Which lathe component is primarily used to feed the cutting tool across the workpiece?

• A. Headstock
• B. Cross Slide
• C. Tailstock
• D. Chuck

Answer: (B)

In turning, feeding the cutting tool across the workpiece is done with the cross slide. The cross slide moves the tool perpendicular to the spindle axis, allowing you to feed the tool across the diameter to remove material and shape the surface. The headstock is where the workpiece is held and rotated, the tailstock supports the opposite end, and the chuck grips the workpiece. None of those provide the sideways, crosswise tool movement needed for feeding across the workpiece, which is why the cross slide is the correct component.