# Lathes CNC lathes rotate workpieces and use indexable tools to perform precise cuts. This technology enables high-speed, accurate machining of complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve manually. Like mills, CNC lathes typically use G-code or proprietary programming, though they usually operate on two axes—X and Z. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.ftcwiki.org/manufacturing-and-assembly/subtractive-manufacturing/lathes.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.