What is the primary purpose of a lathe in woodworking?

The primary purpose of a lathe in woodworking is to shape wood into cylindrical forms. This is achieved by rotating the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool. The rotation allows for the shaping of the material along its length, making it ideal for creating round objects such as spindles, bowls, and furniture legs. The lathe enables precise control over the shaping process, allowing woodworkers to create smooth, even surfaces and intricate designs that would be difficult to achieve with other tools.

While cutting straight lines is a function of various woodworking tools, it is not what a lathe specializes in. Joining two pieces of wood typically involves techniques like gluing or using fasteners rather than a lathe. Additionally, while drilling holes can be done on some lathes with the right attachments, it is not their primary function; the focus of a lathe is on shaping rather than simply making holes.