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Glite Dictionary
bench lathe

bench lathe

8.0
A small machine fixed to a workbench that turns metal or wood for careful shaping
  • noun
  • /bɛnʧ leɪð/
  • Specialized
translation icon : torno de banco
  • He used the bench lathe to carefully shape the small metal rod.

Examples

  • Many jewelers rely on a bench lathe for detailed finishing work.

  • The bench lathe is ideal for making precise parts in a home workshop.

  • I bought a new bench lathe for my workshop.

  • The bench lathe is perfect for small projects.

  • Many jewelers rely on a bench lathe for detailed finishing work.

  • He used the bench lathe to carefully shape the small metal rod.

  • The bench lathe is ideal for making precise parts in a home workshop.

Synonyms

lathe
vsbench lathe
  • Specialized
8 7.2

A machine that turns a piece of wood or metal while a tool cuts it

is smaller, fits on a work table and focuses on precise, fine work

How Big

metal spinning lathe
  • Specialized
8.3
lathe
  • Specialized
8 7.2
bench lathe
  • Specialized
8.0

Surface Forms

bench lathe singular
bench lathes plural

Morphology

bench + lathe

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'bench' (worktable) and 'lathe' (a turning tool): it denotes a lathe intended to be mounted on a bench. This noun–noun compounding is a transparent, productive pattern in English (and mirrored in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Bench lathe comes from a small turning machine called a lathe that is fixed to a work bench. Because the machine sits on the bench for careful, small work, the name means 'a small lathe made to sit on a workbench'.