike FDM printers they haven't really come down in price a lot (for ones that cal cut aluminum well). You can certainly get a 3018 CNC router for like $250, but this won't really cut metal well.
Subscription = no thanks. Surface finish on the brass = yikes. Nice idea but I would just purchase a Roland SRP miliing machine or just buy yourself a Shariff DMC1
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't waste your money on this paper weight. It's probably got less than $400 worth of parts on it. Besides, if you are going to buy a CNC machine you should really get the advice of an experienced person not a newbie.
"I'm also thinking Bantam will continue to dial in these default settings...." Based on what? There's a lot of speculative comments like this throughout the video that really come across strangely in a product review.
You can put something together with 10x the area under a grand. Also doesn't come with a stupid subscription and proprietary software. PS Shapeoko's used to be around $500, the later upgraded ones are over $1k, but still more attractive than this thing.
Nice review ad, but when you enter the 3- to 4k range then the selection of cnc machines gets quite extended in the price bracket of this machine like Stepcraft and others.
Why did you flip your mirror handle part between engraving and cutting? just to see if you could get it to line back up? You should've been able to do the engraving pass, then do the cut pass from the same side, then you don't have to probe again and you know it's aligned as long as your files are aligned.
Yeah I'll stick with my Ghost Gunner 3. Despite what the name suggests, it's not just for guns. I've milled all kinds of things with it- kitchenware, furniture parts, tools, martial arts training weapons, car parts, and yes- guns. Plus there's no subscription necessary, since it's all open source. Do your research before buying, folks. The GG3 fit my needs, maybe it'll fit yours too. Maybe not.
Price seems a bit much but I suppose other CNC machines aren't built for a desktop? Feel like you'd still be better off with something like an inventables table or something despite the software being a little harder.
Can you give an example of the other similarly-capable machine that cost 5 times less? I am about to buy one of these and would love to see a fully enclosed product like this at a better price.
I wonder how this stacks up against the Tormach xsTech. Similar prices and work envelopes with different bells and whistles. Yes, both are expensive versus some of the other less polished solutions but no where near the price of HAAS's desktop mill/router.
Look up "6040 2.2kW" on your favorite e-commerce site and you'll see right away what both the Tormach and Haas(especially them, find the difference...) just plastered their logo over cheaper machines.
I would just like to say you did a really nice job showing this! Since this is a big investment for me this puts my mind more at ease when it comes time to purchase! Thank you!
$3600?! That's a fully-capable OpenBuilds CNC machine, all of the tooling you can carry, a hundred pounds of raw stock, *and* several cases of beer. Or a very, *very* good quality used manual mill with tooling. Heck, I don't think I'm at $3k spent yet on my milling machine, including tooling, fixturing, and a literal half-ton of stock. Yikes.
I was waiting to hear it could mill steel. Want to make folding knives. Specifically, pockets in blades to receive bearings for blade pivots. Still great for prototyping. 👍
Hi James! The Desktop CNC Milling Machine was designed with rapid prototyping in mind :) Steel is not an officially supported material on our Desktop CNC Milling Machine. It's designed to be optimized for machining aluminum. Because the lowest spindle speed is 10K RPM and steel requires a much lower surface feet per minute compared to aluminum, you'd need to run smaller tooling when machining steel (3/16" and below). Also note that there’s no coolant system on the machine, which means you’ll need to take great care when machining steel. While this machine can cut steel, machining it is not covered in our warranty. Hope this helps!
@@bantamtools That's not what I'm looking for, but it still sounds like something I want and could use. Will it manage G10, micarta, and stabilized wood?
@@codygibson2809 On a large machine it's less important. If I have for example a CNC bridgeport mill and I want to engrave a canoe paddle I can, the mill doesn't care about that awkward load sticking out 6 feet but on a small machine you can't carry a large workpiece like that so the bed needs to be stationary. obviously there is room for other opinions here. there's nothing difficult in achieving the same rigidity with a moving gantry configuration , it's just more expensive. So I propose that the moving bed makes it easier to hit your desired price point, which doesn't seem to have been a concern for these folks.
Is this an ad for Bantam tools ... or a review? No disrespect to the young lady ... but it honestly sounds like she is reading from a script ... and watching her using that allen key ... i had to look away as she tightened the bolt with the allen key half in and @ a 45 degree angle ... yikes! I couldnt watch anything after that allen key scene. Im off to find a "real" review!
