What is typically held in a lathe's chuck?

A lathe's chuck is specifically designed to hold workpieces securely during the machining process. This is crucial because the lathe rotates the workpiece at high speeds, and the chuck must ensure that the workpiece remains stable and properly aligned for cutting operations to be performed accurately. By gripping the workpiece, the chuck allows various machining tasks, such as turning, facing, and threading, to be executed with precision.

Other options do not pertain to what a chuck typically holds. For instance, cutting tools are held in tool holders or tool posts, while measurement devices are used separately to gauge dimensions and ensure accuracy. Raw materials may be prepared for processing but are not held in the chuck itself; instead, they are transformed into workpieces that will be held in the chuck during the machining operation.