What is the maximum length of workpiece that can be mounted on a particular lathe?

What is the maximum length of workpiece that can be mounted on a particular lathe?

• A. Distance between centers
• B. Center distance
• C. Maximum center
• D. Stroke length

Answer: (A)

On a lathe, when you mount a workpiece between centers, the piece is supported at both ends by the centers. The longest piece you can fit between those two supports is exactly the distance from the headstock center to the tailstock center—the distance between centers. This is the standard way lathe specs express the maximum between-centers length, and it directly limits how long a piece can be held securely during turning. A center distance is essentially a synonym in some contexts, but the conventional term used for the maximum length between centers is the distance between centers. A term like maximum center isn’t a standard way to describe workpiece length, and stroke length refers to the travel range of a component, not how long a stock can be mounted between centers.

On a lathe, when you mount a workpiece between centers, the piece is supported at both ends by the centers. The longest piece you can fit between those two supports is exactly the distance from the headstock center to the tailstock center—the distance between centers. This is the standard way lathe specs express the maximum between-centers length, and it directly limits how long a piece can be held securely during turning.

A center distance is essentially a synonym in some contexts, but the conventional term used for the maximum length between centers is the distance between centers. A term like maximum center isn’t a standard way to describe workpiece length, and stroke length refers to the travel range of a component, not how long a stock can be mounted between centers.