On older machines ('50s) the spindle was directly driven by a flat belt pulley with lower speeds available by manipulating the bull gear. This end of the spindle usually also has an included taper, frequently a Morse taper, to allow the insertion of hollow tubular (Morse standard) tapers to reduce the size of the tapered hole, and permit use of centers. The spindle runs in precision bearings and is fitted with some means of attaching workholding devices such as chucks or faceplates. This reduces preparation and waste of material. The main spindle is generally hollow to allow long bars to extend through to the work area. The headstock is required to be made as robust as possible due to the cutting forces involved, which can distort a lightly built housing, and induce harmonic vibrations that will transfer through to the workpiece, reducing the quality of the finished workpiece. The headstock (H1) houses the main spindle (H4), speed change mechanism (H2, H3), and change gears (H10). Headstock with legend, numbers and text within the description refer to those in the image This helps ensure the components manufactured on the machines can meet the required tolerances and repeatability.
Better machines are solidly constructed with broad bearing surfaces ( slide-ways) for stability, and manufactured with great precision. These machines consist of (at the least) a headstock, bed, carriage, and tailstock. The design of lathes can vary greatly depending on the intended application however, basic features are common to most types.