What differentiates milling machines from lathes?

The distinguishing feature between milling machines and lathes is predominantly the type of operation they perform. Milling machines utilize rotary cutters to remove material from a stationary workpiece, which allows for a wide range of machining capabilities, including the ability to create complex shapes, slots, and features on the surface of the workpiece. In contrast, lathes primarily revolve the workpiece against a stationary cutting tool, which enables the creation of cylindrical shapes and rotational features.

This fundamental difference in their mechanics and operational capabilities explains why milling machines can perform diverse machining tasks like face milling, end milling, and drilling, while lathes are primarily limited to operations that shape cylindrical workpieces. The rotary action of the milling cutter provides versatility, enabling milling machines to execute both horizontal and vertical movements efficiently, unlike lathes, which typically operate on a central axis to perform turning operations.