What part of a lathe is responsible for holding the spindle and drive that rotates the workpiece?

The headstock is a crucial component of a lathe, as it is specifically designed to hold the spindle, which is responsible for rotating the workpiece. The headstock houses the motor and the gearing that drives this spindle, allowing for precise control of rotation speed and torque. This functionality is essential for various machining operations, such as turning, as it enables the workpiece to be shaped accurately.

In contrast, the tailstock is typically used to support the other end of the workpiece or to hold certain tools, but it does not provide the rotational drive. The bed serves as the foundational structure of the lathe, supporting both the headstock and the carriage, but it does not play a role in the rotation of the workpiece itself. The carriage, which moves along the bed, is primarily responsible for holding and positioning cutting tools during the machining process, rather than driving the rotation of the workpiece. Thus, the headstock distinctly fulfills the critical role of holding and driving the spindle that rotates the workpiece.