A knee mill is a type of milling machine that has a vertically adjustable work table. The knee is the part of the mill that adjusts up and down to control the height of the work table. The work table can be moved side to side, as well as forwards and backwards, allowing the mill to create different shapes and sizes of cuts. Most knee mills have an X-Y table that allows for precise control over the positioning of the work piece. Knee mills can be either manually operated or CNC (computer numerically controlled) operated. CNC controlled knee mills are more precise and efficient than manual milling machines.

What is the purpose of a knee mill?

A vertical knee mill is a versatile machine tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, such as facing, slotting, drilling or boring. The main purpose of a knee mill is to remove material from a workpiece, typically metal. The milling process involves the use of a rotating cutting tool to remove material from the workpiece. The operator can control the depth and direction of the cut, as well as the speed of the rotation. Vertical knee mills are generally more rigid and precise than other types of milling machines, making them ideal for tight tolerances and high-quality finishes.

What is the difference between a knee mill and a bed mill?

A knee mill is a type of vertical milling machine where the spindle is mounted on a kneesimilar to a large drill press. The spindle can be raised or lowered allowing the cutter to move up or down. This allows the operator to mill the top of a workpiece, the bottom or any surface in-between. Knee mills are generally smaller and more versatile than bed mills but require more operator involvement. Bed mills are larger and have a table that moves only in the Z-axis. While most knee mills have three axes (X, Y & Z), some also have a quill that allows drilling and light milling in the Z-axis without raising or lowering the spindle. Knee mills offer several advantages over bed mills including: more versatility due to their smaller size, easier chip removal due to better chip evacuation, and easier setup and programming due to their simpler construction. Knee mills are also less expensive than bed mills and are typically used for lower production applications.

Why is it called knee mill?

The name “knee mill” comes from the fact that the x-axis is located on a knee-like support that extends from the base of the mill. The y-axis is then located on a column that runs vertically along the front of the machine. This design was first introduced in 1936 by Rudolph Bannow’s company, and quickly became the standard for vertical mills. Today, Bridgeport is still the most common brand of knee mill, but many other companies have begun to produce similar machines. Most modern knee mills are equipped with a rotating turret and sliding-ram head, which allows them to perform a wide variety of machining operations.

What is a bridgeport knee mill?

A Bridgeport knee mill is a machine that combines the rigidity and power of a milling machine with the versatility of a variable speed head. The head is equipped with quill travel for drilling, tapping, and reaming operations. The turret and ram head can be rotated to add even more versatility to the machine. This makes the Bridgeport knee mill an essential tool for any shop that needs to perform all of these operations. Thanks to its versatility, the Bridgeport knee mill is one of the most popular machines in use today.