Plain milling machine motions On a standard plain (horizontal) milling machine, the work table can be moved in which basic directions?

Introduction / Context:
Milling accuracy and versatility rely on the machine’s available axes. Understanding table motions helps plan setups, cutter approach, and surface generation on prismatic parts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Plain (horizontal) knee-and-column milling machine.
• Standard work table with feeds.
• Spindle axis horizontal; arbor carries the cutter.

Concept / Approach:
Conventional knee-and-column mills provide three orthogonal motions: longitudinal (X) along the saddle/bed, cross (Y) perpendicular to the spindle axis, and vertical (Z) by raising/lowering the knee. These allow positioning the work relative to the rotating cutter for a wide variety of operations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Operator handwheels and feed mechanisms correspond to these three axes; DROs on modern machines show X/Y/Z.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Limiting to fewer axes understates the machine’s capability; all three are standard on plain mills.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing axis nomenclature with that of vertical mills; always visualize relative to the table and knee on your specific machine.

Final Answer:

All of these