A lathe is a mechanical device used for tuning the wood (or blanks) so you can gradually take off wood when spinning.  Lathes have been around for a long time.  The first lathes were foot powered, they have now evolved in to be equipped with digital touch screens and some even do the turning for for you.  The picture here shows one of the lathes that I have.  It's a central machinery lathe.  This is a newer model, it is light, but has a throttle for speed.  It is a good lathe for beginners, I have now upgraded to a larger lathe.