What is the primary purpose of a lathe?

The primary purpose of a lathe is to remove material from a workpiece to create cylindrical shapes. This is done by securing the workpiece in place and rotating it against a cutting tool, which shaves off material to achieve the desired dimensions and finish. Lathes are especially effective for producing round parts, such as shafts, pulleys, and fittings, making them a fundamental machine tool in machining operations. Their design allows for precise control over the amount of material removed, enabling the manufacture of parts that meet specific tolerances and specifications. This capability is essential in various industrial applications, including automotive and aerospace manufacturing.

Other options, such as reshaping metal into sheets, grinding materials, or welding, refer to different machining processes that do not align with the lathe's primary function. Each of these processes utilizes distinct equipment and methods that serve different purposes within machining and fabrication.