center-lathe

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A lathe in which the work is supported on centers, one, called the front or live center, on the end of the mandrel in the head-stock, and the other, called the back or dead center, on the axis in the tail-stock, the latter being adjustable.
2. n. A lathe having two posts from which centers project and hold the work. It is driven by a band making one or more turns about it, and secured at its ends to a spring-bar above the lathe and a treadle below it. Also called pole-lathe.