Metal lathes

The metal lathe is the machine where real metalworking begins: shafts, bushings, flanges, threads, repair of parts that are not sold ready-made. At Promash there are 65 Optimum lathes — from the OPTIturn TU 1503V benchtop lathe for €1,126.80 to heavy lathes with 3,050 mm between centres, with digital readout and with CNC control.

What types of metal lathes are there?

Metal lathes are divided by size and control. Benchtop ones are placed on a sturdy table or stand and machine workpieces up to about 300 mm in diameter. Bed lathes stand on the floor and machine long and heavy shafts. CNC lathes work to a program.

Benchtop lathes — TU series

From the TU 1503V (150 mm over the bed, 265 mm between centres) to the TU 3008 (310 mm and 800 mm). Most are for 230 V, and some models have a frequency inverter for smooth speed changes. Details are in the universal lathes.

Bed lathes — TM and TH series

The TM 3110 and TM 3310 have 1,000 mm between centres and run on 400 V. The TH series goes up to 3,050 mm between centres and a power of up to 11 kW. Models with "D" in the name come with a digital readout, and those with "V" — with a frequency inverter, for example the TH 4010V with speeds from 30 to 3,000 rpm.

CNC lathes

CNC lathes are for series production. The OPTIturn L 28HS has SINUMERIK 808D ADVANCED control and a turret and is available on request.

How to choose a metal lathe?

Two dimensions decide almost everything: the maximum diameter over the bed (how thick a workpiece can be turned) and the distance between centres (how long a shaft fits). Choose them with a small margin over your largest workpiece, then look at the power and the power supply in the workshop.

• Diameter over the bed: from 150 mm for the TU 1503V to 800 mm for the largest models in the TH series.
• Distance between centres: from 265 mm to 3,050 mm for the largest models in the TH series.
• Power: 0.45–1.5 kW for the benchtop ones, 1.1–1.5 kW for the TM, from 4 kW upwards for the TH. More power allows deeper cuts.
• Digital readout: shows the position of the slide and saves measuring — useful if you turn to size every day.
• Power supply: the benchtop ones are mostly for 230 V; the TM and TH — for 400 V.

Comparison of popular models

The five models below show how size and price grow — from a benchtop lathe for a workshop to a production lathe with a frequency inverter. Prices include VAT; machines over €25,000 are on request.

What is a metal lathe used for?

The metal lathe is used for making and repairing rotational parts: shafts, axles, bushings, bolts, flanges, rollers. On it you turn externally and internally, face, drill along the axis and cut threads. It is used in machine workshops, car repair shops, maintenance and production.

The benchtop lathe is also a common purchase for hobby workshops, model making and agricultural machinery repair. For production runs and parts with greater accuracy, you move to bed lathes with a digital readout. Lathe tools, chucks, steady rests and centres are in the metalworking machine accessories.

Why buy a lathe from Promash?

A lathe is bought once for many years. So it matters who delivers it, who commissions it and who will replace a bearing in five years. With us it is the same team.

• Official importer for Bulgaria and partner of Stürmer Maschinen.
• Commissioning and training.
• Warranty and post-warranty service, maintenance nationwide.
• Over 200 machines in the showroom in Plovdiv.
• Machines over €25,000 are on request — ask for a custom quote.