Single spindle milling machine
Single spindle milling machines are the most commonly used type of milling machines. Single spindle machines are used for both wood and metal working, typically for precision or finishing operations. As the name implies, a single spindle milling machine utilizes a single spindle mounted on a rotating axle. This spindle is then inserted into the workpiece, typically an item of sheet metal or a block of wood, and held in place by a set of chuck keys or collets.
The spindle is then rotated in a circular motion allowing the cutter mounted on the end to remove material from the workpiece. The cutter is usually in the form of a disc or endmill and is usually fixed in place by a set of nuts and screws. The disc or endmill can be changed according to the type and size of the material being machined.
The spindle itself is powered by an electric motor and can typically rotate at speeds ranging from 500-5000 RPM. The cutting speed should be adjusted according to the material being machined. By utilizing different cutters and speeds, the single spindle milling machine can be used to quickly produce parts with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
Single spindle milling machines are used in a variety of metalworking and woodworking industries as they can be used to fabricate items ranging from brackets and fittings, to musical instruments and furniture. They are also often used for re-machining existing parts that are found to be substandard or need re-engineering for a better tolerance.
Single spindle milling machines allow the operator to easily create complex and intricate parts thanks to their ability to move the cutting head in multiple axes. Cutting heads can be moved in a vertical, horizontal and/or radial angle allowing for features such as engraved lettering or curved surfaces to be machined with relative ease.
The main benefits of a single spindle milling machine compared to more complex multi-axis CNC milling machines are speed, simplicity and portability. Single spindles are considerably cheaper than larger, more complex CNC mills and, due to the smaller size, they are much easier to move, making them perfect for jobs that require the machine to be moved to the job site. This makes them especially popular in maintenance shops and small production operations.
Although single spindle milling machines are probably the most common type of milling machines, they are generally not popular with operators. Operator comfort and safety are almost non-existent on these machines due to the cramped operating conditions, lack of dust collectors, and high noise levels. Single spindle milling machines also require a higher skill level due to the time taken to set up and run the machine.
Overall, single spindle milling machines are the mainstay of most metalworking and woodworking operations. They are cheap, portable and versatile but lack features such as safety, comfort and noise reduction when compared to their more expensive modern counterparts. However, it is their low cost and portability that makes them appealing to many.
