Tramming the Head on a Milling Machine

Matt Schmelzer from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is here today to show you exactly how to tram the head on a milling machine. Here's how to align the tool head so that it is completely square to the table. Today's demonstration will be showcased on the vertical turret mill.
1:10 The tools you'll need to accomplish the job
2:00 Adjusting the tilt of the tool head
3:36 Adjusting the rotation of the tool head
5:12 Aligning the table to the quill with a combination square
7:17 Using a plunger indicator and tramming ring to ensure the alignment is precise.
12:21 Now that you're head is perfectly trammed, tighten up the machine to secure the alignment in place!
14:20 Don't have a plunging indicator? Here's how to accomplish the process with a travel indicator and magnetic base.
Here are the tools you'll need to successfully tram the head on a milling machine:
- Plunger indicator (recommended) (amzn.to/3zzEiZ5)
or a travel indicator (amzn.to/3wZNYtP) with a magnetic base (amzn.to/3BuXYPA)
- Tramming ring
- Wrench (amzn.to/3xV6JjH)
- Collet holder (amzn.to/3Br5FGs)
- Right angle combination square (amzn.to/3kIe4PQ)
Drop any comments or questions down below in the comments section and don't forget to subscribe!
Stay tuned for more videos!
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#milling #machining #metalworking

[@mikespencer2948]

Great job on the video totally informative.

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Excellent instructions, thanks man...

[@jdmccorful]

Good info. Thanks for the look.

[@brogawdd2811]

Very well done and explained

[@kerkkonenahaima7322]

Double indicator arm really helps tramming this kind of milling machines. Same procedure, first make the sideways rotation straight and zero the indicators. Now the tilt with the offset pivot point is much easier. Turn the head until both indicators show exactly same value.

[@jagboy69]

Yup.... PM would do well to watch ol Mr. Pete, the youtube shop teacher!

[@jeremyr9541]

Great video

[@rodneykiemele4721]

Matt, you make the best videos on this channel, Thanks. I’ve learned something on everyone that I’ve seen.

[@robertjeffery6100]

Great info

[@Isavier12]

Awesome thank you

[@bradleydaigneault3421]

If you're mounting something to the table itself then this is exactly how I'd do it but if your mounting a vise then I always tram the machine to the vise itself.

[@imetr8r]

Excellent Video! What about squaring the x-y table to the machine? In other words, how do you assure that the x-travel and y-travel at one extreme is the same at the other extreme?

[@billshiff2060]

6:20 the machine has notches on the quill housing(above and below the depth screw) to use a square specifically for that setting. You don't have to use the quill like that. Likewise the same notches are used to set the nod too.

[@ryanboyce3365]

Nice to see that good old machinist know it all attitude in the comments. “Its not vernier” “i do it this way so this guy is wrong I’m better” Shit never ends.

[@HotRodPackard]

I swing 20” and indicate 3 points’ 3-6-9 o’clock on the table. The table is 10” in Y. This gets you closer than splitting hairs in that radius. Once you have zero on all three points, your dialed 👌🏻 Old guy turned me on to this.

[@deanmickiewicz495]

The head can rotate(see the large scale beneath the "e mill"). You have to run the indicator in x along the entire ways of the milling table too.

[@user-fh9dy9wg3t]

Do you really? I’ve never heard this before not doubting you. Just want to know in college now for machining

[@gerrylundergaard60]

The red flag warning was in the beginning when you were leaning on the machine. Fully extend the quill. Why? To magnify the error from tilt vertex. Then proceed with a precision parallel. No need for that ring ding. Pay attention or pay cash!

[@machinists-shortcuts]

Very true, the quill should be extended out for maximum accuracy. The nomenclature needs a bit of attention. There are no Vernier scales, just scales. The combination square has no ruler it is called a rule. - It is engraved to the ends. There are no rack and pinions, they are worm drives. The forward tilt is called the nod.

[@georgedennison3338]

What if you don't have the ring? Four equal blocks?

[@LonersGuide]

Wait a minute, this wasn't a cat video!

[@millomweb]

5:26 the scales are not 'vernier dials' either !

[@frankschiavone4557]

😅 come on man,

[@millomweb]

5:14 "I'm going to use this combination square head" 'Combination square' - I'll agree with but not the 'head' part.

[@millomweb]

2:14 " so you can see there's a vernier scale for both dimensions" Nope, I can't see a vernier scale on either BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ONE. How did you get the job ?

[@millomweb]

7:03 They ARE NOT vernier scales !

[@frankschiavone4557]

Yeah really, use an indicator 1/4 in collar extension and JUST USE THE TABLE

[@millomweb]

I suppose for a technical college, that's good enough. Any students going on into the real world can learn later how to do it professionally - and using the correct tool.