1987 Jet JTM-1 Milling Machine Operators Manual

The Jet JTM-1 is a vertical milling machine manufactured in 1987, featuring a 1 HP motor, R-8 spindle taper, 9" x 42" table with 3 T-slots, longitudinal travel of 28", cross travel of 12", vertical travel of 16", and spindle speeds ranging from 240-2720 RPM. This manual covers safety procedures, machine specifications, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for this industrial milling equipment.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Machine Specifications 4. Controls and Operation 5. Workholding Methods 6. Cutting Tools & Setup 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Lubrication Points 9. Safety Procedures 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 1 HP induction motor, R-8 spindle, knee and column design, power feed on X-axis, manual feeds on Y and Z axes, coolant system, and built-in work light.

FeatureDescription
Motor Power1 HP, 115/230V single phase
Spindle TaperR-8 with drawbar
Table Size9" x 42" with 3 T-slots
Longitudinal Travel28" (X-axis)
Cross Travel12" (Y-axis)
Vertical Travel16" (Z-axis)
Spindle Speeds8 speeds: 240-2720 RPM
Power FeedX-axis only, reversible
Quill Travel5" with fine feed
Net WeightApproximately 1500 lbs

Installation & Setup

Uncrate and position machine on level concrete floor. Ensure adequate clearance for operation and maintenance.

  1. Foundation: Place on minimum 4" thick concrete slab; level using machine leveling feet.
  2. Electrical: Connect to proper voltage (115V or 230V); ensure proper grounding.
  3. Lubrication: Fill oil reservoirs before initial operation.
  4. Alignment: Check machine tram and alignment per manufacturer specifications.
  5. Test Run: Run machine without load to verify proper operation.

WARNING! Machine weighs 1500 lbs; use proper lifting equipment and personnel. Ensure floor can support weight.

Machine Specifications

Controls and Operation

Front panel controls: Main power switch, spindle start/stop, speed change levers, feed direction control, emergency stop.

Manual Controls: Table handwheels (X,Y), knee crank (Z), quill feed handle, spindle brake, backgear engagement.

Speed Selection: Use speed change levers while spindle is running at low RPM. Feed Rates: Adjustable from 0.002-0.006 inches per revolution. Direction Control: Forward/reverse lever for power feed. Emergency Stop: Large red button stops all machine functions immediately.

Workholding Methods

Use machine vise, rotary table, angle plates, or direct clamping to table T-slots.

  1. Machine Vise: Mount parallel to table travel; indicate for squareness.
  2. T-slot Clamping: Use proper clamps and studs; avoid over-tightening.
  3. Rotary Table: For circular milling and indexing operations.
  4. Angle Plates: For vertical workholding and complex setups.

Tip: Always clean table and workholding devices before mounting workpieces.

Cutting Tools & Setup

Supports end mills, face mills, slot drills, and various milling cutters with R-8 shanks.

  1. Tool Installation: Clean taper; insert tool; tighten drawbar securely.
  2. Speed Selection: Choose RPM based on cutter diameter and material.
  3. Feed Rates: Start with conservative feeds; adjust based on cut quality.
  4. Depth of Cut: Use knee for coarse adjustment; quill for fine depth control.
  5. Cutter Direction: Conventional milling recommended for most applications.
  6. Coolant: Apply cutting fluid for improved finish and tool life.
  7. Tool Changes: Stop spindle completely before changing tools.
  8. Workpiece Setup: Indicate workpiece for proper alignment.

WARNING! Always secure workpiece properly. Use sharp cutters only. Wear appropriate PPE.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean machine, check oil levels, inspect for damage. Weekly: Lubricate all points, check belt tension. Monthly: Clean ways, check alignment. Annual: Replace oils, inspect electrical components.

Lubrication Points

Use way oil on table ways, knee ways, and screw threads. Use spindle oil in reservoir. Grease fittings on power feed mechanism.

CAUTION! Use recommended lubricants only. Over-lubrication can attract chips and debris.

Safety Procedures

Always wear safety glasses, no loose clothing, secure long hair. Never leave machine running unattended. Use proper lifting techniques for heavy workpieces. Keep guards in place. Disconnect power before maintenance.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Spindle won't startPower issue/safety switchCheck power supply; ensure emergency stop is released; verify safety switches.
Poor surface finishDull tool/wrong speedReplace cutting tool; adjust spindle speed and feed rate; check workpiece clamping.
Excessive vibrationUnbalanced cutter/workpieceUse balanced tooling; secure workpiece properly; reduce feed rate.
Power feed not workingShear pin/electricalCheck and replace shear pin; verify electrical connections to feed motor.
Backlash in tableWear in screws/nutsAdjust backlash compensators; replace worn screws or nuts if excessive.

Technical Support: Contact Jet Equipment & Tools for replacement parts and service assistance.

Parts & Service: Refer to parts breakdown diagrams for component identification and ordering.

1987 Jet JTM-1 Milling Machine Operators Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025