What does tailstock mean?
A tailstock is the adjustable support located at the non-driving, or tail, end of a lathe. It steadies long workpieces by pressing against them while they rotate in the spindle, helping prevent bending or vibration. A tailstock can also hold a drill bit, live center, or other cutting tool so that it remains aligned with the axis of the workpiece. The operator can move the tailstock along the lathe bed and lock it in the required position. Although the term is sometimes used loosely for any support at the rear of a machine tool, it specifically denotes this adjustable component on a lathe. Its precise counterpart is the headstock, which houses the spindle and chuck at the driving end. Together, the headstock and tailstock support and control the workpiece during turning, drilling, and related operations.
nounA support at the non-driving end of a lathe, used to hold the workpiece or a precision tool against the spindle. It can be adjusted to support workpieces of different lengths.
- The adjustable support at the tail end of a lathe, used to steady long workpieces or hold tools such as drill bits and centers.
"He aligned the drill bit with the tailstock center before starting the lathe."
"The machinist moved the tailstock toward the chuck to support the long metal rod."
"A drill bit was mounted in the tailstock so that it remained steady as the workpiece rotated."
Plural when referring to multiple lathe tailstocks or to several types of tailstock.
"The workshop installed new tailstocks on two of its lathes."
Without the tailstock, a lathe would have no firm support at the far end of its work.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tailstock come from?
Tailstock is a compound formed from tail and stock, with both elements referring to its place and function as the supporting component at the tail end of a lathe. The compound belongs to the vocabulary of machine tools and is attested from the 19th century. It shares the word tail with terms such as tailgate and tailspin, while stock also appears in related mechanical compounds.
Related word forms
How tailstock is actually used
The term is chiefly used in machining and woodworking contexts. In British English, the precision tool held in the tailstock is often called a dead centre; in American English, center is more common.
Easily confused with tailstock
The headstock houses the lathe's spindle and rotating chuck at the driving end, whereas the tailstock supports the opposite end of the workpiece or holds a cutting tool.