Yup, cnc still isn't for the entry level household maker it seems. Too expensive for such a weak bit of software that's tied behind a subscription as well.
Hi there! Sorry you feel this way about the price point. Just to clarify, the subscription pack is totally optional. Every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack full of powerful features for free.
I love the maker space I had access to before the pandemic, CNC is my favourite tool to use. Informative and through video and the price point is what you would expect and everything is subscription these days for advanced features so no surprises there. Personally I have only worked in wood and I throroughtly enjoyed your video like I do everything that Tested brings to me. Thanks again.
The base pack of the Bantam Tools software comes with a number of power features that will allow you to get started right out of the box. It includes automated probing routines, SVG support, Fusion 360 templates, and shortly after this video we made the decision to include the feeds and speeds override feature. In a nutshell, the base (free) version is packed with all of the important features you'll need to run your machine, and then some. The subscription pack is more for folks using the machine in a business setting where every minute counts. Hope this helps to clarify :)
To paraphrase Bantams replies- "no, you don't HAVE TO buy the sub, but if you don't, we'll reach into your machine and spank you. And not the enjoyable kind either. We mean the kind that has you calling CPS."
Looks like it's all there! I learned CNC back in 2000-- just at the point where you needed to learn how to figure out the tool path on your own. The scary part was that, when hired, you were expected to step in and enter all the g-code in one go. I'm sure that happened all day long in the real world but put a zero in the wrong place and you've got a 100lb jaw turning at 6000RPM... These days sound a little better-- converting a drawing straight into g-code was a thing back then but one was encouraged to trace the path anyway. Good presentation.
WTF are you talking about?? Cam systems have been around since the early 1980's. By 2000 they were pretty damn powerful. Just because you worked in a shop that didn't have a cam system doesn't mean they didn't exist.
@@danarrington2224 Thanks for setting me straight. I took a CNC class in a Port Ewen, NY vocational school and had to work with 10 and 15 year old equipment. So glad you got to work with the best.
@@danarrington2224 And because you REALLY need to help me out here-- I was there for manual old school machinist training. The CNC stuff was really at the last minute, all things considered. And yes, the computers could just keep up with the new software. Pretty clunky.
@@usseg Thats interesting because at the main shop at the national lab I work at they do have a large CNC router as well as CNC mills. The core difference ACTUALLY being spindle speed and relative torque.
UPDATE: Since we filmed this video (which was not sponsored), Bantam Tools has decided that, while they will still have a pro-level subscription option, they will open up full feeds and speeds override to non-subscribers. Here’s their blog post about the announcement: www.bantamtools.com/blog/speeds-and-feeds-override-are-included
Well done Bantam Tools 🔧
Thank god, cuz as soon as she said subscription to set your own feeds and speeds that was a huge no no from me. Glad to see they saw the errors there.
@@CozzyKnowsBest Well done? They got called out on opportunistic behavior and had to backpedal. What is good about that?
@@johnarnebirkeland nah, looking into it you always had control of feeds and speeds but not on the fly. I think any subscription software can be opportunistic but their speed of reaction to the community was worth a well done. Now imagine a huge company like Apple or Facebook making a positive change like that without being dragged in front of Congress.
I wish to present a motion the the floor of calling this thing an "overpriced 3D desktop engraving machine" and never speaking of this episode again 😑
Sidebar But I would love to see Adam get into a 5 axis Hass and crank out like 50 lightsabers in one episode. Or some AvE copper swing presses is also acceptable
Absurdly expensive turn key solution married to crippled subscription software, this is incompatible with the maker ethos
Well said!
Hi @brocktechnology! To clarify, you don't need to buy the subscription pack if you don't want to. Every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack of the software for free and includes automated probing routines, SVG support, Fusion 360 templates, and more.
@@bantamtools But you took features out to gatekeep them behind a pay wall.
The ability to manually adjust feeds/speeds on a CNC machine isn't an optional add on, it's a requirement.
@@bantamtools when do you add micro transactions?
I have no issues if you can stream custom G-code, then I will see the software as an added bonus. Still expensive 3600 even if the software was included.
I would rather get This Old Tony to do a Maho conversion for me!
You'll need a time machine to see the end of that project
Make sure your brain does metric and standard
I know what you're thinking...
Spindle bearings...
