Machining a V-Block
Flexible Manufacturing
Lesson Plan
Performance Objective
Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of mill and lathe operations using different machining
processes to machine a v-block and yoke; student grade will be determined by using the Project Rubric for the
V-Block and Yoke Assembly.
Specific Objectives
 Demonstrate the proper use of the mill and lathe
 Produce and assemble the different parts to form the v-block and the clamping yoke (yoke arm, yoke
support, yoke screw)
Terms

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Clamp- a bar used to apply pressure on the part to be machined
Step Block- a support for the clamp that allows the clamp to be placed parallel with the table
T-Bolt- a special bolt made to slide into the slots on a milling table
Nut- a fastener to fit the t-bolt and apply pressure to the part
T-Slot- a groove machined in a milling table
Time
This lesson should take approximately 55-65 minutes to teach and 55-65 minutes for each of 10 lab sessions.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
TEKS Correlations
Flexible Manufacturing
 130.327 (c)
o (6) The student applies the technical concepts and skills of the machining industry to
simulated and actual work situations. The student is expected to:
(A) use various work mounting procedures on all appropriate machines;
(B) examine the cutting operations such as drill press, lathe, saw, grinders, and
milling machines;
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(C) properly execute lathe procedures such as cut threads, turn tapers, drills,
reams, polishes, knurls, and bores;
(D) mill flat surfaces, bevels, chamfers, grooves, and key-seats; and
(E) machine precision pieces.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
Geometry
 111.41 (c)
o (1) Mathematical process standards. The student uses mathematical processes to acquire
and demonstrate mathematical understanding. The student is expected to:
(A) apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the
workplace;
(B) use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information,
formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution,
and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the
solution; and
(C) select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and
technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation,
and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/)
Job Title: Machinists
O*Net Number: 51-4041.00
Reported Job Titles: Gear Machinist, Journeyman Machinist, Machine Operator, Machine Repair Person,
Machinist, Maintenance Machinist, Maintenance Specialist, Production Machinist, Set-Up Machinist, Tool
Room Machinist
Tasks
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Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or
grinders.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining
operations.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to
specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or
sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Soft Skills
 Operation Monitoring
 Critical Thinking
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Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review and become familiar with the terminology and proper machining techniques.
 Have Machining a V-Block and Project Rubric for the V-Block and Yoke Assembly handouts for each
student.
 Have different types of clamping devices for a milling machine (mill vise, bolt to table, clamp system)
and v-block examples to show students.
References
 Machining a V-Block slide presentation
Instructional Aids
 Machining a V-Block slide presentation
 Machining a V-Block handout
 Project Rubric for the V-Block and Yoke Assembly handout
Introduction
The main purposes of this lesson are to help students understand the following concepts:
 Explain the use of the machines used to produce the v-block
 Explain the different types of holders used on the mill
 Use information about machining and complete the v-block project
 Safely use the different machining equipment in the lab
Show
 V-blocks made and used in the flexible manufacturing lab
Ask

Would you like to work in a machine shop to produce a working product?
Show
 Different types of clamping devices for a milling machine (mill vise, bolt to table, clamp system)
and v-block examples
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Outline
MI
OUTLINE
NOTES TO TEACHER
I.
V-block plans and bill of materials
II.
Manufacturing steps for a v-block
III.
Machining the yoke arm
IV.
Machining the yoke support
Show Machining a
V-Block slide
presentation, v-block
project examples
students will produce,
and clamping devices
for a milling machine.
V.
Machining the yoke screw

VI.
Assembling the yoke

VII.
Project Rubric for the V-Block and Yoke Assembly
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V-block Plans
o Slides 2-6
V-Block Bill of
Materials
o Slide 7
Machining Steps for
a V-Block
o Slides 2-20
Machining Steps for
the Yoke Arm
o Slides 21-25
Machining Steps for
the Yoke Support
o Slides 26-29
Machining Steps for
the Yoke Screw
o Slides 30-35
Assembling the Yoke
o Slides 36-39
Assembling the VBlock
o Slide 40
After showing the
presentation, pass out
the Machining a V-Block
plans/ instructions for
the students to start
machining the v-block.
