The saddle of a lathe is the H-shaped casting that sits on top of the bedways and supports the cross-slide and tool post. It moves along the longitudinal axis of the machine, parallel to the spindle, allowing the cutting tool to travel the length of the workpiece during operations like straight turning or facing.
Riding directly on the bedways, the saddle ensures a stable and aligned platform for the tool-holding components. Its rigidity is critical, as it must resist deflection under cutting forces while maintaining precise positioning. The saddle is typically driven by the lead screw or feed rod via mechanisms housed in the apron, allowing for both manual and powered movement.