$3600+ saved you a few clicks
let'sNotMakeThisPersonal + subscription. man what a shame
Video shows the price at 40 seconds.
Oooh, big yikes.
Very heroic of you; thank you. Two words: entry and level. Two more: fck and that. I'm sure that 2 years later, there are better and less expensive. I just want a learning tool, I don't expect to actually do anything remotely good w/ the 3018 I'm looking at. And a sub? F&T again..
$6500 before tax
You have to pay extra for feeds/speeds overrides? Yikes..
Gotta love a good pay wall. "But wE'll giVe yOu monTHy upDaTes"
Yeah... I was pretty much hooked until she said that. Now, Bantam can kiss this opportunity good-bye.
But it has q ComMuniTee EchSystem.... ugh
Yikes yikes yikes indeed. When you're learning it's absolutely essential to run the first part with your hand on the feed override the entire time, especially if you're programming yourself.
Just edit the code. S is spindle speed F is feed.
The price and subscription pretty much make it unreasonable for any home user. This is a pretty good machine to have sitting in makerspaces or schools because of the easy software, but otherwise any hobbyist would be better served with something like a shapeoko or any other DIY solution. Although that auto-probing sure does look nice though.
Hi there! Just a heads up we do offer monthly payments through Affirm to help make the Desktop CNC Milling Machine more affordable. We're also running a referral program to help people save more in addition to the discounted launch price. As for the subscription pack, this is totally OPTIONAL. Every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack of the Bantam Tools software for FREE and is loaded with a number of powerful features like the automated probing routines, SVG support, and Fusion 360 templates.
@@bantamtools @Adam Savage’s Tested Was this a sponsored video? Did you supply the machine to Tested free of charge on the condition they made a review?
It seems a hell of a lot like you sponsored the video given how much you're responding in the comments. It'd be pretty unnaceptable for Tested to make a sponsored video without a transparent declaration of it being that way around.
@@ImmoSci I believe that reviews should always be transparent about where the reviewed product came from, no matter if it was sponsored or not. This video didn't do a great job in that regard.
@@bantamtools I have to tell you, I am on the fence. Mostly because of the subscription feature to get full software access. For that price point, I can't justify it.
basic users dont get updates ... great product support!
Question ... is this an independent purchased review, manufacturer supplied review or sponsored review?
It'd be nice if they at least let us know if they're being a shill or not.
Put it this way, if its not a shill, people always over emphasize that it is not.....
@@danielgeorgianni1687 Usually they're very clear about whether it was given or loaned to them like Spot or the DGI drones.
Yeah, especially given the subscription price issue, this review feels a bit too positive. Might just be politeness, but without disclosure I'll assume the worst until tested states otherwise
@Tee Dawg, Tested replied to an earlier query and said that this isn't sponsored. That said, the review does seem very "feels good in the hand"...
The price is a bit out of my budget, but it's good to see more desktop CNC machines in the wild. I can see myself owning one in the future.
Me: thats cool (checks price) no it's not
Look up price of even the cheapest HAAS lol
That's cheap as shit. I mean, you're not doing steel with it, but depending on the lifespan, this is amazing.
Dude, if 4k is too expensive for a CNC machine then you won't get any happy with this hobby
don't bink look up the foxalien same thing for 300$
The Beaver sweet will do that
How about a full disclosure statement for this video? This really felt more like an ad than a review, with big shortcomings glossed over all the while singing the praises of the product. It's easy to say it's a great tool if you got it for free, but based on the results I saw i wouldn't pay the asking price.
Nothing against the host, but it would also have been nice to get a review from someone with some machining experience who can discuss the thing's limitations as compared to more expensive machines. I balked when she said it was as capable as more expensive machines. It has to have some limitations to explain the price difference.
Cool commercial. I even watched commercials during this commercial
A commercial with a commercial break!
@@paulthorwesten7377 HAHAHA,
This machine can hardly do brass... look at that surface finish. My $1000 CNC router (for wood) can do better. This has unsupported round rods (flimsy, flimsy, flimsy), junk software that makes you pay extra for simple stuff like feed rate overrides? Every machine control software out there does that for free... This is essentially a $800 machine with $2800 software and enclosure. Save up for another month and buy a Tormach 440 if you want to cut metal. It's not that hard to learn....
$800? Try $300. This is basically a slightly beefed up toy "3020" you can buy for ~$150 on eBay.
I'm getting one STAT, I missed out on Juicero and I'd hate to miss a deal like that again.
