What is the Y axis on a lathe?

It lets the milling tool move above and below the part's centre line, so it can mill flats and drill holes off centre, not only through the centre.

Is a turn-mill centre the same as a 5-axis machine?

Not usually. Most turn-mill centres are lathes with milling ability. Those with a B-axis milling head can do 5-axis work on turned parts, but a 5-axis machining centre is built mainly for milling.

Turn-mill centre: turning and milling in one machine

A turn-mill centre is a CNC lathe that can also mill and drill. Driven (live) tools, a Y axis and often a second spindle let it turn, mill flats and slots, drill cross holes and finish the back of the part in one set-up, instead of moving the part from a lathe to a milling machine.

Quick facts

Axes: X, Z and C (spindle positioning), often Y and B
Live tools: Driven tools in the turret for milling and drilling
Sub-spindle: Picks up the part to machine the back face
Strength: Complete parts in one set-up, better accuracy between features
Best for: Complex turned parts: hydraulic, valve, automotive
Cost: Higher hourly rate than a plain CNC lathe

What it can do in one set-up

Turning of outside and inside diameters
Milling flats, slots and hexagons on a turned part
Drilling and tapping cross holes and holes off the centre line
Back working on the sub-spindle
Some machines: angled holes and 5-axis milling with a B-axis head

Turn-mill or lathe plus VMC?

Moving a part from a lathe to a VMC adds a second set-up, a fixture and a chance of misalignment between features. A turn-mill centre costs more per hour but often finishes the part faster and more accurately overall, especially for batches of parts with milled features.

Typical parts

Hydraulic fittings and valve bodies
Shafts with keyways, flats or cross holes
Flanges with bolt holes
Automotive and pump components

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Questions

What is the Y axis on a lathe?: It lets the milling tool move above and below the part's centre line, so it can mill flats and drill holes off centre, not only through the centre.
Is a turn-mill centre the same as a 5-axis machine?: Not usually. Most turn-mill centres are lathes with milling ability. Those with a B-axis milling head can do 5-axis work on turned parts, but a 5-axis machining centre is built mainly for milling.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 15 October 2026.