The lathe is available in many forms as listed below.  All lathes are based upon the centre lathe as shown in the figure below; The basic operations that can be carried out on lathes include:-Turning, Facing, Boring, Drilling, Reaming, Counterboring, Countersinking, Threading, Knurling and Parting.

Types of Lathes

1. Centre lathes
• Engine lathes
• Bench lathes
• Toolroom lathes
• Speed lathes
• Duplicating lathes
• Production lathes
• Vertical lathes
2. Capstan/Turret lathes
3. Automatic lathes

Center Lathes

All of the important features of the lathe are shown on the above figure.

The headstock spindle which is hollow to allow bar stock to be fed through is generally provided with a special male thread to allow chucks etc. to be easily fitted and removed.   Some of the different work holding units which can be fitted onto the headstock spindle are shown below.

Work Holding Devices