The cross slide on a lathe primarily moves the cutting tool in which direction relative to the spindle axis?

• A. Along the spindle axis
• B. Perpendicular to the spindle axis
• C. Vertically
• D. Diagonally

Answer: (B)

The cross slide provides radial movement. Relative to the spindle axis (the line that the workpiece spins around), the cross slide moves the tool perpendicular to that axis, toward or away from the center of the work. This radial motion changes the diameter of the cut, which is exactly what you use the cross slide for. Moving the tool along the spindle axis would affect length, not diameter, and vertical or diagonal directions aren’t how the cross slide is described or used on a typical lathe.