Lathe

A lathe is a stationary power tool that spins the material to be worked, while cutting and other tools are pressed against it. Due to the different requirements in turning speed, a given lathe is intended for woodworking or metalworking. Both types have the same basic parts: a headstock that holds the work and is connected to the motor, an optional tailstock for holding the end of cylindrical work being turned, and a rigid bed that both maintains rigidity and supports tool rests or guides.

Some beds and toolrests, especially in metalworking, have precision horizontal movements, so the tool can be advanced at a constant rate, as is needed for such things as cutting threads.