A lathe is a machine tool that rotates its workpiece along a central spindle against a stationary cutting tool to both remove unwanted material and provide a better, smoother finish. The part is held between headstock and tailstock (the distance between centers) in a process called turning.  They are used in the manufacture of cylindrically shaped products.  In the case of larger pieces, steady rests may be used to support the workiece.  Workpieces are set up most commonly with 3 or 4 jaw chucks or collet chucks.  They can range from small, highly accurate tool room lathes to the large bore, large sized machinery common to the oil tool industry.