What is the purpose of a center drill on a lathe?

• A. To center-punch and guide drilling, producing a precise center or start for workpiece alignment
• B. To deburr edges
• C. To chamfer the hole
• D. To remove chips

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a center drill is used to create a precise center and provide a guiding start for drilling on a lathe. Its short, stiff design includes a small pilot that locates the exact spot on the workpiece and a drill section that forms the center hole. This combination lets the tailstock center ride accurately in line with the spindle, keeping the workpiece aligned while you turn or drill. It also gives you a true starting point for subsequent drilling, reducing wandering and ensuring the hole begins exactly where you want.

This isn't about removing burrs, chamfering edges, or clearing chips. Those are done with other tools or operations—center drilling specifically establishes the center and provides a guided start for drilling and supporting the workpiece.