A metal lathe or metalworking lathe is a large class of lathes designed for precisely machining relatively hard materials. They were originally designed to machine metals; however, with the advent of plastics and other materials, and with their inherent versatility, they are used in a wide range of applications, and a broad range of materials. In machining jargon, where the larger context is already understood, they are usually simply called lathes, or else referred to by more-specific subtype names (toolroom lathe, turret lathe, etc.). These rigid machine tools remove material from a rotating workpiece via the (typically linear) movements of various cutting tools, such as tool bits and drill bits.

Construction

The machine has been greatly modified for various applications however a familiarity with the basics shows the similarities between types. These machines consist of, at the least, a headstock, bed, carriage and tailstock. The better machines are solidly constructed with broad bearing surfaces (slides or ways) for stability and manufactured with great precision. This helps ensure the components manufactured on the machines can meet the required tolerances and repeatability.