Turning
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Turning, is the process used to produce cylindrical components in a lathe. It can be done manually, or using a CNC machine.
When turning, a cylindrical piece of material (wood, metal, etc.) is rotated and a cutting tool is traversed along 2 axes of motion to produce precise diameters and depths. Turning can be either on the outside of the cylinder or on the inside (also known as boring) to produce tubular components to various geometries.
Turning can be performed manually on what are known as conventional machines with center lathes which are not computerized. In this case, they require constant supervision. Alternatively, they may be done using automatic lathes (auto lathes) operated by skilled tradesmen called machinists (or fitter and turners). Modern practice is moving towards the use of CNC controls such as a CNC turning center.
Facing is a related term. It involves moving the cutting tool across the face (or end) of the workpiece and is performed by the operation of the topslide, as distinct from the longitudinal feed (turning). It is commonly associated with the use of a lathe although it may be used in relation to vertical boring mills or similar operations.
The bits of waste metal from turning operations are known as turnings or swarf.