Glad to hear you're interested in getting a machine! Let us know if you have further questions. Also, if you head over to our RUclips channel you'll find a number of projects and resources we've been working to develop for the machine.
@@bantamtools guys...google juicero
Bantam Tools bruh this was sarcasm, making fun of your awful subscription model. You’re the Juicero of CNC machines.
The juicer that had to be connected to wifi to squeeze a pouch... Believe one RUclips reviewer called it the juicy jizzer
3500$ and you get a mini cnc with half a software pack... Surely for that kind of money there are better products out there..
I don't understand! This machine is selling for $4000, but how come everything is so cheap, Nema 17 stepper motor, lead screw, 250w spindle… for the cost of all these hardware configurations, I would pay no more than $1000 for this thing.
I repair CNC machines for a living and all I can see when this thing is running is the fact that the bed has no way covers and all those chips are building up around the wipers for the bearings. Even worse is the axis screw is exposed as well. That's a horrible oversight for a mini machine in this price range and will kill the table bearings and axis screw very quickly if you use it for metals. Seriously, a set of accordion way covers would cost 50 bucks or less for this thing.
That was my first thought as well. Screw the software ecosystem, I can work around it, but all of those exposed precision surfaces, bearings and screws are a complete dealbreaker. Without any dust control it will eat itself quickly.
Plus I don't foresee a long life for that aluminium T-slot table.
I do believe this a highly engineered and well thought out product; they obviously have perfected their design life expectancy. The problem for the consumer is the designed built-in obsolescence looks to have been made to wreck the machine if you use it for metals for extended periods. And with the current setup they could get away without those extra protections because they probably think the primary use of the machine will be with softer materials like plastics and wood. I checked their website and I didn't see any specs for the kind of Aluminum the machine can handle but, they do sell a grade of 6061. Since they don't specify the grade I am guessing it's the cheaper, softer, annealed stuff.
I would have also liked to see an option for using some type of coolant(or a provision to add it on at a later date) to help prevent the aluminum from getting too hot and then start getting gummy and fouling the tooling. So without a coolant option, I think that thing would only be good for nibbling at the aluminum and not doing any sort of "heavy" cutting(Or at least as heavy as you could go using only 1/4" mills).
What do you consider to be the ideal beginner CNC?
Love it when someone who knows what they are doing shares their knowledge. Really appreciate your insights.
What fully enclosed CNC would you recommend, with your experience?
Subscription?? Bit weird. Especially at that price! What happens when the server goes down? Screw proprietary subscription services.
Hi there! Just wanted to clarify a couple things. First, you don't need WiFi to use the software. You install it right onto your computer (either Windows or Mac), connect your computer to the machine, and you're ready to roll. Second, you don't have to purchase the subscription pack of the Bantam Tools software, if you don't want to. We realize that the subscription isn't going to be for everyone. That's why every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack of the Bantam Tools software for free.
Bantam Tools you have every incentive to hold back important features to make more money.
@@bantamtools There's no way that your software doesn't periodically verify its subscription status to keep those 'premium' features unlocked. When you discontinue it in favor of a new solution or product, or god forbid just go out of business, how do they know that the real meat of the features you're locking behind a paywall are going to remain available? Either way it's a bullshit and greedy as hell move especially on a product at this price point. Letting people just flat buy the software features in an update package would still be greedy, but at least then they'd know that they own the features they want without worry of losing them at your 'premium' subscription whims.
How much did they pay you and were is the "sponsored" disclaimer?
Wait, you pay $3600 AND STILL HAVE TO JOIN A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE?!?!! LOL!!!!
Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Would definitely just go with Fusion.
@@Theexplorographer Fusion doesn't control the machine. it just generates the g code. She is using fusion gcode at 1 point in the video with the bantam software but can't even override the feed rate without subscribing! lol
3600 is a pretty affordable price for a CNC machine. Most full scale ones cost 10 times as much on the cheap end. The subscription is bullshit thou.
@@Aoskar95 lol you can buy a Shapeoko that will cut aluminum just as well (and have a larger work area) for $2200... or you can buy a Tormach that will cut aluminum 5x better (and also have a larger work area) for $5500. This machine makes no sense at this price point.
Can't wait until the servers shut down and you end up with a very complicated and expensive paperweight.
Clearly this women understands her machine and its limitations. She provided a lot of information in an understandable manner... Good Job! I also like that machine.
