Red Seal Machinist Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a lathe?

1. To grind workpieces

2. To measure material dimensions

3. To rotate a workpiece while shaping it

4. To drill holes in stationary materials

The correct answer is: To rotate a workpiece while shaping it

The primary function of a lathe is to rotate a workpiece while shaping it. A lathe is a machine tool that uses circular motion to remove material from the surface of a rotating workpiece. This rotation allows for precise shaping, cutting, sanding, and finishing of materials, which is essential in creating various parts and components in machining operations. Additionally, the process of turning, which is commonly performed on a lathe, is key to producing cylindrical shapes and achieving accurate dimensions. The ability to attach various cutting tools to the lathe enables the operator to create complex shapes with great accuracy. Other functions such as grinding workpieces, measuring dimensions, or drilling holes can be performed by specific tools or machines designed for those tasks, but they do not represent the fundamental operation of a lathe. The essence of machining with a lathe lies primarily in the rotation of the workpiece, making it indispensable in traditional and modern machining practices.