Grade project using the
Project Rubric for the
V-Block and Yoke
Assembly.
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Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The students will set up the mill to begin manufacturing a v-block and yoke assembly.
Independent Practice
The students will manufacture a v-block and yoke assembly to the given specifications.
Summary
Review
The students will be able to explain the different types of machines used to produce a v-block or other project.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
The teacher will observe the students as they practice machining the parts of the v-block and the yoke
assembly.
Formal Assessment
The students will have the v-block and yoke assembly graded using the Project Rubric for the V-Block and Yoke
Assembly.
Enrichment
Extension
The students will research other projects they can machine.
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Bill of Materials for the V-Block and Yoke Assembly
Name
Quantity
Length
Width
Thickness
Material
Finish
Block
1
1.500
1.500
1.500
Aluminum
Polished
Yoke Arm
2
1.500
0.500
0.375
Aluminum
Polished
Yoke
Support
1
2.250
0.625
0.500
Aluminum
Polished
Yoke
Screw
1
2.000
0.500 dia.
Aluminum
Polished
Handle
1
1.750
0.250 dia.
Aluminum
Polished
Pan Head
Screw
2
0.500
#5-44
V-Block and Yoke Assembly Cut Sheet
Cut the following pieces of metal
• 2” X 12” X 2” piece of aluminum
• ⅜” X ½” X 3 ½” piece of aluminum
• ½” X ⅝” X 2 ¼” piece of aluminum
• ½” diameter X 2” piece of aluminum
• ¼” diameter X 1 ¾” piece of aluminum
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Manufacturing Steps for a V-Block
V-Block
1. Face all sides of the cube on the
mill.
2. Mill a ⅛” (0.125”) wide slot ⅛”
(0.125”) deep on one face of the
cube. This slot is in the center of
the face.
3. Turn the cube to the opposite face
of the cube and mill a matching slot.
4. Turn the cube 90 degrees. The
surface should be aligned with the
side slots. Mill a groove in the face
starting 0.312” from the edge. The
groove should be 1.437” wide.
5. Begin milling step slots to form the
“V” in the block.
6. Move in 0.062” on each side and
0.03” deep for each step.
7. Continue to cut slots, stepping in
0.062” and down 0.030” until the
“V” is formed.
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Manufacturing Steps for a V-Block (Continued)
8. Place the block to be milled into a v-block
for the correct angle of 90⁰ (degrees).
9. Place the two blocks on the mill table and
adjust the t-bolt, step block, and clamp.
10.Tighten the nut to apply pressure to the
clamp and secure the blocks in place.
11.When finished with the first side, turn the
block around and mill the other side.
12.After the machining is done, sand and
polish the block.
13.Store the block until the other parts are
milled.
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Machining Steps for the Yoke Arm
1. Place a piece of ⅜” X ½” X 2” into
the mill vise.
2. Square the surfaces and mill the
⅛” (0.125”) away to make the
finger fit in the slot.
3. Size the finger to slide in the slot
milled in the side of the v-block.
4. Drill the ¼” (0.250”) diameter
counter bore ⅟₁₆” (0.062”) deep
for the pan head screw head.
5. Drill the ⅛” hole for the #5-44
pan head screw.
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Machining Steps for the Yoke Support
1. Face all surfaces of a 2 ¼” (2.250”) X ⅝”
(0.625”) X ½” (0.500”) to make the yoke
support.
2. Mount the blank in the mill vise and
machine the slot on the end of the
yoke support.
3. Machine a slot on both ends.
4. Locate the hole for the yoke arm screws,
drill them with a #37 drill ¼” (0.250”) deep,
and tap to a #5-44 thread pattern.
5. Locate the center hole for the yoke screw
⅝” (0.312”) X ⅞” (0.875”).
6. Drill a hole using a #4 drill and then tap to
¼ - 20 threads.
7. Sand and buff to a shiny finish, and then
place in your storage container.
