News

Colchester Machine Tool Solutions (CMTS), one of the UK’s most established manufacturers of machine tools, has announced a new strategic partnership with RAM Engineering & Tooling (RAMET), appointing the Scotland-based business as its exclusive distribution partner for Scotland.

Selecting the right machine tool is a critical decision for any workshop — whether it’s a college training centre, apprenticeship facility, or industrial production floor. The choice impacts safety, teaching outcomes, productivity, and long-term value.

For learners and professionals alike, understanding G-code and M-code is the foundation of every machining process — and it begins with grasping how CNC machines operate within a coordinate geometry system that defines tool movement in space.

This guide explains the most common lathe specifications, what they mean, how they’re measured, and why they matter in real-world machining and education.

Turning technology has shaped manufacturing for centuries. What began as hand-operated wooden lathes has evolved into digitally controlled machines capable of producing complex components with micron-level accuracy.

This guide explains the main components of a typical Colchester manual or CNC lathe, from chuck to tailstock, and outlines how each contributes to the turning process.