Trying to wrap my head around removing a Z probe from a collet, then inserting a cutting tool of random length into the same collet and somehow not having a wreck due to an unknown tool length. Where is the magic wand located, and do you sell them separately?
The machine touched off on the corner of the bed when a tool was fitted @7:22- I assume this set the tool length. But yeh 2 collets should be supplied.
Normally the probe on these "desktop" CNC machines are only really used for locating the edges of the part; getting the length of the tool stick out is another problem entirely. Some of the nicer machines I have seen actually have a separate sensor pad for the tool touch off on to help with that problem.
After Adam's builds Jen's videos are the best on Tested. I would like to see more. She is a great maker.
@00:57 Hold up there... The Bantam too is just a 2.5D Milling Machine as you cannot mill all 6 sides without flipping/turning the stock yourself - Top side without overhang access, Sides without overhang access, Bottom without access. The only 3D Milling Machine in that prosumer price class ( I know of ) would be the Pocket NC 5-Axis CNC Machines - Top and Sides with full overhang access, Bottom with limited overhang access.
Probably going to get some hate on this one. Comes across a little too much like an Ad or informercial. Also, the vernacular at least here on YT, a mill is a precision tool. So putting mill in the title people will probably expect a demonstration of the precision and accuracy of the machine.
No hate so far, in fact most people agree it feels like an ad even if they say it isn't.
Madness. For that price you could buy an actual CNC machine second hand from an auction.
Yeah one with accuracy, stability, cooling and so on. With the low budget parts that they have used, it's way overpriced
Thanks for doing such a thorough review! It was nice to see you take on multiple projects... Often times these sorts of reviews only show one simple part, and then say "So far I'm impressed, I'll keep working it it and follow up later". I felt like you were very thorough with your "initial review", thanks for doing such a broad set of projects!
I hope you are being sarcastic.......
aouch! no protection for the ballscrew / linear rails?!?
not even a ball screw, just a trapezoidal screw
An overly positive “review” for an overpriced product with a terrible subscription-based business model that feels exactly like an ad? I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.
Hi there! Sorry you feel this way. Just wanted to let you know though that the subscription package of the Bantam Tools software is totally optional. It's not going to be for everyone and so we don't believe everyone should have to buy it use the Desktop CNC Milling Machine. Every machine comes with a base pack of our software for free and includes features like automated probing routines, SVG support, and Fusion 360.
@@bantamtools why are you not answering if this is a promotion? Have you provided the cnc for free to tested?
@@bantamtools It's kind of crazy to not let people change feeds and speeds on a $3500 machine. I can understand most of the cost is probably software related, but when the software is missing something that basic the price is too high.
@@bantamtools please answer the question of is this a sponsored video? Multiple people have asked but yet you have continued to avoid the question...
@@7-ten This was not a sponsored video, no. Apologies for the delay in the response; we answered it elsewhere, and are now just seeing your comment.
Pro tip: Don't try to cut the material all the way to dimension in just one pass. Do a couple bigger rough cuts, then leave a few thousandths of material to take away in a finish pass and it will leave much nicer edges.
She literally says that at 8:03
Holy sponsored advertisement video, Batman!
Awesome a video on Batman's Tools.....oh wait.
Full feeds and speeds control being a subscription service is a pure money grab, horrible way to treat customers.
Hi Stuart, to clarify, the Custom Tool Library, which allows you to create fully customized feeds and speeds recipes, does come with the base pack of our software (which ships for free with every machine). Through the tool library, you'll have the power to add custom feeds and speeds, as well as import and export tools to and from other Bantam Tools users.
Thanks for your response Bantam Tools. However it didn’t come across that way in the video and judging by many of the comments I’m not the only one to infer this. I still think a subscription service for software is a looser for you that much is clear by the comments. @tested - was this a paid advert or a purchased review ?
@@stuartmartin3408 This was not a sponsored video, no. We would have disclosed that.
Adam Savage’s Tested Thank you for the clarification.
Glad you did a more in-depth review then other channels
Still way too expensive, specially to the milling area volume.
It has 4 axis? I need to make brass engraved rollers, and I don't know which CNC to buy. I need it to have the 4 axis rotation axis.
Can this mil a lower and upper receiver ? Like is it big enough ?
