Used Metal Lathes for Sale

FAQs About Metal Lathes (Used)

What is a metal lathe?

Metal lathes are machines used for shaping metal (and sometimes other materials) by holding and r otating a workpiece against various cutting tools. With a lathe, the metal used can vary for a range of applications. Typically, they’re ​​used for producing a variety of precise and intricate parts, from automotive components to intricate jewelry pieces. Used lathe machines also come in different sizes, shapes, and with different accessories depending on the user’s needs. .

What are lathes used for?

Used metal lathes cut or shape various materials, like wood or metal. They have different components, such as a carriage and tool post, that help streamline productivity and make them easier to operate. Used metal lathes can be used for facing, boring, drilling, threading, and knurling materials in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, and glassworking. Metalworking lathes can also be used to produce most solids of revolution, plane surfaces, and screw threads or helices. Ornamental lathes can produce three-dimensional solids of incredible complexity. The material is held in place by one or two centers, at least one of which can be moved horizontally to accommodate varying material lengths. Examples of objects that can be produced on a lathe include candlestick holders, cue sticks, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, musical instruments, crankshafts, camshafts, etc. .

What are the types of lathes?

Whether you’re interested in learning more or looking at one for sale, used metal lathes come in various styles, and it’s helpful to know about each.

Engine Lathes

Engine lathes are primarily used for cutting and shaping metal workpieces, but they can also be used on plastic and wood. They’re called "engine" lathes because they were originally designed to machine engine parts, but they can be used for a wide range of applications in manufacturing and metalworking.

Engine lathes are known for their versatility, as they can perform a wide range of operations. With the right attachments and tools, such as a chuck, for example, engine lathes have the capacity to manage grooving, knurling, taper turning, and parting off.

There are many brands of engine lathes available on the market. Some of the most well-known and respected brands of engine lathes include: Victor, Acra, Baileigh, Monarch, Leblond, Mori Seiki, Clausing, Webb, Knuth, GMC, Kingston, and Mazak.

Lathe brands can serve different purposes, such as:

1. Clausing: Clausing is a US-based manufacturer that produces a wide range of high-quality engine lathes for industrial and educational applications.
2. LeBlond: LeBlond is another US-based manufacturer that produces a range of high-quality manual and CNC engine lathes for various industries. 
3. Mazak: Mazak is a Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of CNC engine lathes for high-precision machining applications. 
4. Okuma: Okuma is another Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of CNC engine lathes for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. 
5. Haas: Haas is a US-based manufacturer that produces a range of CNC engine lathes for high-speed machining applications.

Precision Lathes

Precision lathes are used for workpieces that require high accuracy or fine detail work. These lathes minimize vibrations for added stability and also have the ability to create ultra-smooth surface finishes, ideal for use in making watches, jewelry, aerospace components, and medical devices. Many precision lathes also come with advanced control systems for precise control over cutting.

There are many brands of precision lathes available in the market, and the most popular ones vary depending on the region and the specific industry. Some of the most well-known and respected brands of precision lathes include:

1. Hardinge: Hardinge is a US-based manufacturer that produces a range of high-precision lathes for various industries, including aerospace, medical, and automotive. The most popular Precision lathe is a Hardinge, known as the Ferrari of Lathe machines. Out of the factory, they hold up to 50 Millionths tolerance. Precision Toolroom Lathes offer high production of precision parts requiring consistent accuracy and ease of operation.
2. Schaublin: Schaublin is a Swiss-based manufacturer that produces a range of high-precision lathes for the watchmaking and micro-machining industries.
3. Tornos:: Tornos is another Swiss-based manufacturer that produces a range of high-precision lathes for the watchmaking, medical, and automotive industries.
4. Citizen: Citizen is a Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of precision lathes for the watchmaking, medical, and electronics industries.
5. Tsugami:: Tsugami is another Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of precision lathes for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical.

Other popular brands of precision lathes include Doosan, DMG Mori, Okuma, and Nakamura-Tome.

CNC Lathes?

