Turn-Mill? How About Just “Mill”!

In a strange way, one of the most limiting features of a multitasking, or turn-mill, machine is the presence of the turning capability. Shops treat these machines as lathes. They tend to assign them jobs that do not depart significantly from turning work. However, the best multitasking machines are, in fact, self-contained machining systems. They should be treated as such.

A maker of valvetrain components escaped the “lathe” mindset. As a result, a turn-mill center proved to be the most effective machine (easily so) for a cam follower requiring no turning at all.

Mazak says certain all-milled parts seem to be made just for multitasking. Watch this video of milling turbine blades on a so-called “turning” machine.

Question: What is the most impressive part you have run in one setup on a turn-mill machine? E-mail your reply. Photos welcome!