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For multi-axis machining, a good workholding fixture gets the part away from the worktable surface, yet holds the part securely for aggressive machining. This video shows a dovetail pedestal doing this job.

Note the extra “elbow room” the spindle head needs to access five sides of this workpiece. The video is also a good example of 3+2 machining, which is one of the most valuable options for a machine with full five-axis capability. In this case, the machine is a DMG MORI DMU 50 five-axis machining center under power at in Erie, Pennsylvania, for a recent customer demo event highlighting 3+2 machining.

You don’t need to watch the entire video (it’s 10 minutes long). Sampling different segments, however, reveals a variety of operations, mostly with short, stout cutting tools that make 3+2 machining an advantageous option.

What the video does not show is the new triangular geometry incorporated into the dovetail clamping surfaces of this pedestal fixture. You can get that story here. The new fixturing system is from of Orchard Park, New York.

In addition, examples of using multiple pedestal fixtures to hold large parts can be seen . Of course, the applications shown are useful for thinking about the flexibility of pedestal workholding fixtures in general.