Which type of mill is described as the original and most basic manual mill?

The column-and-knee mill is recognized as the original and most basic manual milling machine design. This type of mill features a supporting column on which a knee can move up and down to adjust the height of the workpiece relative to the cutting tool. The knee has a table mounted on it, which can move horizontally and vertically, offering versatility in machining different types of workpieces.

This design was foundational in the development of milling technology, providing operators with a straightforward way to perform various milling operations manually. The knee's ability to be adjusted and the table's movement allows for a wide range of machining capabilities, making it ideal for both simple and complex tasks.

While other milling machines like the vertical mill, horizontal mill, and bed mill have their specific uses and advantages, they each typically build upon or modify the principles established by the column-and-knee design. Therefore, the column-and-knee mill stands out as the most basic form that laid the groundwork for subsequent milling technologies.