Bedways are the precision-machined guiding surfaces built into the lathe bed that control the movement and alignment of the carriage and tailstock along the length of the machine. They serve as the tracks on which these components slide, ensuring that they travel parallel to the spindle axis and maintain proper positioning during machining.
Bedways are typically made in flat, V-shaped, or dovetail profiles and are hardened and ground to resist wear and maintain accuracy over time. The specific geometry helps guide movement while also resisting forces generated during cutting. Proper lubrication and care of the bedways are essential to prevent scoring or uneven wear, which could compromise the precision of the machine. Because they directly influence how accurately tools and workholding devices move relative to the rotating workpiece, the condition and quality of the bedways are critical to the performance of the lathe.
