Beo-type machining system

A machine tool for performing a plurality of precisely controlled machining operations on a workpiece, said machine tool comprising:

• (A) a support member adapted for securely mounted holding interconnection of three independent way members to three surface areas thereof, the support member being further defined as comprising:
• (1) a support base for secure retained holding interconnection of two of the three way members,
• (2) a cooperating head support portion adapted for receipt and mounted interconnection with the third way member, and
• (3) a way member holding pivot pin secured therein along each of the way member receiving surface portions thereof, with a section of each pin extending above the way member receiving surface portion;
• (B) three independent, elongated way members, each defining one of the three cooperating axes employed in precisely controlling each machining operation, each of the way members
• (1) comprising a single, unitary structure securable to one of the way member receiving surface portions of the support member,
• (2) having a pair of spaced, cooperating flanges, each defined by two parallel guiding surfaces,
• (3) said guiding surfaces of each flange being machined flat to define a first pair of parallel planes, each of said first pair of planes being formed by the opposed, spaced, guiding surfaces of opposite flanges,
• (4) with means forming a third pair of flat guiding surfaces being positioned in cooperating spaced relationship defining a second pair of planes, and
• (5) each elongated way member incorporating preliminary alignment means and final anchoring means cooperatively connecting the way member to the support member in precise alignment, the preliminary alignment means being a pin-receiving hole formed therein along the central axis thereof and having an axis substantially perpendicular to the first pair of parallel planes, with said pin-receiving hole being positioned for telescopic receipt of the pivot pin extending from the support member for engagement therewith, mounting each of the way members for angular pivoting movement through a limited arc about the axis defined by said pivot pin;
• (C) a powered machine tool driver mounted for movement along two of said three independent way members;
• and
• (D) a workpiece supporting table slidably mounted to the third way member for movement therealong;
• thereby providing an economical system for securely mounting the way members to the support member in precise alignment while also assuring that each way member is angularly adjustable to be preliminarily positioned precisely perpendicular to the other two way members, and may then be anchored in this aligned position, whereby a machine tool is achieved wherein the way members thereof are machinable with precision prior to installation, and machining adjustments thereto during installation are eliminated.