A cutting tool moves in linear directions to remove material from a spinning workpiece. Which process is described?

A cutting tool moves in linear directions to remove material from a spinning workpiece. Which process is described?

• A. Turning
• B. Milling
• C. Drilling
• D. Grinding

Answer: (A)

Turning is the process where the workpiece spins in a chuck or spindle while a single-point cutting tool moves in straight, linear feeds to remove material. The rotation provides the cutting action, and the tool’s linear travel shapes the surface, producing cylindrical features on a lathe. Milling, by contrast, uses a rotating cutter and often involves moving across multiple directions relative to a stationary or differently-moving workpiece. Drilling focuses on making holes with a drill bit, and grinding uses an abrasive wheel for fine finishing rather than forming features on a spinning workpiece. So the described scenario best fits turning.

Turning is the process where the workpiece spins in a chuck or spindle while a single-point cutting tool moves in straight, linear feeds to remove material. The rotation provides the cutting action, and the tool’s linear travel shapes the surface, producing cylindrical features on a lathe. Milling, by contrast, uses a rotating cutter and often involves moving across multiple directions relative to a stationary or differently-moving workpiece. Drilling focuses on making holes with a drill bit, and grinding uses an abrasive wheel for fine finishing rather than forming features on a spinning workpiece. So the described scenario best fits turning.