What is the Othermill? The Othermill is a compact, desktop-sized CNC milling machine designed by Other Machine Co. (now part of Bantam Tools). This versatile machine enables users to cut, mill, and engrave precision parts from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and soft metals. Ideal for small-scale prototyping, DIY projects, and educational purposes, the Othermill offers professional-grade capabilities in a user-friendly, affordable package. It's an excellent option for makers, engineers, designers, and hobbyists who need precise machining in a compact form factor. Why Rent the Othermill in Our Lab? Renting the Othermill through our lab provides access to high-precision, desktop CNC milling without the cost and space requirements of owning one. Whether you’re working on prototypes, custom parts, or learning CNC machining, the Othermill is perfect for hands-on exploration and development. Key Benefits of Renting from Our Lab: • Expert Support: Our knowledgeable staff is available to help with setup, file preparation, and machining best practices. • Flexible Access: Book the Othermill by the hour, day, or week based on your project needs. • Collaborative Space: Work alongside other innovators, experimenters, and learners in a shared lab environment. • Affordable Access: Eliminate the high upfront costs of purchasing and maintaining a CNC mill. • Well-Maintained Equipment: The Othermill is regularly cleaned, calibrated, and tested to ensure optimal performance. Overview at a Glance • Machine Name: Othermill • Manufacturer: Other Machine Co. (now Bantam Tools) • Type: Desktop CNC Milling Machine • Available For: On-site rental only – contact our lab to book your session • Best For: Engineers, designers, hobbyists, educators, and product developers Technical Specifications • Work Area: 5.5" x 5.5" x 2.5" (140mm x 140mm x 63.5mm) • Material Compatibility: Wood, plastics (such as acrylic and nylon), aluminum, and soft metals • Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM • Resolution: 0.001" (0.0254mm) • Accuracy: +/- 0.001" (0.025mm) • Supported Software: Compatible with Fusion 360, Inventor, SolidWorks, and other CAM software via G-code • Tool Compatibility: Accepts standard milling tools (end mills, engraving tools, etc.) Applications and Use Cases • Prototyping: Rapidly prototype parts with precise details and complex geometries. • Custom Parts: Create custom enclosures, brackets, tools, or components for small electronics or mechanical systems. • Educational Projects: Teach CNC machining and engineering principles in a hands-on environment. • Art and Design: Create intricate engravings, custom jewelry pieces, or decorative components. • Engineering Testing: Produce functional prototypes for testing fit, form, and assembly. Considerations and Advantages • Compact Design: The desktop size allows for easy integration into small workshops, labs, or home studios. • Precision and Accuracy: Ideal for creating parts that require tight tolerances and detailed features. • Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and user-friendly software make it accessible for beginners and experienced users alike. • Affordable Access: Provides professional-grade CNC milling without the need for a large-scale machine or high capital investment. • Versatile Material Capability: Works with a range of materials, from plastics to soft metals like aluminum, making it suitable for a wide array of applications. • Improved Over Older Versions: The Othermill has been refined to offer better performance and ease of use compared to early models. Maintaining and Optimizing Performance • Regular Maintenance: Our team ensures that the machine is regularly cleaned, the spindle is checked for wear, and that it is recalibrated before each use. • Material-Specific Settings: Pre-configured toolpath profiles are available for common materials, ensuring optimal cutting speeds and feed rates. • Precision Tools and Setup: We provide proper tooling, maintenance tips, and support to maximize your machine’s lifespan and ensure high-quality output. • Software Guidance: Our staff can guide you on how to prepare G-code and optimize your designs for milling.