The mini lathe is started with the chuck key in the chuck (mini lathe chuck needed). There are two basic types, a spindle lathe for making stair rods, chair legs and other spindly items, and the other sort for making bowls. You should definitely keep your fingers clear of the rotating work and cutting tools. You should never try to stop the spindle of any machine with your hand or fingers as severe injury could result The spindle is driven by an electric motor through a system of belt drives and/or gear trains. Spindle speed is controlled by varying the geometry of the drive train. Lathe is a machine tool which turns cylindrical material, touches a cutting tool to it, and cuts the material. The lathe is one of the machine tools most well used by machining