Which two common workholding devices are used in milling?

• A. Dial indicators and micrometers
• B. Vise and clamps/fixtures
• C. V-blocks and parallels
• D. Lathe centers and tailstocks

Answer: (B)

Holding the part firmly on the milling machine table is essential to resist cutting forces and maintain accurate positioning. A milling vise provides a stable, repeatable grip by clamping the work between its jaws and bolting to the table, giving you a reliable reference face and consistent alignment. Clamps and fixtures extend that capability, letting you secure irregular shapes, multiple features, or specific orientations with precise location. Measuring tools like dial indicators and micrometers aren’t for holding parts; they’re for checking size and alignment during setup or after machining. V-blocks and parallels are useful for alignment in other setups but aren’t the standard way to hold a workpiece on a milling machine. Lathe centers and tailstocks belong to turning operations on a lathe, not milling. So the two common workholding devices in milling are the vise and clamps/fixtures.