The invention relates to a method, in particular a turning method, for producing a rotationally symmetrical surface on a rotating workpiece (1), wherein a cutting edge (3) is inserted into the workpiece (1) many times. During each insertion (41), a new contour portion (11; 34), also referred to as a groove, is formed. The insertion positions lie so closely together that the resulting contour (7) generated on the workpiece (1) consists exclusively of adjacent residual contours or residual grooves (11′) which have arisen from the new contour portions or grooves (11; 34). Any interim contour portions (24) which have formed between the insertion positions during repositioning of the cutting edge (3) are removed again during the next insertion (41). The resulting rotationally symmetrical surface is twist-free. The method can be implemented using conventional lathes.