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A flat, circular metal plate that screws onto the spindle and allows you to mount bowl blanks or irregularly shaped pieces for face turning.
Faceplate
A machine used to shape wood by rotating it rapidly while a cutting tool is applied.
Purpose: Used to create round or cylindrical shapes such as table legs, bowls, and spindles.
Lathe
The adjustable end of the lathe that slides along the bed. It supports the opposite end of the workpiece using a live center or holds drilling attachments.
Tailstock
A thin, flat tool used to cut grooves, define edges, or separate a finished section from the rest of the workpiece.
Parting Tool
A long, flat chisel with an angled cutting edge (skew). Used for smoothing surfaces, cutting tapers, and making fine details.
Skew Chisel
A concave, rounded cut made into the surface of the wood — the opposite of a bead.
Cove
A pointed metal drive that fits into the headstock spindle and grips the wood at its center. It rotates the wood as the lathe runs.
Spur Drive
A horizontal bar where cutting tools are supported during turning.
Tip: Always adjust it close to the workpiece and slightly below the centerline before starting.
Tool Rest
The hollow, adjustable shaft inside the tailstock that extends or retracts to press the live center or drill bit into the wood.
Quill
The long, horizontal base of the lathe that connects the headstock and tailstock. The banjo and tailstock slide along it.
Bed
The process of shaping wood while it spins on the lathe.
Spindle Turning: Work is held between centers (like chair legs).
Faceplate Turning: Work is attached to a faceplate (like bowls or platters).
Turning
A large, deep-fluted chisel used to round square stock into a cylinder. It removes material quickly but isn’t for detailed work.
Roughing Gouge
A smaller, shallower gouge used for shaping curves, beads, and coves in spindle turning.
Spindle Gouge
A measure of how fast the spindle is turning.
Lower RPM: Used for rough shaping and large workpieces.
Higher RPM: Used for fine details and sanding.
RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
A movable base that holds the tool rest. It can be positioned anywhere along the bed for tool support while turning.
Banjo
A raised, rounded ridge cut on a spindle — often used as a decorative detail.
Bead
The fixed end of the lathe that houses the motor and spindle. It drives the workpiece through attachments like the spur drive or faceplate.
Headstock