Vertical Milling Machines
Milling machines in the Asylum Machine Shop
General Info
Make	various
Model
Serial
Specs
Manual
Asylum Info
Location	Machine Shop
Rubric
Training
Testing
Restrictions	red

Description

On a milling machine, parts are created by removing material from a solid block (or workpiece) using a variety of spinning cutting tools.

A 3-axis vertical milling machine has a variable-speed vertical spindle and a heavy table that translates underneath it. A metal workpiece is clamped to the table and a cutting tool is held in the spindle. Cutting is done by moving the workpiece against the spinning tool, or by lowering the spinning tool into the workpiece.

A CNC milling machine operates by computer control. Motors are attached to the movement mechanics allowing the computer to make precision-machined parts automatically.

Safety Notes

		Eye protection required!

Personal

• Wear safety goggles. Eyeglasses are NOT safety goggles.

• Beware of flying chips. They are HOT and SHARP.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating the machine. Long hair must be tied back or covered.
• Do not wear gloves. Gloves can be drawn into a cut by the spinning tool.
• Do not remove chips from the cutting area with bare hands. Use a chip brush or a shop-vac.
• Always keep a secure, stable stance. Avoid over-reaching. Clean up oil spills immediately and avoid slipping. Keep the work area clear of trip hazards.

Machine

• Work must be clamped securely in a vise and the vise clamped tightly to the table, or, work must be clamped securely to the table.
• Always stay at the machine while it is running.
• Do not operate the machine if any unusual or excessive heat, noise, smoke, or vibration occurs.
• Make sure the spindle has come to a complete stop before changing tools or unloading the workpiece. Keep hands clear of the spindle start switch when changing tools.
• NEVER USE COMPRESSED AIR to remove chips from the work area.
• Remove all wrenches, chuck keys, and loose parts before turning on the machine.
• Before running machine the spindle should be rotated by hand to make sure it is clear for cutting.
• Make sure the cutter is rotating in the proper direction before cutting material.
• Always use sharp cutters that are in good condition.

Vertical 3-Axis Milling Machines at Artisans Asylum

Accu II Mill	Enco Mill	Sharp Mill "Click"	Sharp Mill "Clack"	Bridgeport Mill
CNC	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual (Out of Service)

Parts of a Milling Machine

Parts of a Milling Machine

Headstock:

The spindle is driven by the motor at the top. Frequently there is a crank-operated speed control located on the front.

An emergency stop (E-STOP) button is always located next the the motor power switch.

The spindle is raised and lowered through the Quill, actuated by a handle on the side of the headstock.

Tools are held in place with a drawbar that extends through the center of the spindle. The draw-bar can be tightened manually or with a pneumatic motor.

Table:

The moving table is carried on the machine's saddle.

Side-to-side (Longitudinal) motion of the table is controlled by ball crank handles on either end of the table. The scales are incremented by 0.001 inches.

Knee:

In-and-out (Cross) motion of the table is controlled by a crank on the front of the knee, also incremented by 0.001 inches.

The table is raised and lowered vertically by a crank on the side of the knee.

Base and Turret

These provide stability and allow some adjustment of the headstock.