An establishment that is equipped with such tools and specializes in such work is known as a machine shop.
Machine tools operate by removing material from the workpiece, much as a sculptor works.
In addition there are operations such as sawing, grinding, gear cutting, polishing, buffing, and honing. The tools themselves vary in size from hand-held devices that can be used for drilling and grinding to large stationary tools that perform a number of operations. Many machine tools have a name that indicates their principal function, e.g., drill press, broach machine, milling machine, and jig borer. The lathe can perform turning, facing, threading, drilling, and other operations. In order to withstand the great heat that this work generates, the materials used in machine tools must be extremely hard and durable.