Bantam Tools Software Updates: What’s New in 2.3.7?
In the latest release (2.3.7) of our Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software, we’re laser-focused on making sure you have the tools you need to troubleshoot issues easily and get back to machining quickly. With the new year rapidly approaching, we want to keep you and your team working efficiently to meet your end-of-year goals and deadlines. For this release, we’ve added a new built-in Error Reporting feature that helps you quickly identify and troubleshoot some of the most common issues our support team has seen users encounter. We’ve also made fixes to our built-in SVG support and Bantam Tools Tools Custom Tool Library.
Error Reporting
Previously, if you wanted to view an error report, you would need to go to the Bantam Tools Debug Console. But now with the Error Reporting feature, you’ll be able to see these errors in the main software wizard, without having to open the Debug Console.
The Error Reporting feature works similarly to our Warning feature. When an error occurs in the Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software, a message appears at the bottom of the wizard. Unlike the Warning reports, which are red, the Error Reporting is orange.
In the example above, the Error Reporting reads “Mill Error: Probe travel is too small - probe error”. We intentionally triggered this error by trying to probe in the negative X direction when the probe is already located at the origin (0,0) point. Because we knew it was a user error, we clicked the Clear button and continued to set up our job.
However, when you’re troubleshooting, you’ll want to identify and resolve the issue causing this error before you clear it. When you’re experiencing a probing issue, it’s often the sign of a conductivity issue. To troubleshoot, check and clean out the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine’s X, Y, and Z limit switches. For more guidance on cleaning the machine’s limit switches, see our Cleaning & Maintenance guide.
Alternatively, you may need to clean the pallet receiver. Probing issues can occur when debris gets built up around the shim that separates the top part of the pallet receiver from the bottom. Check out our Troubleshooting Conductivity guide for more information on the tools you’ll need and what this process entails.
Bug Fixes
For this release, we’ve made fixes to our built-in SVG support and Custom Tool Library. The first is an update of the 0,0 point in the Bantam Tools software. Recently, we milled a series of SVG designs on anodized dog and luggage tags. We fixtured the tags to the front, left corner of the T-slot bed, and we noticed that when we loaded our SVG file, the design was offset slightly.
The second item we fixed is the name of the default tool for the Harvey Tool 60º Pyramid Engraver. Previously, it was listed as a 1/4” tool, but the end mill’s shank diameter is 1/8”. If you’re not familiar with it, our Custom Tool Library is our software’s database of default and custom speeds and feeds for end mills. You can use our Tool Library to add new tools, edit tool settings, and import or export your entire tool library. See our Custom Tool Library & 2.5D AutoCAM guide to learn how to use this classic feature.
As always, if you have feedback on support materials or projects you’d like us to dive deeper into, reach out to resources@bantamtools.com. And if you have technical questions, please reach out to our support team at support@bantamtools.com.