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  1. #1
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    Default Milling machine types

    What's the difference between a milling machine, a universal milling machine and a turret milling machine ?
    and which is better ?

    I'm looking at buying one if I can talk the misses into parting with the money....She's got the purse.

  2. #2
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    A milling machine is a broad, catch all term, usually describing a machine tool where the workpiece is held steady while the cutter is rotated against it.

    A universal milling machine has more axis of control. Typically (though not always) its a table that includes the ability to rotate the x and y axis relative to each other. Imagine it like the compound slide on your lathe. Have a look at the saddle here, youll see where it can rotate (white band with angle markings on it). Sometimes the description universal mill is used to describe a machine where the spindle housing has the ability to nod and swing side to side. Have a look at the head of this one here, it can rotate on two axis. Good for lots of specialist jobs, the ones with a universal table are required if you wish to manually mill helical gears. The ones with nodding heads are just more flexible in how they can be positioned relative to the workpiece.

    A turret style machine is where the spindle / headstock of the machine is mounted on an arm that can extend outwards from the column of the machine. Bridgeport popularised it way back in the day and theres as many clones as there are missing socks behind my washing machine. An example (and a clone at that) can be seen here. Really useful because theyre flexible, you can swing the head around side to side and extend and withdraw it for odd jobs. Theyre typically not as rigid, so theyre not great for heavy production work.

  3. #3
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    Default

    Hi Phil,

    As far as I am aware, there are only two basic types of milling machine, the horizontal and the vertical ones. The horizontal ones use a horizontal shaft or spindle carrying one or more circular cutters. The vertical ones all use a cutter on the end of a vertical spindle, which may or may not be rotated such that the cutter can be turned to work at an angle. Some of the much larger machines can have automatic tool changers, which could be described as turret machines.

    Scotty beat me to the punch
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  4. #4
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    Default

    Here's some eye candy... //metalworkforums.com/f65/t177834-mill-ii
    Michael

  5. #5
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    Default

    As scottyd mentioned, I think of a mill described as being universal as having a table that can pivot. Not all mills can do that.
    Here's a horizontal mill, but I think a vertical mill can also have the "universal" pivoting table.
    https://5.imimg.com/data5/BC/VJ/MY-2...ne-500x500.jpg

  6. #6
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    Hi Guys,

    A bit of useless trivia ! The horizontal mill was derived from a machine designed to make flutes in drills. According to Brown & Sharp.
    mill.jpg
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  7. #7
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  8. #8
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    A lot more room around your mill presumably back when you first got it Bob?

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    A lot more room around your mill presumably back when you first got it Bob?
    Ha Bob!

    Eight years ago I didn't have to squeeze past the tool and cutter grinder to use the 13. Still the same side and rear access.

    DSC_8929 (Large).jpg

  10. #10
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Anorak Bob View Post
    Ha Bob!

    Eight years ago I didn't have to squeeze past the tool and cutter grinder to use the 13. Still the same side and rear access.

    DSC_8929 (Large).jpg
    Haven't you got a set of drawers on the LHS?

  11. #11
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    Yes, the red IKEA drawer pedestal full of goodness. It is on castors enabling easy removal and replacement with the essential milk grate for elevated viewing.

  12. #12
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    There's universal, and there's extremely universal!

    Jordan

    Quote Originally Posted by Anorak Bob View Post
    And here is the universal table gyrating on my petite mill..
    BT

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