Which device does a machine operator use to set the depth of cut for turning operations?

Which device does a machine operator use to set the depth of cut for turning operations?

• A. Cross-slide feed dial
• B. Tailstock quill
• C. Carriage handwheel
• D. Compound rest dial

Answer: (A)

In turning, the depth of cut is determined by how far the cutting tool penetrates radially into the work, and that radial adjustment is set with the cross-slide. The cross-slide moves the tool across (perpendicular to) the spindle axis, so moving it in increases the depth of cut and reduces the work diameter by a controlled amount per pass. The dial on the cross-slide lets the operator set this exact radial move, making it the primary control for depth of cut. The other controls don’t set depth in the same way: the carriage handwheel moves the tool along the length of the job (axial feed), not into the work; the tailstock quill is used for support or drilling, not for tapering or standard turning depth; and the compound rest dial adjusts tool angle or provides fine, angular feeds, which is not the usual radial depth adjustment for turning.

In turning, the depth of cut is determined by how far the cutting tool penetrates radially into the work, and that radial adjustment is set with the cross-slide. The cross-slide moves the tool across (perpendicular to) the spindle axis, so moving it in increases the depth of cut and reduces the work diameter by a controlled amount per pass. The dial on the cross-slide lets the operator set this exact radial move, making it the primary control for depth of cut.

The other controls don’t set depth in the same way: the carriage handwheel moves the tool along the length of the job (axial feed), not into the work; the tailstock quill is used for support or drilling, not for tapering or standard turning depth; and the compound rest dial adjusts tool angle or provides fine, angular feeds, which is not the usual radial depth adjustment for turning.