Which One Is Correct: Lath vs Lathe? When To Use Each

As is the case with any modern language, English has lots of words that are only distinguished by a single letter. So you need to proceed with caution when writing as even a single typo may change the entire meaning of a sentence.

Both words, “lath” and “lathe” are related to the construction industry and are linked to materials or wood, to be more precise. However, one is the actual material used while the other is the machine used to operate that material, i.e. wood. 

So while you may have thought that “lath” and “lathe” are interchangeable, we’re here to clear up the confusion, so keep reading.

“Lath” – Definition

“”Lath” is defined as a thin strip of wood, primarily used in the construction of flooring or specific types of ceilings. Additionally, lath is any material fastened to the structural members of a building to provide a base for plaster. Aside from wood, lath may in some cases be gypsum, metal, or insulated board.

“Lathe” – Definition

A lathe is a type of tool used in metal and woodworking, in addition to being a noun. Basically, a lathe is a machine that rotates a piece of material like wood or metal on a spindle and spins against a cutting surface. This ultimately shapes the material into a round or cylindrical form.

The Mix-Up Between “Lath” and “Lathe”

An interesting fact is that the word “lath” is recorded from the late 13th century and is believed to be derived from the Old English word “læððe,” a variant of “lætt.”

“Lathe” on the other hand is a machine in which a piece of wood or metal is held in place and turned while being shaped by a sharp tool.

The lathe was invented by Henry Maudslay who was a British engineer and inventor of the metal lathe among other devices.

The lathe is also known as the mother of all machine tools since it was the first machine that lead to the subsequent invention of other machine tools.

It’s quite easy to confuse “lath” with “lathe”. This is because they are spelled similarly. In most cases, it is even due to an accidental slide of the fingers over the keyboard while typing. So if you’re not familiar with these terms, and most people are not because they are not common English words, you may not even pick them up.

So it is crucial that you understand the meaning of each of these words in order to determine when to use each of them. This will also avoid any confusion with the audience and misspellings when writing.

So let’s distinguish “lath” from “lathe”. Thereafter, you will be to understand how each noun is defined and which context to correctly use them.

“Lath” vs. “Lathe”

Both of these nouns are used frequently and commonly in the construction industry since they are both related to wood or other types of material primarily used in construction.

Their definitions are close as well due to their relation with wood and construction materials. So this element causes additional confusion and makes misspelling these words that much easier.

However, while one is the actual material used in construction, the other is the machine used to work that material.

When to use “lath”?

The noun “lath” should be used when referring to the narrow, thin strip of wood used for construction purposes. This material is also combined with other types of material or strips to form, supports for slates, latticework, and backing for plasters, etc.

Example: I suggest you take the lath and use it for the latticework. So in this sentence, you can see that lath is the narrow, flat, or thin strip of wood used in construction to create other structures.

When to use “lathe”?

So we’ve explained that “lath” is the actual wooden material used in construction, while “lathe” is the actual machine used to work these materials which may be wood, metal, or other types of material.

The “lathe” holds the materials in a fixed position and rotates them around an axis. The axis is usually horizontal and held against a cutting tool which ultimately shapes and forms the material.

Example: Once you’ve repaired the lathe, I’ll get back to shaping these wooden strips. So here, the lathe is the machine used to work the materials and not the actual materials.

So as you may very well see, mixing up these two nouns could lead to lots of confusion in writing, especially to those who fully understand the difference between these two words.

Distinguishing Between “Lath” and “Lathe”

So now that you understand the meaning of lath vs. lathe, you should be able to use both these nouns in the right context.

However, here are some other tips or trick to remember the difference between these two words:

• Bot lath and lathe are nouns
• Lath refers to thin or narrow strips of wood
• Lathe is a spinning machine that carves wood, metal, and other materials

Ultimately, remember that lathe is a spinning machine and a lathe has a spindle and both spindle and lathe end with the letter E.

Using “Lath” and “Lathe” in Texts

While both of these words are related to wood, they have very different meanings.

• Lath is a thin strip of wood used in construction
• Lathe is a machine that carves wood into round or cylindrical shapes

Even though both of these words are related to wood, they are not interchangeable.

So if you simply take note of the fact that lathe has a spindle that turns and that both lathe and spindle end with an E, you will use these two words in the right context.

Example Sentences with the Word “Lath”

• Tiptoeing his way cautiously over the scantlings, laths, and plaster, Benjamin made his way back to the farmhouse.
• The interior of her house was faced with lath and plaster, a plaster ceiling, and a boarded floor being added.
• To give the impression of an old lath and plaster ceiling, the new ceilings were coated with the coarse sand mix.
• Roller shutter doors are also available with insulated lath.
• The recommended method is to use a modern expanded metal lath with a wet plaster system applied.
• Having moved the shelves, we found the lath wall was not plastered behind the shelves, and no wonder the room was not airtight.
• Where the wood of the flange is considerable, it is first covered with metal lath secured to the underside of the floor masonry.
• Lath is one of the best bases for plaster in building materials.
• When choosing the type of lath you’re going to use for your ceiling, wood, metal, and insulated board is amongst the most popular options.
• I would not be one of those people who will ridiculously drive a nail into mere lath and plastering; such a deed would keep me awake many nights.

Example Sentences with the Word “Lathe”

• The young man was working at the lathe and after glancing around, continued with his work.
• In this picture, you are able to view the large faceplate of the long bed lathe.
• The spindles to which the wheels are attached revolve in a lathe worked by a foot treadle.
• The dimensions of the pulleys are purposefully arranged so that the return motion of the lathe spindle is faster than the forward motion.
• Cannel is more compact and duller than ordinary coal and can be wrought in the lathe and polished.
• After a few more turns of the lathe, he removed his foot from the pedal, wiped his chisel, dropped it into a leather pouch attached to the lathe, and, approaching the table, summoned his daughter.
• The nodules are penetrated by cracks, but the material can be worked on the lathe.
• Remove the assembly from the lathe and glue a short piece of 3/8 inch diameter dowel in the hole.
• This picture reveals the dust extractor hose plugged into the collector on the lathe.
• James Brown developed the first satisfactory screw-cutting lathe in 1770.

Conclusion

So as you can see, confusing “lath” with “lathe” is easily achieved, without even trying. After all, there is only a single letter setting each of these two words apart from the other. However, if you simply take note of the definitions and explanations mentioned above, you will soon start using these two words in the right context.

The best way to remember which is which, is to use a simple trick that works, and an even shorter way to remember the difference between them is that “lath” is worked using a “lathe”. Eventually, no matter what method you use, it’s important that you distinguish these words to use them correctly even though they are technical, and not so usual English words.