Mill Column Components

Base

The base provides a stable foundation for the mill. It usually has mounting holes for leveling and attachment to the floor.

The base provides a stable foundation for the mill to rest on.

Knee Lead Screw Housing

The knee rests on a lead screw that is attached to the base. This provides vertical travel for the knee, and in turn, the table.

The knee is positioned vertically by a lead screw attached to the base.

Column

The column is the primary structural element of the knee mill. It is usually a large casting that into which several features are integrated.

The column is the main structural element of the knee mill.

Ways

The ways are precision guides that allow the column to be moved vertically in a controlled manner. Ways can take different configurations, such as box ways, dovetail ways, and v-ways.

Ways allow the knee to move vertically in a linear path.

Turret

Some mills include a turret that enables the ram to swivel about the vertical axis of the machine.

A turret permits the ram to swivel about an axis perpendicular to the floor.

Ram Locks

Ram locks clamp the ram into position for use.

Ram locks clamp the ram in position.

Ram adjusting handle

The ram is positioned by turning the ram adjusting handle. The handle is usually connected to a pinion gear that moves a rack attached to the ram.