bubut

Bubut is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to refer to a lathe, a machine tool that rotates a workpiece about an axis to perform turning operations. The word can also function as a verb meaning to shape or finish a workpiece on a lathe; in Malay and Indonesian, membubut means to machine or turn on a lathe. In English, the closest equivalent is lathe or turning.

A bubut can be used for metalworking or woodturning, with metal lathes handling precise components and wood lathes used for decorative or furniture pieces. A typical lathe consists of a bed, headstock with the spindle, a tailstock, and a carriage that carries cutting tools. Workpieces are held in place by chucks or centers, and tooling is advanced against the rotating work to remove material.

Common operations performed on a bubut include turning to create cylindrical shapes, facing to produce flat ends, threading to produce screw threads, and parting off to separate finished pieces. Additional processes such as drilling or boring can be carried out with appropriate attachments or setups. Precision lathes may feature automatic feeds, rapid traverse, and digital controls for repeatable results.

Safety is essential in lathe work. Protective guards, splash shields, and proper chip management are standard. Operators should wear eye protection, avoid loose clothing, secure long hair, and ensure the workpiece is clamped securely before starting. In contemporary Southeast Asia, bubut remains a fundamental term in manufacturing and workshop practice, reflecting the enduring role of the lathe in industry and crafts.