Pivoting Mill on Lathe

[Justin ThymeParticipant @justinthyme24678]

We were originally told this mill pivoted as per the images, to give more room on the lathe. This has always struck me as odd per the amount of engineering that has gone into it for very little benefit.  what would you need more room to do.

Today whilst milling something large I have started to think it is to gave a wider range.   The cross slide only moves 220mm but repositioning the gantry could easily double that!

Am I right to think this?

 

 

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Yes, provided you can pick up a reference point. This technique is used even on big Bridgeport turret mills because you often want just that little bit more.

[MikeKParticipant @mikek40713]

The mill head right over the chuck and carriage would be a nuisance to me having a good look or measurement.

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