Honestly I’d rather make my own using the wide amount of open source material there is for a fraction of the initial price and no subscription. Also unsure what educational spaces have the funds for this kind of machine, lots can barely afford books...
THEN DO IT!
The free and public maker spaces I have frequented have had budgets for several upmarket 3d printers; hence, price should not be a non-starter.
Our high school shop certainly wouldn't and the local votech already has the big boy toys.
14:28 - No. Just, no.
Explain?
@@shadow7037932 nishbrown's assertion is most likely entirely correct. CNC machining isn't rocket science when it comes around to machine capabilities. A 250W spindle and extremely lightweight frame are not going to compare favourably to the next tier up in terms of part quality & capability. Sure the Bantam machine is in it's own little niche - but it's a slightly heavier duty CNC router, not a proper milling machine.
the round unsupported linear rails are a terrible design for a mill. better off putting that money towards something else.
David Farmer would rather get an MPCNC than this crap machine.
@@Olof123 At my work I needed a smallish machine to split plastic clamshells apart. I used a stepcraft, which at least has solid extrusions for rails, and a huge ammount of accesories, even tool changers and rotary axis.
The new m series stepcraft looks fantastic.
That being said, the small cnc I would recommend buying is the pocket nc 5 axis, its significantly more useful. part size isnt huge, but the 5 axis capability makes a huge difference in the types of parts you can make.
Can’t wait for this tech to get cheaper and more capable in the next 5 years!
You can get a 4 axis Sherline cnc mill for less, and it doesn't have a subscription cost.
CNC mills have been around for la long time, but unlike FDM printers they haven't really come down in price a lot (for ones that cal cut aluminum well). You can certainly get a 3018 CNC router for like $250, but this won't really cut metal well.
You can convert a Sieg X2 mini mill to CNC for about $1000 that price also includes the mill.
Subscription = no thanks. Surface finish on the brass = yikes. Nice idea but I would just purchase a Roland SRP miliing machine or just buy yourself a Shariff DMC1
As far as tooling and fixtures goes, the Little Machine Shop website would be a good way to go.
I wonder if LinuxCNC would work with this ?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't waste your money on this paper weight. It's probably got less than $400 worth of parts on it.
Besides, if you are going to buy a CNC machine you should really get the advice of an experienced person not a newbie.
Like the bantam cnc. Wonder if it'll go a bit bigger too do jobs. From 4x4 inches too 12x12inch sized jobs
Where is the "Paid Advertisement" tag?
This was not a paid review. We will always disclose when it is.
@@tested Thank you. As I'm sure you can see from other comments, this one seemed sponsored to some of us. Ah well, live an learn. Stay Safe.
Would a sheet of aluminium foil allow you to probe a non conductive surface?
On my machine running Mach3 I use the Aluminum tape for probing on non conductive surfaces.. Works well
"I'm also thinking Bantam will continue to dial in these default settings...."
Based on what? There's a lot of speculative comments like this throughout the video that really come across strangely in a product review.
Especially a non-sponsored one
Hi, I'm wondeirng what was the most difficult part for you when using cnc ? Would you think it's worth to get a bigger one ?
Does it have any type of 3d scanning capability? If you have an item you want to duplicate that you dont have blueprints for?
Haha that was funny. Watching that machine cut with the video sped up is the same speed out machines run at normally.
Build your own. You can put together something with a comparable build area and capabilities for way under a grand.
You can put something together with 10x the area under a grand. Also doesn't come with a stupid subscription and proprietary software.
PS Shapeoko's used to be around $500, the later upgraded ones are over $1k, but still more attractive than this thing.
Doubt you can hold tight tolerances for under a grand.
It'd be cool to see Jen do a one day build!
ruclips.net/video/NvryPJFkPlM/видео.html
Nice review ad, but when you enter the 3- to 4k range then the selection of cnc machines gets quite extended in the price bracket of this machine like Stepcraft and others.
Stepcraft isn't enclosed. I am definitely looking for a better machine than this like you are talking about, but it has to be enclosed.
this is advertising and no testing, but why advertising interrupted by advertising ?!
Why did you flip your mirror handle part between engraving and cutting? just to see if you could get it to line back up? You should've been able to do the engraving pass, then do the cut pass from the same side, then you don't have to probe again and you know it's aligned as long as your files are aligned.
Are those cast parts the machine is made from, or just sand blasted?
First video I watched for this channel and it lost all credibility forever. This CNC machine is a joke at that price.
