What does the turret in a lathe do?

The turret in a lathe is a crucial component designed specifically to hold and rotate cutting tools into the correct position for machining operations. By allowing the operator to quickly change between different tools, the turret enhances efficiency and precision during the cutting process. This capability is particularly important in applications requiring multiple operations, as it reduces downtime and improves workflow.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not characteristic of the turret's role. For example, adjusting the speed of the spindle pertains to the lathe's drive system and spindle control mechanisms, not the turret itself. Supporting the workpiece is typically the job of the lathe's tailstock and headstock, which secure the material being machined. Providing power to the cutting tools suggests functions related to the motor or spindle, which drive the rotation of the workpiece rather than the turret's function.