What is located at the top of a vertical column-and-knee mill and extends over the worktable?

The head of a vertical column-and-knee mill is that critical component positioned at the top of the mill, extending over the worktable. It houses the spindle and the drive mechanism that allows the cutting tool to be precisely positioned above the workpiece. The head's design facilitates vertical movement, enabling operators to adjust the height and angle of the cutting tool to achieve various machining tasks effectively. This adaptability is essential for performing operations such as drilling, milling, and shaping, making it a fundamental aspect of the milling process.

In contrast, the base is the sturdy, lower part of the machine that provides stability; the table is the surface where the workpiece is mounted and can move in both horizontal directions; and the knee is an intermediate component that allows for vertical adjustments of the table and workpiece. Each of these components plays a significant role in the overall functionality of the mill, but it is the head that specifically extends over the table and directly interacts with the cutting tools.