They retain the basic characteristics of their 19th- and early 20th-century ancestors and are still classed as one of the following: (1) turning machines (lathes and boring mills), (2) shapers and planers, (3) drilling machines, (4) milling machines, (5) grinding machines, (6) power saws, and (7) presses.

There are another dozen types of hand tools, such as reamers, taps, and dies, which are equally important, and will be covered in later chapters. Although socket, open-end, and box-end wrenches are basics and often used in the machine shop, their use is familiar to most and will not be covered here.

A machine tool is a device used to shape and cut metal and other materials. Their uses are in a fab shop for machining operations, such as cutting and drilling. Grinding, and shaping can also be undertaken with the correct tooling. Machine tools use electricity or compressed air for power.