Milling machine

Milling machines are very versatile. They are usually used to machine flat surfaces on square or rectangular parts, but
can also produce many unique and irregular surfaces. They can also be used to drill, bore, produce slots, pockets and
many other shapes. The type of milling machine in the UCR Mechanical Engineering Machine Shop is a variable speed
vertical spindle, knee-mill with a swiveling head (also known as a “Bridgeport”). Although there are several other types
of milling machines, this document will focus only on the vertical milling machine.
A milling machine removes metal by rotating a multi-toothed cutter that is fed into the moving workpiece. The spindle
can be fed up and down with a quill handle on the head.

The goal of this SOP and the accompanying “training” is not to make you a mill operator/machinist, but to make sure 

you can safely do certain tasks. It applies to all students, staff, faculty and others who wish to use the machine shop! 

This SOP should be read, fully understood, and reviewed at the machine with the Shop Manager. Every machine user will 

have to take the “Basic User Safety Test”, demonstrate “hands-on” proficiency and then sign the “BASIC USER 

CLEARANCE FORM & SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE LOG” before being approved to operate the machine. The allowable 

machining tasks will be limited to those covered in this SOP. 

There is much more to using a mill than what is covered in this SOP. Always ask before doing a new operation!