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Machining Steps for the Yoke Screw
1. Take a ¼” (0.250”) rod 1 ¾” long from the
storage area.
2. Place the rod in a lathe, face the end, and cut
a ⅟₁₆” chamfer in the outside edge.
3. Flip the rod and repeat the step above (#2).
4. Sand and polish the rod for the handle of the
screw.
5. Take a ½” (0.500”) rod 2” long from the
storage area.
6. Place the rod in a set of v-blocks and drill the
¼” (0.250”) hole for the handle.
7. Place the rod in a lathe, face the end, and cut
a ⅟₁₆” chamfer in the outside edge.
8. Flip the rod, face, and machine the shaft
down to ¼” (0.250”) diameter for the threads.
9. Machine the ¼ - 20 threads into the screw.
10.Sand and polish the screw and the handle
until shiny.
11.Place the handle in the hole in the screw and
carefully drive the handle until the handle is
centered in the screw.
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Name __________________________________________Date_______________ Period ____
Assembling the Yoke
1. Place the arm into the slot in the
yoke support and tighten the pan
head screw into the support.
2. Place the second arm into the slot
in the yoke support and tighten
the pan head screw into the
support.
3. Place the screw into the threaded
hole in the yoke support and
tighten the screw.
4. Slide the completed yoke into the
slots on the v-block.
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Name ___________________________________________ Date _____________________ Period _________
Project Rubric for the V-Block and Yoke Assembly
Task Statement: Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of mill and lathe operations using different
machining processes to machine a v-block and yoke assembly.
Task Assignment: Students will work as individuals to machine a v-block and yoke assembly.
Criteria Concepts/
Skills to be
Assessed
V-block
(Possible 20
points)
Yoke Arm
(Possible 20
points)
Yoke
Support
(Possible 20
points)
Yoke Screw
(Possible 20
points)
Yoke
Assembly
(Possible 20
points)
Novice
1
Criteria Categories
(Novice to Exemplary)
Developing
Accomplished
2
3
Size is over 0.030
larger or smaller;
8 or more machine
marks
Size is 0.030 to 0.020
larger or smaller;
5 to 7 machine marks
Size is 0.019 to 0.010
larger or smaller;
2 to 4 machine marks
(1-5 points)
Size is over 0.030
larger or smaller;
8 or more machine
marks
(6-10 points)
Size is 0.030 to 0.020
larger or smaller;
5 to 7 machine marks
(11-15 points)
Size is 0.019 to 0.010
larger or smaller;
2 to 4 machine marks
(1-5 points)
Size is over 0.030
larger or smaller;
8 or more machine
marks
(6-10 points)
Size is 0.030 to 0.020
larger or smaller;
5 to 7 machine marks
(11-15 points)
Size is 0.019 to 0.010
larger or smaller;
2 to 4 machine marks
(1-5 points)
Size is over 0.030
larger or smaller;
8 or more machine
marks
(6-10 points)
Size is 0.030 to 0.020
larger or smaller;
5 to 7 machine marks
(11-15 points)
Size is 0.019 to 0.010
larger or smaller;
2 to 4 machine marks
(1-5 points)
Size is over 0.030
larger or smaller;
8 or more machine
marks
(6-10 points)
Size is 0.030 to 0.020
larger or smaller;
5 to 7 machine marks
(11-15 points)
Size is 0.019 to 0.010
larger or smaller;
2 to 4 machine marks
(1-5 points)
(6-10 points)
(11-15 points)
A = 76-100 points; B = 51-75 points; C = 26-50 points; D = 5-25 points
Exemplary
4
Points
Earned
Size is 0.009 to
0.000 larger or
smaller;
no machine
marks
(15-20 points)
Size is 0.009 to
0.000 larger or
smaller;
no machine
marks
(15-20 points)
Size is 0.009 to
0.000 larger or
smaller;
no machine
marks
(15-20 points)
Size is 0.009 to
0.000 larger or
smaller;
no machine
marks
(15-20 points)
Size is 0.009 to
0.000 larger or
smaller;
no machine
marks
(15-20 points)
Total Points: ____________
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