Which of the following is not a common workholding method on a lathe?

• A. Holding in a chuck
• B. Holding between centers
• C. Holding in the tailstock
• D. Holding in a collet

Answer: (C)

Holding the workpiece in a chuck, in a collet, or between centers are the traditional, direct ways to grip or support a workpiece so it can rotate with the spindle. A chuck or collet provides a secure grip on the outside diameter, while between centers uses centers at each end to guide and rotate the part.

The tailstock isn’t a gripping device for turning the work. It mainly supports the work from the trailing end or houses tools (like a drill chuck) for secondary operations. While you can use a center in the tailstock as part of a between-centers setup, the tailstock itself isn’t a primary workholding method. That’s why holding in the tailstock is not considered a common workholding method on a lathe.