Lathe Terminology & Machining Basics is one of 8 topics in the Grade 10 Mechanical Technology CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which lathe bed type has a removable section near the headstock, allowing a larger-diameter work piece to be turned close to the chuck?
A gap-bed
A V-bed
A flat-bed
A tapered bed
Answer: A gap-bed — A gap-bed lathe has a removable section near the headstock that can be taken out to allow a larger-diameter work piece to be turned close to the chuck than the bed would otherwise allow.
Easy
2. Which lathe part houses the main spindle and the gearing that sets the spindle's rotational speed?
The headstock
The tailstock
The carriage
The lead screw
Answer: The headstock — The headstock, fixed at one end of the lathe bed, houses the main spindle, the gearing that sets rotational speed, and the chuck.
Medium
3. Name the lathe part that supports the far end of a long work piece to prevent it flexing during machining.
Answer: the tailstock — The tailstock supports the far end of a long work piece, preventing it from flexing during machining, or holds tooling such as a drill.
