Feed directions on a centre lathe With reference to the lathe axis, in which directions can the cutting tool be fed on a conventional centre lathe during turning operations?

Introduction / Context:
Lathe tool feeds determine the surface generated on the work. Understanding the available feed axes clarifies which operations a centre lathe can perform efficiently, such as facing, turning, and taper turning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional engine/centre lathe with carriage, cross slide, and compound rest.
• Work held between centers or in a chuck, rotating about the spindle axis.

Concept / Approach:
Two principal feed motions exist: longitudinal feed (parallel to spindle axis) for cylindrical turning and shouldering, and cross feed (perpendicular to spindle axis) for facing and diameter changes. The compound rest can be set to an angle for short tapers, but the primary feed axes remain longitudinal and cross.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify slideways: carriage moves longitudinally; cross slide moves radially (cross).Operations: turning uses longitudinal; facing uses cross; tapers use compound or offset tailstock.Hence, the tool can be fed in both cross and longitudinal directions.

Verification / Alternative check:
Lathe controls include separate feed clutches/leads for longitudinal and cross feeds, confirming both are standard.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(A) and (B) are incomplete. (D) is incorrect because slideways constrain motion to defined axes. (E) the compound rest provides angled feeds for limited travel but does not replace the two principal feed axes.

Common Pitfalls:
Overusing the compound for long tapers leading to chatter; ignoring appropriate feed directions for the intended surface.

Final Answer:
both cross and longitudinal direction