Clamping means for reducing deflections in machine tool

In a machine of the type that includes an endless chain for carrying stock removing tools which can engage a workpiece to remove stock therefrom, and in which the endless chain and the workpiece are carried by separate housings that are relatively movable toward and away from each other, the improvement comprising

• clamping means operative between the housing for said endless chain and the housing for said workpiece for effectively limiting force deflections between said stock removing tools and said workpiece when the tools are removing stock from the workpiece, said clamping means being characterized by
• a first part carried by the housing for said endless chain, said first part being in the form of an arcuate sector which is engageable by a second part of said clamping means over a range of tilted positions of said endless chain relative to a workpiece.
• a second part carried by a fixed structure of said machine, and
• actuating means connected to said second part for moving said second part into and out of clamping engagement with first part, said actuating means including a piston fitted for reciprocation within a chamber, said piston being connected to said second part of said clamping means, and including a hydraulic circuit for delivering a controlled flow of hydraulic fluid to said chamber to cause a movement of said piston in one direction or another within the chamber.