A wood lathe is a machine used to shape wood by rotating it against cutting tools. It allows woodworkers to create cylindrical shapes, such as table legs, bowls, and spindles. The wood is secured in place and spun at various speeds, enabling precise cuts and designs. Wood lathes come in different sizes and types, including benchtop lathes for small projects and larger industrial lathes for professional use. They are essential tools in woodworking and are often used in conjunction with other tools like chisels and sanders to achieve a smooth finish on the final product.