CNC (computer numerical control) lathes automate and enhance the precision of turning operations using computer programs. Their ability to efficiently and reliably produce high-quality, precise, and complex parts makes them useful in a range of industries, including automotive, electronics, aerospace, medical, and general manufacturing. CNC lathes can be programmed to perform a wide range of operations, such as turning, drilling, boring, threading, and facing, without the need for manual intervention.

The CNC lathe brands widely recognized for their quality and reliability include:  

1. Haas: Haas is a US-based manufacturer that produces a range of CNC lathes for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. Haas lathes are known for their user-friendly interface, reliability, and affordability.
2. Mazak: Mazak is a Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of high-end CNC lathes for high-precision machining applications. Mazak lathes are known for their advanced technology, quality, and accuracy.
3. Doosan:: Doosan is a South Korean manufacturer that produces a range of CNC lathes for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical. Doosan lathes are known for their durability, performance, and affordability.
4. Okuma: Okuma is another Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of CNC lathes for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. Okuma lathes are known for their high-precision machining capability and advanced technology.
5. DMG Mori: DMG Mori is a German-Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of high-end CNC lathes for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical. DMG Mori lathes are known for their quality, precision, and versatility.

Other popular brands of CNC lathes include Nakamura-Tome, Citizen, and Hardinge. Ultimately, the best brand of CNC lathe for a particular application depends on the specific requirements of the job and the budget of the buyer.

Big Hole Country Lathes?

Big hole country lathes are designed to handle workpieces with large diameters and significant lengths. They are equipped with a large spindle bore, allowing them to accommodate substantial and heavy-duty workpieces. In addition to the large spindle bore, big hole country lathes often have other features that make them suitable for heavy-duty machining, such as a sturdy bed and tailstock, a powerful motor, and a variety of tooling options.

Some big hole country lathes also have CNC control capabilities, allowing for high-precision and automated machining of large parts. Their capacity to handle large workpieces makes them useful in oil and gas drilling and extraction operations, producing parts for heavy machinery, aerospace manufacturing, shipbuilding, and creating parts for construction and mining machinery.

What are the most popular sizes of lathes??

The most popular sizes of lathes can vary depending on the region, industry, and specific requirements of the job. Workspace area is a major consideration. Some of the most common sizes of lathes include:

1. Benchtop Lathes: These lathes have swing-over bed sizes of up to 12 inches and are often used for small-scale machining in workshops or home-based businesses.
2. Toolroom Lathes: These lathes have swing-over bed sizes of up to 20 inches and are often used for precision machining in tool and die shops, as well as in research and development applications.
3. Big Hole Lathes:: These lathes have swing-over bed sizes of up to 60 inches and are often used for machining large-diameter parts, such as those used in the oil and gas, power generation, and mining industries.
4. Vertical Lathes: These lathes have swing-over bed sizes of up to 240 inches and are often used for machining large, heavy parts in industries such as aerospace and defense.

14” x 40” inch lathes are typically the most popular size due to their versatility and ability to work with all sorts of applications. This size of lathe is commonly used in machine shops, maintenance facilities, and production facilities. It’s also a good size for small businesses or hobbyists requiring a reliable and affordable lathe.

The 14" x 40" engine lathe typically has a swing-overswing-over bed of 14 inches, a distance between centers of 40 inches, and a spindle bore of around 1.5 inches. This size of lathe can handle workpieces with diameters up to 14 inches and lengths up to 40 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of turning operations.

There are several other sizes of lathes available to accommodate different types of turning operations, including:

1. 13x40
2. 16x40
3. 16x80
4. 18x60
5. 25x120
6. 22x160

Find the Right Metal Lathe for Sale (Used) ?

Looking for used metal lathes at sale and discount prices? We’re proud to offer used metal lathes at great price points to meet your needs. We offer many high-quality machine tools, such as bandsaws, ironworkers, press brakes, and more.

Interested in listing or selling your machinery? We’ve got you covered. Our machinery auctions help you easily sell your equipment and our team is here to help guide you through the process.

Call us at (626) 444-0311 with any questions, or contact us online today to get more information on our products or auction services.