MEFC 106 | MODULE 4 LESSON 3

1. Briefly describe the process of aligning a milling vise with the table
movement using a dial indicator.

- To align a vise, first be sure both the machine table and bottom of
the vise are clean and burr free. Gently place the vise on the machine
table and position the clamps. Position the indicator near one end of the
solid jaw of the milling vise, always indicate the solid jaw. Move the
saddle to preload the dial indicator and set the dial face to 0, Then turn
the table handle to move the indicator near the other end of the solid jaw.

2. What must first be done before milling with either a T-slot cutter or
dovetail cutter?

- Before milling with either a T-slot cutter or dovetail cutter, machine

a straight slot with a standard end mill first.
MEFC 106 | MODULE 4 LESSON 4

3. Describe the primary differences between the rotary table and the
indexing head.

- The indexing head (sometimes called a dividing head) is another

work holding device that serves as a rotary axis for part positioning. The
dividing head provides the ability to rotate the workpiece in very precise
increments. While a rotary table can be used to rotate the workpiece as it
is being machined, the dividing head is mostly used for rotating the
workpiece to a position and then securing it there for machining. This
rotary positioning is known as indexing.

4. Name three types of workpiece features that are well suited to using
a rotary positioning device.

- Position or drill holes, Angular Positioning for Milling, and Angular

Positioning for Drilling.

5. Briefly describe the two alignment steps that need to be performed

when setting up the rotary table on the milling.

-After mounting the rotary table on the mill table, the next step is to align the
rotary table center line with the machine spindle center line. The milling
machine table position must be adjusted until the indicator contact ball
appears to be rotating concentric with the hole in the table. This method is only
intended to get the table alignment close. After visually aligning the spindle and
rotary table, the indicator can be lowered down into the hole and zeroed. Next,
rotate the spindle again by hand. Center the spindle and rotary table within
0.0005". When alignment has been achieved, lock the X-and Y-axes and set the
micrometer collars to zero and/or set the DRO to zero.
SUMMATIVE TEST

Identify and differentiate the parts of a milling machine.

1. Base - The base serves as the foundation of all other parts of the milling
machine. It is the platform that sits on the ground to support the machine’s
weight.

2. Column - The column is a box shape frame that is mounted vertically to

support the machine. It is connected directly to the base. It serves as the
housing of all the driving mechanisms of the table feed and the spindle.
3. Knee - The knee is the part of the milling machine that supports the table
and saddle. It caters to the vertical motion in the Z- direction of the work piece.
The knee serves as the housing of the table feed mechanism and controls.

4. Saddle - The saddle is a flat surface that supports the table in a

longitudinal motion. It caters to the horizontal motion in the Y- direction of the
work piece.

5. Table - The table is located horizontally on top of the saddle. It has T-

slots for clamping the material to be used, such as steel and aluminum. The
longitudinal motion of the table is limited to avoid or lessen mistakes with the
work piece. However, universal machine tables can move both vertically and
horizontally.

6. Over Arm - The over-hanging arm is located on top of the column. It

serves as the support to the cutter and the arbor.

7. Arbor - The arbor is the spindle’s extension that secures rotating and
mounting. It is made with taper shanks with 7:24 value to ensure proper
alignment. It is placed parallel to the spindle.