Facing is a machining process that involves removing material from the end and/or shoulder of a workpiece using a lathe or milling machine). In lathe facing, a facing tool is used to cut a flat surface perpendicular to the workpieces rotational axis). The facing tool is mounted into a tool holder that rests on the carriage of the lathe, and the tool will then feed perpendicularly across the parts rotational axis as it spins in the jaws of the chuck). The machinist can choose to take roughing or finishing cuts depending on how much material needs to be removed. Factors that affect the quality and effectiveness of facing operations on the lathe are speeds and feeds, material hardness, cutter size, and how the part is being clamped down).

To perform a facing operation on a lathe, the end of the workpiece must be positioned close to the jaws of the chuck, and the workpiece should not extend more than 2-3 times its diameter from the chuck jaws unless a steady rest is used to support the free end. The cutting tool should be clamped in the tool post and turned so that the tip of the cutting tool will meet the end of the workpiece at a slight angle. It is important that the tip of the cutting tool be right at the centerline of the lathe; if it is too high or too low, a little bump will be left at the center of the face. The lathe should be set to its lowest speed and turned on, and the leadscrew should not be turning. The half-nut lever should be pressed down to engage the half-nut with the leadscrew, and when properly engaged, the lever should click into place in a nearly horizontal position.