- The engine lathe is a very common type of lathe, and comes in many different sizes. Lightweight bench engine lathes, for example, are smaller and mounted to a surface. They are typically just as capable as other engine lathes, except in their size limitations. This type of lathe has a headstock with a spindle and a tailstock. This type of lathe has a complex engine, making it capable of operating at multiple speeds.
- A turret lathe is typically used on pieces where multiple steps must be performed. It is also used if the steps require any strict degree of accuracy. This is because on a turret lathe, a piece never moves. Instead, the tools move around the piece, and different tools can be used without ever changing the position of the piece. This works due to the turrets that the tools are held on, meaning that the tool moves while the piece remains held by the chuck.
- Glass lathes are often used to produce scientific tools and glassware used in chemistry. This means that many universities have glass lathes, depending on their focus on sciences. A glass working lathe facilitates glass-blowing. Instead of holding the piece to be modified in a quickly spinning chuck like other lathes, a glass lathe rotates a piece over a flame which keeps the glass soft. The glass is then either inflated to the desired size and shape, or "deformed" using special tools.
- The wood lathe is the oldest and simplest type of lathe. All this type of lathe does is spin the wood to be shaped. The tools are controlled by hand, meaning there is no assistance with accuracy. These types of lathes often have less speed variability than engine lathes, and speeds are usually chosen by manually moving a belt, which is connected to the spindle, between pulleys.
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