Spindle
The horizontally oriented shaft that drives the cutter. Unlike vertical mills, the spindle axis is parallel to the worktable.
Worktable
The flat surface where the workpiece is clamped. It features T-slots for securing work and moves longitudinally (X-axis) and transversely (Y-axis) relative to the spindle.
Knee
The massive casting that supports the saddle and worktable. It slides vertically along the column to provide Z-axis (up and down) movement for adjusting the depth of cut.
Column & Base
The main structural backbone of the machine. The heavy base provides stability on the floor, while the rigid column houses the main drive motor and supports the knee and overarm.
Arbor & Support
The arbor is a shaft driven by the spindle that holds the milling cutters. The arbor support hangs from the overarm to stabilize the outer end of the arbor during heavy cuts.
Overarm
The heavy beam extending horizontally from the top of the column. It provides rigid mounting for the arbor support, ensuring the cutting tool doesn't deflect.