The creator of the lathe, as a mechanical device used for shaping various materials (mainly metals), is generally recognized as Henry Maudslay. Henry Maudslay, a British inventor and engineer, played a crucial role in the development of the precision lathe in the early 19th century.

Maudslay invented his precise screw-cutting lathe in 1797. This invention had a significant impact on the industry and mechanical engineering due to its high accuracy in cutting and shaping metals. Maudslay's lathe, with its precise screws and adjustable mechanisms, allowed for the production of highly accurate parts..