Difference between turret and center lathe?

Answer 1

A turret lathe has six-usual tools arranged in the order of use on a rotating turret which is cycled by a large wheel or (Turnstile) like contrivance- in fact some lathe makers calle them Turnstile lathes. the British prefer the term Capstan lathes, the Capstan being that old extended bar device ( somewhat resembling a turnstile) used by seamen to manually raise the anchor- in old Pirate films, etc. The Capstan or Turnstile is oriented vertically, like a steering wheel. they usually have six stops on a hexagon turret. For this reason, a number of automobile makers had hexagonal trademarks such as Essex and Packard- a mark of homage to the machines used to make the parts!- the Turret Lathe.

Answer 2

An engine lathe can be a gap bed lathe. The term "gap bed" refers to a lathe where a section of the bed next to the head stock is removable to enable the machining of large outside diameter work pieces.

Answer 3

A turret lathe has a toolholding turret in place of a tailstock. The tools in the turret can be used to perform multiple cutting operations without the need to change tools, while when operating a conventional engine lathe, changing tools is necessary.