Lathe Machines: The Original Shape Shifters
What it does: Rotates a workpiece while stationary tools carve cylindrical parts like screws, baseball bats, or turbine shafts.
Key Features:
Manual vs. CNC lathes for precision control
Performs facing, threading, knurling, and drilling
Wood lathes create artistic turned pieces
Why it matters: Found in every machine shop, it’s the backbone of circular part production for over 2,000 years.
Fun Fact: Ancient Egyptians used bow-driven lathes to craft furniture legs!