The Face-plate, shown in Fig. 8, is used when the work is of such character that it cannot be held between centres. It is attached to the live-spindle by the screw on the end, and is used in turning cups, balls, disks, and such other pieces as require that turning-tools be used on one end. The piece being operated on is not fastened directly to the faceplate, but is held in a wooden disk that is fastened to the face-plate by means of screws. This disk is called a chuck.

Fig. 8.

Face-plates are made in various diameters to suit the size of the work. When they are made more complex in character, as with raised rims and attachments in the form of adjusting-screws, they are themselves called chucks.

The swing of a lathe is twice the distance from the centre of the front end of the live-spindle to the nearest point of the shears.

The size of a lathe is determined by the swing and the length of the shears.