A tubular mechanical component that surrounds a solid inner shaft, allowing both to rotate independently or to slide axially relative to one another. In machine tools like drill presses, it holds the rotating spindle and advances it into the workpiece. In drivetrains, a quill drive isolates the inner shaft from bending loads, transmitting only pure torque.
Heard on the job
Lock the quill before you start milling that slot so the cutter doesn't wander on the Z axis.