Universal lathes

The universal metal lathe is the machine that does almost everything on a rotational workpiece: external and internal turning, facing, drilling along the axis and threads. Here are 52 Optimum universal lathes. Most people look for a small or mini metal lathe for the workshop — we start with those, but the category also has bed lathes up to 3,050 mm between centres.

What is a mini metal lathe and what can it do?

We call a mini lathe a small benchtop lathe with a diameter over the bed of about 150–200 mm. The smallest we have, the OPTIturn TU 1503V, machines Ø150 mm, has 265 mm between centres, a 0.45 kW motor and a frequency inverter with speeds from 120 to 3,000 rpm. It costs €1,126.80.

Such a lathe is sufficient for bolts, bushings, spacer washers, axles and repair parts, for model making and training. It is not for long shafts and heavy cutting — for those you need a larger machine.

What benchtop lathes are there?

The benchtop lathes of the TU series are between the mini lathe and the production machine. The diameter over the bed grows from 200 to 310 mm, and the distance between centres from 300 to 800 mm. Most are for 230 V and plug into an ordinary socket.

Compact: TU 2004V and TU 2304

The TU 2004V has 200 mm over the bed and 300 mm between centres, the TU 2304 and the inverter-driven TU 2304V — 230 and 450 mm. A good choice for a small metal lathe that still turns serious workpieces.

Medium: TU 2406, TU 2506, TU 2807

250–266 mm over the bed and 550–700 mm between centres. The TU 2406V has a 1.1 kW motor, and the TU 2807V — 1.5 kW and speeds from 30 to 4,000 rpm. This is a good class for a workshop in which the lathe works often.

Large benchtop: TU 3008 and TU 3008G

310 mm over the bed and up to 800 mm between centres, a 1.1 kW motor, 400 V. This is the boundary above which bed lathes begin.

How to choose a small metal lathe?

Measure the thickest and longest workpiece you will machine and add a margin. Then check the power supply — 230 or 400 V — and the space: a benchtop lathe needs a sturdy table or stand, because vibrations spoil accuracy. A frequency inverter makes it easier to work with different materials.

When do you need a bed lathe?

When the workpieces are longer than 800 mm, thicker than 310 mm or the lathe will work all day. The TM 3110 and TM 3310 models have 1,000 mm between centres, and the TH series — from 1,000 to 3,050 mm, up to 800 mm over the bed on the largest models and a digital readout on the models with "D".

Lathes of the TH series are used in mechanical engineering, plant maintenance and heavy equipment repair. Over €25,000 they are on request. An overview of all types is in the metal lathes.

Why Promash?

The first lathe is often the hardest purchase — many parameters, many questions. At Promash you can ask a technical expert, see machines in the showroom and get commissioning and training.

• Official importer for Bulgaria, partner of Stürmer Maschinen.
• Technical experts at your disposal.
• Warranty and post-warranty service.
• Quality control before shipping.