Bantam Tools

Bantam Tools, a manufacturer of desktop computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machines, was established to make in-house prototyping more accessible. The company, originally named Other Machine Co., was co-founded in 2013 by Danielle Applestone. The venture grew out of a U.S. Government Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) project that was developing digital design and manufacturing tools for educational settings. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013 that raised over $300,000, the company launched its first product.

Danielle Applestone, who served as the initial CEO, holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering and a B.S. in chemical engineering from MIT. Her background in engineering and a passion for STEM education shaped the company's early direction. In May 2017, Other Machine Co. was acquired by Bre Pettis, co-founder and former CEO of the 3D printer company MakerBot. Following the acquisition, the company rebranded to Bantam Tools, a name inspired by the small but powerful rooster, reflecting the capabilities of their machines. Pettis, an artist and entrepreneur with a history in the maker movement, currently leads the company as CEO. In 2019, Bantam Tools relocated its headquarters from Berkeley, California, to a new manufacturing facility in Peekskill, New York.

The company's core business is selling desktop CNC milling machines, along with related software, accessories, and materials. Its products cater to a diverse clientele, including electrical and mechanical engineers, product designers, educators, research labs, and entrepreneurs who require rapid prototyping capabilities. The business model involves the direct sale of hardware, with additional revenue generated from a Pro software license that unlocks advanced features like PCB milling support and conversational CAM. The machines are designed to be user-friendly, allowing professionals to quickly iterate on designs by milling parts from materials like aluminum, brass, plastics, and wood directly from their digital files. Bantam Tools also offers solutions for customers without design experience by providing custom G-code, workflows, and fixtures.

Bantam Tools offers several CNC machines, including the Bantam Tools Desktop CNC Milling Machine and the more portable Bantam Tools Explorer CNC Milling Machine. The flagship Desktop CNC machine features a high-speed spindle of up to 28,000 RPM, a build volume of 7” x 9” x 3.3”, and is fully enclosed for safety. It is designed for precision and can handle materials softer than steel. Key features include user-friendly software with Fusion 360 integration, automatic material probing, and a robust build. The company has also expanded its product line to include art machines, such as the Bantam Tools NextDraw™ pen plotter and the large-format ArtFrame™ system, for creating physical artwork from digital designs.

Keywords: desktop CNC, PCB milling, rapid prototyping, CNC milling machine, digital fabrication, Bre Pettis, Danielle Applestone, Other Machine Co., subtractive manufacturing, engineering tools, product design, aluminum milling, Peekskill manufacturing, portable CNC, art plotters, maker movement, CNC software, prototyping tools, hardware startup, educational technology, custom fabrication