Thanks for this video.
The software works in inches. Can I set the software in mm?
I read the title wrong and thought it said Batman Tools and I was like "heck yeah!"
You could buy a fully functional Bridgeport for that or even a nice Precision Mathews lathe 😂
Where does one purchase the metal stock?
Is the collet Chuck removable with an R8 taper or something? 🤔
You should try PocketNC like the one JohnnyQ90 using. Cool work and nice TinyCNC you got there :D
yeah that is a sweet machine
@@danielkrogh9748 Yep :D Very
Yeah I'll stick with my Ghost Gunner 3. Despite what the name suggests, it's not just for guns. I've milled all kinds of things with it- kitchenware, furniture parts, tools, martial arts training weapons, car parts, and yes- guns. Plus there's no subscription necessary, since it's all open source. Do your research before buying, folks. The GG3 fit my needs, maybe it'll fit yours too. Maybe not.
Wow what a great video, awesome presentation
cnc is so expensive
What a sweet job. Here fuck around with this 4,000 cnc and let us know what you think
it cnc machine is useful should we used it milling for dental false tooth fixtures.especially zirconium
Price seems a bit much but I suppose other CNC machines aren't built for a desktop? Feel like you'd still be better off with something like an inventables table or something despite the software being a little harder.
A CNC "review" without even a caliper lol
I wanna make little cute pins myself without having to outsource a minimum batch in China. Would this or a cheaper machine be ideal?
Sounds cool, kind of like glow Forge for CNC. Works great out of the box but costs five times as much as any other similarly capable machine.
Can you give an example of the other similarly-capable machine that cost 5 times less? I am about to buy one of these and would love to see a fully enclosed product like this at a better price.
Is the software compatible with Solidworks?
I wonder how this stacks up against the Tormach xsTech. Similar prices and work envelopes with different bells and whistles. Yes, both are expensive versus some of the other less polished solutions but no where near the price of HAAS's desktop mill/router.
Look up "6040 2.2kW" on your favorite e-commerce site and you'll see right away what both the Tormach and Haas(especially them, find the difference...) just plastered their logo over cheaper machines.
I would just like to say you did a really nice job showing this! Since this is a big investment for me this puts my mind more at ease when it comes time to purchase! Thank you!
I Want this device please tell me how can i find it here in UAE/DUBAI?
$3600?! That's a fully-capable OpenBuilds CNC machine, all of the tooling you can carry, a hundred pounds of raw stock, *and* several cases of beer. Or a very, *very* good quality used manual mill with tooling. Heck, I don't think I'm at $3k spent yet on my milling machine, including tooling, fixturing, and a literal half-ton of stock. Yikes.
3600? A Year later it's now 5 grand
@@insylem jeez
Great review! Thanks for sharing.
I was waiting to hear it could mill steel. Want to make folding knives. Specifically, pockets in blades to receive bearings for blade pivots.
Still great for prototyping. 👍
Hi James! The Desktop CNC Milling Machine was designed with rapid prototyping in mind :) Steel is not an officially supported material on our Desktop CNC Milling Machine. It's designed to be optimized for machining aluminum. Because the lowest spindle speed is 10K RPM and steel requires a much lower surface feet per minute compared to aluminum, you'd need to run smaller tooling when machining steel (3/16" and below). Also note that there’s no coolant system on the machine, which means you’ll need to take great care when machining steel. While this machine can cut steel, machining it is not covered in our warranty. Hope this helps!
@@bantamtools That's not what I'm looking for, but it still sounds like something I want and could use. Will it manage G10, micarta, and stabilized wood?
@@jamesbarisitz4794 If you are still interested look at winston moy's channel. He works for carbide 3D which make the nomad.
The moving bed design prevents doing small jobs on large stock. Greatly reduces functionality for no benefit, unforgivable, deal breaker.
It adds a lot to rigidity though
I'm not really sure what you are saying here. Plenty of large machines have moving beds. It makes it a lot easier to have rigidity in the head.
@@codygibson2809 On a large machine it's less important. If I have for example a CNC bridgeport mill and I want to engrave a canoe paddle I can, the mill doesn't care about that awkward load sticking out 6 feet but on a small machine you can't carry a large workpiece like that so the bed needs to be stationary. obviously there is room for other opinions here.
there's nothing difficult in achieving the same rigidity with a moving gantry configuration , it's just more expensive. So I propose that the moving bed makes it easier to hit your desired price point, which doesn't seem to have been a concern for these folks.
