Why do I need a Lathe?

Lathes are used 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 either 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 and camshafts.

WHAT IS AN ENGINE LATHE?

An engine lathe is a type of lathe machine that is used to perform various machining operations, such as turning, facing, drilling, and threading, on metal or wood workpieces. It is called an "engine" lathe because it was originally designed to machine engine parts, but it can be used for a wide range of applications in manufacturing and metalworking.

There are many brands of engine lathes available in 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, Mazak.  Each lathe serves a different purpose.

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.

Other popular brands of engine lathes include southwestern, Lagun, Doosan, Mori Seiki, and Victor. Ultimately, the best brand of engine lathe for a particular application depends on the specific requirements of the job and the budget of the buyer.  Ask us to explain the best lathe for your purposes.  The experts at Sterling Machinery Exchange will guide you.  Save time and money because purchasing the wrong equipment is costly.  Sterling Machinery Exchange has over 70 years experience in new and used machines specifically lathes as their number one selling machine.  We Buy and Sell all types of metal Lathes.

WHAT IS A PRECISION LATHE?

A precision lathe is a type of engine lathe that is designed to produce extremely precise workpieces with tight tolerances. It is typically used in high-precision machining applications, such as aerospace, medical, and defense industries. Precision lathes are capable of producing parts with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. 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. However, 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. These lathes can also thread with great accuracy in inch or metric.
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.

WHAT IS A CNC LATHE?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe is an advanced type of lathe machine that is controlled by a computer program. It uses a set of instructions called G-code to control the movement of the cutting tool and the workpiece. CNC lathes are capable of performing complex machining operations with high accuracy and repeatability. They are commonly used in modern manufacturing industries for mass production of precision parts. 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.

What is a Big Hole Country Lathe?

A Big Hole Country Lathe is a type of engine lathe that is designed to accommodate large-diameter workpieces with a hole through the center. These lathes are commonly used in industries that produce large-diameter parts, such as oil and gas, power generation, and mining.

Big Hole Country Lathes are typically larger and more powerful than standard engine lathes, and they are capable of handling workpieces with diameters ranging from several inches to several feet. They are designed with a large spindle bore that allows the workpiece to pass through the headstock, enabling the lathe to perform operations such as boring and drilling through the center of the workpiece.

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.

DOES SIZE MATTER?

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. Engine Lathes: These lathes have swing over bed sizes of up to 40 inches and are often used for general-purpose machining in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.
4. 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.
5. 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.

What are the most popular sizes of lathes?

The 14" x 40" engine lathe is often considered the most popular size of lathe. This size of lathe is versatile enough to handle a wide range of turning applications and is commonly used in machine shops, maintenance facilities, and production facilities. It is also a good size for small businesses or hobbyists who require a reliable and affordable lathe for their operations.

The 14" x 40" engine lathe typically has a swing 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 is capable of handling 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.
13x40, 16x40, 16x80, 18x60, 25x120, 22x160

Ask Sterling Machinery Exchange and Fabrication to explain which lathe and which size lathe is best for your purposes.  The knowledge we offer at Sterling Machinery Exchange and Fabrication is insurmountable.  Our expertise in NEW AND USED Lathes will save you time and money. The best brand of lathe or type for a particular application depends on the specific requirements of the job, the application and its complexities, and of course the budget and workspace available. 

The experts at Sterling Machinery Exchange and Fabrication will guide you to buy or sell a Lathe for your application.  Save time and money because purchasing the wrong Lathe equipment is costly.  Sterling Machinery Exchange and Fabrication has over 70 years of experience in selling both new and used machines specifically lathes as their number one selling machine. 

If you want to trade up, or sell your entire plant, Sterling Machinery Auctions, Liqudators and Appraisers will meet all your expectations.  Unless you want to learn on your own what our knowledge has taught us with our years of hand on experience you could always search for days and hours and still not have the details you need to buy or sell a Lathe. Your best decision would be to contact us and Sterling Machinery Exchange for the easy way to make a purchase for a new or used lathe, or sell your current inventory.  Call NOW!   (626) 444-0311.