Different Parts of a Lathe Machine

Lathes are one of the oldest and most fundamental machine tools. They come in many shapes and sizes, but--as they all work by spinning an object so that tools may be applied to it--they also share many common parts.

What is a Lathe For?

Lathes are used for precision cutting, drilling, deformation, and sanding. They do these jobs in woodworking, metalworking and even pottery; the simple potter's wheel is a form of lathe.

The Bed

Almost all lathe designs have a bed, which serves as the main platform of the lathe. Most lathes have horizontal beds, but some have vertical beds. These beds allow chips and debris to fall to the floor and not onto the bed.

Headstock

The headstock is the major moving part of the lathe, containing the precision spinning bearings. Attached to the headstock is a hollow or tapered spindle, which is where the parts used to hold the object or piece to be worked are attached.

Tailstock

The tail stock is opposite the headstock, but it can be moved on the bed. It is where tool accessories for working the object, such as drill bits, can be added.

Tool Rest

This is another lathe part where tool accessories are attached. It can also be moved on the bed, but it's usually set perpendicular to the headstock.

Resources

• Soutbed Lathe Instruction Guide