A lathe is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece around an axis of rotation while a stationary cutting tool removes material to shape the workpiece. This basic operation produces objects with symmetry about the rotation axis and is fundamental in shaping wood, metal, or other materials. Lathes are used for turning, facing, threading, drilling (when equipped with appropriate attachments), knurling, and sanding, among other operations. They come in various forms, including wood lathes, metal lathes, and CNC lathes, with common configurations featuring centers, chucks or collets for holding the work, and a rotating spindle driven by motors or servos. If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific context (e.g., shop setup, basic safety, or differences between manual and CNC lathes).