What are the ways on a lathe used for?

The ways on a lathe play a crucial role in guiding the movement of the lathe's carriage, which is responsible for moving the cutting tool along the workpiece. This movement is vital for achieving the desired cuts and shapes in the material being machined. The ways provide a stable and precise track for the carriage, ensuring that the cutting tool moves smoothly and accurately. This precision is essential for tasks such as facing, turning, and machining various features on cylindrical parts.

While supporting the weight of the machine and enhancing the stability of the workpiece are important aspects of lathe design, they do not specifically pertain to the purpose of the ways. The ways are designed explicitly for guiding the lathe's carriage, which directly impacts the machining process.