Which components rotate on a lathe?

• A. Cutting tool
• B. Chuck
• C. Material/workpiece
• D. Both chuck and material/workpiece

Answer: (D)

On a lathe, rotation is what enables turning: the spindle drives the chuck, and the workpiece is clamped in that chuck so the material itself rotates. This spinning provides a moving surface for the cutting edge to remove material as it advances. The cutting tool, mounted in the tool post, stays oriented and fed into the workpiece rather than spinning about its own axis. So the parts that rotate are the chuck and the workpiece held by it, making both rotate together during turning.