Which component of the mill guides the forward and backward motion of the worktable?

The component of the mill that guides the forward and backward motion of the worktable is the saddle. The saddle is a critical part of the milling machine's structure, sitting atop the knee and providing a stable surface for the worktable. Its primary function is to allow the worktable to move horizontally in relation to the spindle, facilitating the cutting of materials from various angles.

The movement of the worktable, guided by the saddle, is essential for achieving precise cuts and ensuring that the workpiece is positioned accurately relative to the cutting tool. This interaction is key in milling operations where adjustments in the position of the worktable can directly influence the outcome of the machining process.

In contrast, the knee serves as the supporting structure that elevates and lowers the saddle and worktable as a unit, while the column houses the drive mechanism and provides overall stability to the mill. The spindle is the component that holds the cutting tool and revolves to perform the actual cutting action. Each of these components plays a unique and important role in the operation of the milling machine, but it is the saddle specifically that facilitates the horizontal motion of the worktable.