Is there a competing CNC mill that doesn't have an absurd subscription requirement?
Tormach 440
Excellent review!
Is this an ad for Bantam tools ... or a review? No disrespect to the young lady ... but it honestly sounds like she is reading from a script ... and watching her using that allen key ... i had to look away as she tightened the bolt with the allen key half in and @ a 45 degree angle ... yikes! I couldnt watch anything after that allen key scene. Im off to find a "real" review!
Are there any plans to open source the design?
If not are there any open-source equivalents to this?
Namaskar .mai es cnc machine ka mulya janna chahta hun.kya yah machine india me aa sakta hai?
Very cool! I have a 3D printer that does CNC carving but only engraving on a flat plane. Mouthed 3D and only softer materials like wood and acrylic.
Awesome review and content, Thanks 🤟🏾
Yup, cnc still isn't for the entry level household maker it seems. Too expensive for such a weak bit of software that's tied behind a subscription as well.
Hi there! Sorry you feel this way about the price point. Just to clarify, the subscription pack is totally optional. Every Desktop CNC Milling Machine comes with a base pack full of powerful features for free.
I love the maker space I had access to before the pandemic, CNC is my favourite tool to use. Informative and through video and the price point is what you would expect and everything is subscription these days for advanced features so no surprises there. Personally I have only worked in wood and I throroughtly enjoyed your video like I do everything that Tested brings to me. Thanks again.
computer numerical control is your favorite tool to use?
Superb review, clearly someone who knows what she uses.
This is a fantastic review. So much in depth info its also a tutorial. Good Job.
Does it work with other cam softwares or only theirs?
Only one question will this mill out 80% lowers?
So its use is limited unless you pay a subscription. I'll pass.
The base pack of the Bantam Tools software comes with a number of power features that will allow you to get started right out of the box. It includes automated probing routines, SVG support, Fusion 360 templates, and shortly after this video we made the decision to include the feeds and speeds override feature. In a nutshell, the base (free) version is packed with all of the important features you'll need to run your machine, and then some. The subscription pack is more for folks using the machine in a business setting where every minute counts. Hope this helps to clarify :)
To paraphrase Bantams replies- "no, you don't HAVE TO buy the sub, but if you don't, we'll reach into your machine and spank you. And not the enjoyable kind either. We mean the kind that has you calling CPS."
9:53 thats a pretty rough surface finish jus saying.
Especially considering it's the most forgiving material to machine.
Looks like it's all there! I learned CNC back in 2000-- just at the point where you needed to learn how to figure out the tool path on your own. The scary part was that, when hired, you were expected to step in and enter all the g-code in one go. I'm sure that happened all day long in the real world but put a zero in the wrong place and you've got a 100lb jaw turning at 6000RPM...
These days sound a little better-- converting a drawing straight into g-code was a thing back then but one was encouraged to trace the path anyway.
Good presentation.
WTF are you talking about?? Cam systems have been around since the early 1980's. By 2000 they were pretty damn powerful.
Just because you worked in a shop that didn't have a cam system doesn't mean they didn't exist.
@@danarrington2224 Aw crap, what the FUCK am I talking about?? I meant how could a p3 at like, 500MHz compare to a modern GHz machine.
Eliot Brown It just took longer to calculate the toolpath. Solid modeling and 3D surfacing were very much available in 2000.
@@danarrington2224 Thanks for setting me straight. I took a CNC class in a Port Ewen, NY vocational school and had to work with 10 and 15 year old equipment. So glad you got to work with the best.
@@danarrington2224 And because you REALLY need to help me out here-- I was there for manual old school machinist training. The CNC stuff was really at the last minute, all things considered. And yes, the computers could just keep up with the new software. Pretty clunky.
I ordered mine 7/30/2020 and supposed to get it sometime next month... Maybe... Has anyone on here received theirs yet?
Great video Jen!
This is a very well prepared and executed review. Thank you!
Can you use fusion 360 or do you have to use what you get with it?
This is a router not a mill.
@@usseg Thats interesting because at the main shop at the national lab I work at they do have a large CNC router as well as CNC mills. The core difference ACTUALLY being spindle speed and relative torque.
@@usseg Not to mention that there is the inherent expectation of rigidity with a mill, which this toy does not have. Therefore it is a router.