lathe

/leið/
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lathe

A carpenter shapes a wooden bowl on a lathe.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A machine tool for shaping metal or wood: A "lathe" is a machine in which a piece of material (the workpiece) is rotated at high speed against a fixed cutting tool, allowing it to be shaped symmetrically about an axis of rotation.
Usage
  • The primary use of a lathe is to perform operations such as cutting, sanding, knurling, drilling, or deformation on a workpiece to create an object with symmetry about the axis of rotation.
  • It is a fundamental tool in metalworking, woodturning, and glass-working.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The carpenter used a lathe to turn the wooden block into a beautiful table leg.
    • Precision metal parts are often manufactured on a computer-controlled lathe.
Advanced Usage
  • "to operate/run a lathe": to use or work with a lathe machine.
    • He learned to operate a lathe during his engineering apprenticeship.
  • "lathe operator": a person whose job is to use a lathe.
    • The factory is hiring an experienced lathe operator.
Variants and Related Words
  • Turning: (n) The process or activity of shaping wood, metal, etc., on a lathe.
    • Wood turning is a skilled craft.
  • Turning lathe: (n) Another term for a lathe, emphasizing its function for turning operations.
  • Lathe bed: (n) The heavy, rigid base of a lathe that supports its other components.
  • Lathe chuck: (n) A clamping device on a lathe that holds the rotating workpiece.
Synonyms
  • Turning machine: A machine used for turning operations.
  • Engine lathe: A common type of lathe.
Notes
  • The verb form "to lathe" (meaning to shape on a lathe) is rare and often considered non-standard or dated. The standard verb is "to turn."
    • He will turn the brass rod on the lathe. (Preferred)
    • He will lathe the brass rod. (Less common)
lathe

A carpenter shapes a wooden bowl on a lathe.

Noun
  1. machine tool for shaping metal or wood; the workpiece turns about a horizontal axis against a fixed tool