Generally, cylindrical grinding machines are used to shape the outer surface of a work piece. They are also used for accurate grinding of conical surfaces. A cylindrical grinder has four basic parts: a bed, a base, a wheelhead, and a tailstock. Each part of the cylindrical grinder has a purpose. In addition to providing a smooth finish, a cylindrical grinder will cut small chips from the work piece.

The main purpose of a cylindrical grinding machine is to produce an exacting finish on the outside of a work piece. In addition, a cylindrical grinder is useful for internal grinding. These machines are especially helpful for grinding end faces and shoulder end faces of a workpiece. They are also used in the pharmaceutical and aerospace industries.

A cylindrical grinding machine has a rotating abrasive wheel that grinds the outside and inner surfaces of a workpiece. It is a very important tool, which is used in almost every workshop. A cylindrical grinder is usually a fixed piece of equipment that can accommodate a large number of different size work pieces. Some designs may have a second wheel that is positioned on the side of the bed. Other designs may incorporate a computer control system. This is known as a CNC (computer numerical control) grinder. These machines are designed with a high level of precision and can be used in a wide range of applications.