Lathe Machine A South Bend 9A lathe, manufactured in 1942, is still in use. The lathe was built because it could be used to turn materials needed for warfare. It could also be used to train apprentices for war-related factory work. SHARE IMAGE: Download Image: Full Size (0.96 MB) Photo By: David Vergun, DOD VIRIN: 200325-D-UB488-002C.JPG Photo Gallery