Michigan CNC Lathe Technician Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A CNC lathe’s G-code primarily controls
A. Machine setup parameters
B. Tool offsets
C. Cutting conditions
D. Machine movements
A CNC lathe uses G-code to direct specific coordinated machine
motions such as positions, paths, and rapid traverses.
2. What does the code G00 command on a CNC lathe?
A. Rapid positioning
B. Linear interpolation cutting
C. Circular interpolation
D. Program stop
G00 is used for rapid positioning of the tool when no cutting is
intended.
3. On a CNC lathe, the turret orientation function is used to
A. Change spindle speed
B. Position the turret for a specific tool
C. Adjust coolant pressure
D. Set work offset
Turret orientation moves the tool turret to a defined face to ensure
the correct tool is ready for use.
4. The term feed rate refers to
A. Coolant flow speed
B. Spindle ramp-up time
, C. Tool change delay
D. Distance the tool advances per revolution
Feed rate for turning is typically expressed as distance per revolution
of the workpiece.
5. In CNC programming, M03 commands the lathe to
A. Turn coolant off
B. Stop the spindle
C. Start spindle clockwise
D. Reverse feed
M03 initiates spindle rotation in the clockwise direction.
6. Workholding on a CNC lathe is most often accomplished with a
A. Four-jaw chuck only
B. Three-jaw chuck or collet
C. Face mill
D. Tailstock drill bit
Three-jaw chucks and collets secure round stock efficiently for
turning operations.
7. A tool’s offset value compensates for
A. Material hardness
B. Program block number
C. Tool geometry and length
D. Spindle torque
Offset values allow the machine to know the exact length and
diameter of the tool in use.
8. When programming a thread on a lathe, you would use
A. G01 only
B. M08
C. G76 or G92 threading cycles
D. G00
Special canned cycles like G76 are designed to perform threading
operations.
9. The part zero (P0) location signifies
A. First tool change
B. Maximum spindle speed
C. Reference position for the part
, D. Idle machine state
Part zero is the origin point from which all dimensions are measured.
10. What type of cutting occurs with G01 on a CNC lathe?
A. Rapid traverse
B. Tool change
C. Linear interpolation with controlled feed
D. Circular motion
G01 performs straight-line cutting at a specified feed rate.
11. Coolant in lathe operations primarily serves to
A. Increase RPM
B. Lubricate the chuck
C. Reduce heat and flush chips
D. Align the spindle
Coolant reduces thermal effects and clears chips from the cut zone.
12. A CNC lathe’s tool life is most affected by
A. Tailstock position
B. Paint color
C. Cutting speed and feed
D. Operator’s clothing
Cutting parameters are the largest determinants of how long a tool
remains effective.
13. What does M30 accomplish in a CNC program?
A. Pause program
B. Reset tool offsets
C. Turn coolant on
D. End program and rewind
M30 ends the program and resets the machine to allow restart from
the beginning.
14. In lathe terminology, OD stands for
A. Offset diameter
B. Outside diameter
C. Operating drive
D. Overcut depth
OD refers to the external surface of a cylindrical part.
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A CNC lathe’s G-code primarily controls
A. Machine setup parameters
B. Tool offsets
C. Cutting conditions
D. Machine movements
A CNC lathe uses G-code to direct specific coordinated machine
motions such as positions, paths, and rapid traverses.
2. What does the code G00 command on a CNC lathe?
A. Rapid positioning
B. Linear interpolation cutting
C. Circular interpolation
D. Program stop
G00 is used for rapid positioning of the tool when no cutting is
intended.
3. On a CNC lathe, the turret orientation function is used to
A. Change spindle speed
B. Position the turret for a specific tool
C. Adjust coolant pressure
D. Set work offset
Turret orientation moves the tool turret to a defined face to ensure
the correct tool is ready for use.
4. The term feed rate refers to
A. Coolant flow speed
B. Spindle ramp-up time
, C. Tool change delay
D. Distance the tool advances per revolution
Feed rate for turning is typically expressed as distance per revolution
of the workpiece.
5. In CNC programming, M03 commands the lathe to
A. Turn coolant off
B. Stop the spindle
C. Start spindle clockwise
D. Reverse feed
M03 initiates spindle rotation in the clockwise direction.
6. Workholding on a CNC lathe is most often accomplished with a
A. Four-jaw chuck only
B. Three-jaw chuck or collet
C. Face mill
D. Tailstock drill bit
Three-jaw chucks and collets secure round stock efficiently for
turning operations.
7. A tool’s offset value compensates for
A. Material hardness
B. Program block number
C. Tool geometry and length
D. Spindle torque
Offset values allow the machine to know the exact length and
diameter of the tool in use.
8. When programming a thread on a lathe, you would use
A. G01 only
B. M08
C. G76 or G92 threading cycles
D. G00
Special canned cycles like G76 are designed to perform threading
operations.
9. The part zero (P0) location signifies
A. First tool change
B. Maximum spindle speed
C. Reference position for the part
, D. Idle machine state
Part zero is the origin point from which all dimensions are measured.
10. What type of cutting occurs with G01 on a CNC lathe?
A. Rapid traverse
B. Tool change
C. Linear interpolation with controlled feed
D. Circular motion
G01 performs straight-line cutting at a specified feed rate.
11. Coolant in lathe operations primarily serves to
A. Increase RPM
B. Lubricate the chuck
C. Reduce heat and flush chips
D. Align the spindle
Coolant reduces thermal effects and clears chips from the cut zone.
12. A CNC lathe’s tool life is most affected by
A. Tailstock position
B. Paint color
C. Cutting speed and feed
D. Operator’s clothing
Cutting parameters are the largest determinants of how long a tool
remains effective.
13. What does M30 accomplish in a CNC program?
A. Pause program
B. Reset tool offsets
C. Turn coolant on
D. End program and rewind
M30 ends the program and resets the machine to allow restart from
the beginning.
14. In lathe terminology, OD stands for
A. Offset diameter
B. Outside diameter
C. Operating drive
D. Overcut depth
OD refers to the external surface of a cylindrical part.
