Bench lathes - like the one operated here by Robert Marichy in his workshop in Arinthod - are small lathes which are set on a workbench to be used. The cast iron ones are heavy and stable enough to allow the turning of large pieces. Their length between points generally varies between 19.6 and 31.4 inches (50 and 80 cm). As most are not equipped with electronic variators, the speed changes are usually done by moving the pulley belt clearly visible in this photo.