Abstract: A method and machine for machining shafts, such as crankshafts of an internal combustion engine wherein the shaft supported on a workpiece carrier rotatably about its axis and the carrier is movable relative to a milling tool adjustably supported on the machine, the bearing surfaces of the shaft are fine-machined by a milling tool taking into consideration the resiliency and the bending of the shaft by the engagement force of the milling tool during fine cutting of the bearing surfaces in the various angular rations of the shaft and the axial bearing location between the shaft ends so as to provide for a perfect final round cutting of the bearings without the need for wet grinding. The fine machining is preferably achieved by dry machining and orthogonal rotational milling, all main bearings and lifting bearings being machined in a single clamping from the rough machining dimensions to the final dimension.

Abstract: A crankshaft milling machine has one or more milling units supported on a respective pivot journal (23) having a journal axis extending in parallel to a work piece axis. The pivot journal (23) is supported on a carrier (21) which is movable in a direction parallel to a line connecting the journal axis of the pivot journal (23) and the work piece axis. Thus, it is possible to move the milling unit along a circular path around a crankshaft bearing pin which is to be milled, and which is stationary during the entire milling operation.