[rcpaisley]

Does a CNC lathe require a C axis to do threading or can a basic 2 axis machine somehow sync the Z to the spindle to do threading?
Thanks,
Robert Newbie

[rcpaisley]

Maybe a better question would be - do all 2 axis turning centers have an encoder on the spindle for sync to Z and threading? Does having a C axis imply that the spindle rotation is under servo control and can be stopped at any position?
Thanks,
Robert

[Eurisko]

Any decent 2 axis turning center will be capable of threadcutting.

A turning center with a 'C' axis ( rotation about the 'Z' axis ) is able to precisely position the chuck. Add live tooling, and the lathe can perform many of the operations that a machining center does (mill, drill, tap, etc.) .