As a lathe operator, he's an artist (6)

I believe the answer is:

turner

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'artist' is the definition.
(painter JMW Turner)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for turner that I've seen before include "Woodworker and English landscape painter" , "Skilled tradesman or great English painter." , "revolutionary type?" , "Painter of seascapes" , "Worker with a lathe, like great English painter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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