Auniversal lathe[1] orparallel lathe[2] is the most common type oflathe.[3] It differs from other types of lathes in that it has the option of atailstock, separate mechanisms for longitudinal and transversefeeds (typically via separate handwheels), and anautomatic (usually mechanically) driven longitudinalleadscrew for makingthreads.[4]
Universal lathes are used for the production of singleproducts or smallbatches, and are suitable for maintenance and similar minor work in aworkshop, as well as anywhere there is a need fortools that should be as versatile as possible.[5][6]
On universal lathes, one canturn longitudinally, transversely, one can turncylindrical andconicalthreads,Archimedean spirals, one can alsobore,countersink,ream, tap threads withtaps and dies, manuallypolish andfile.[7] Extra accessories enablesball turning,copying andgrinding. There are even aftermarket accessories formilling; typically by replacing the top slide (compound) with a milling head and a spindle for mounting the milling bit,[8][9] but sometimes instead by mounting acoordinate table in place of the top slide and by mounting the milling bit in the main spindle.[10]
The conventional layout is that the main spindle is located on the left side, while the tailstock is located on the right side.[11]
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