Which vertical milling machine component is labeled as 1?

The head of a vertical milling machine is the component responsible for holding the spindle and cutting tools. It houses the motor that drives the spindle and is equipped with mechanisms for raising or lowering the tool. In vertical milling machines, the head is positioned above the table and can pivot or tilt for angular cuts, making it vital for executing various milling operations.

Understanding the role of the head helps in grasping how milling machines function, especially since it is integral to the adjustment and handling of the cutting tools. While the knee, column, and table serve important purposes within the machine — such as supporting the table (which holds the workpiece) and enabling vertical movement — they do not contain the primary components related to cutting. The head's functionality is specifically tied to the act of milling itself, making it a crucial element of the vertical milling machine's design and operation.