Cutting machine previous husband installed
I believe the answer is:
lathe
'cutting machine' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'previous husband installed' is the wordplay.
'previous' becomes 'late' (I've seen this before).
'husband' becomes 'h'.
'installed' is an insertion indicator.
'late' placed around 'h' is 'LATHE'.
(Other definitions for lathe that I've seen before include "Machine for cutting, drilling or polishing" , "Wood-shaping machine" , "This is turned out" , "Turning device" , "Means for turning" .)