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How to Face on a Lathe
Guide · Updated October 28, 2026
Facing cuts the end of a part flat and square to its axis, and it is usually the first cut on lathe work. Most problems come from tool height, a loose carriage or a part sticking out too far.
Face to length
Check length with a mic or height gage set from gage blocks. Check it with a mic you've verified against gage blocks; the free Gage Block Calculator builds the stack.
Step by step
- Hold short: Chuck the part with as little stickout as you can.
- Set center height: Set the tool point exactly on center; a nub left at center means the tool is low or high.
- Angle the tool: Use a tool with a lead angle so the point does not drag; a right-hand turning tool angled a few degrees works.
- Lock the carriage: Lock the carriage so the cross slide does the cutting and the face comes out square.
- Set speed: Base RPM on the outside diameter; it can rise as you near center, if your lathe allows it.
- Feed in: Feed from the outside in at a steady rate; power cross feed gives the best finish.
- Finish and measure: Take a light finishing pass, break the edge and measure length.
Worked example
2.000 in 1018 steel bar, carbide insert at 400 SFM: RPM ≈ 400 × 3.82 / 2 ≈ 760. Rough at 0.008 in/rev and 0.050 in deep, then finish at 0.003 in/rev and 0.005 in deep. To bring a part from 3.045 in to 3.000 in long, take 0.040 in roughing and a 0.005 in finish pass, zeroing the carriage stop or the compound on the face.
Center nub or cone
A small nub at center means the tool is off center height. A face that is slightly convex or concave means the cross slide is not square to the spindle, or the carriage moved. Lock the carriage and check the gibs.
Facing to length
Face one end, flip the part, touch off the faced end on a stop, or measure and take the difference. On a production part, set the compound to 90° or use the carriage handwheel dial.
Tips
- Set height first: setting tool height.
- Pick inserts with carbide insert basics.
- Speeds: turning speeds and feeds.
- Then center drill the faced end if you need it.
FAQ
Why does facing leave a nub in the middle?
The tool point is below center height.
Should I lock the carriage when facing?
Yes, so the cut follows the cross slide and the face comes out square.
What RPM for facing?
Base it on the outside diameter; slow down if the part chatters.
Face from the center out or the outside in?
Outside in is normal; out from center can give a better finish on a light pass.
Why is my faced part concave?
The cross slide is not square to the spindle axis, or the carriage moved.
Related guides and calculators
- How to Set Tool Height on a Lathe
- Turning Speeds and Feeds
- Carbide Insert Basics for Turning
- How to Part Off on a Lathe
- How to Center Drill and Spot Drill
- Surface Finish Basics
- How to Face Mill
- How to Indicate a Part in a 4-Jaw Chuck
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