The headstock of a lathe is the assembly that houses the main spindle and provides the power to rotate the workpiece. It is mounted at one end of the lathe bed and serves as the driving end of the machine. Inside the headstock, gears, belts, or motors transmit power to the spindle, allowing for adjustable speeds to suit different materials and operations. The spindle itself is typically hollow, enabling long stock to pass through and be supported from behind. The headstock often includes mechanisms for changing spindle speed, mounting workholding devices such as chucks or faceplates, and, in CNC lathes, may also include encoders and feedback systems for precise control. As the central power unit of the lathe, the headstock plays a critical role in determining the machine’s performance, accuracy, and versatility.
