The lead screw is a long, carefully threaded shaft located slightly below and parallel lo the bed ways extending from the headstock to the tailstock. It is geared to the headstock and its rotation may be reversed; it is fitted to the carriage assembly and may be engaged or released from the carriage during cutting operations. 'The lead screw is for cutting threads and disengaged when not in use to preserve its accuracy. Below the lead screw is a feed rod, which transmits power from the quick change box to drive the apron mechanism for cross and longitudinal power feed. Changing the speed of the lead screw or feed rod is done at the quick change gear box located at the headstock end of the lathe.