Engine lathes are one of the most basic types of metalworking machines. They are used for a variety of turning operations including shaping, cutting, and machining workpieces. These machines are essential to any machine shop.

There are various series of lathes available from a number of manufacturers. From a few models that slopped over into lighter industrial or even modest production.

Engine Lathes

Known as a reproductive machine, engine lathes shape materials into precise parts, facilitating operations across various industries. These workhorses of manufacturing are a central component in automotive, aerospace, fabrication, and even farming equipment production. They’re a versatile tool for shaping metal into symmetrical pieces around an axis of rotation and can be used to create a range of shapes and finishes.

These workhorses typically feature a bed, headstock, and tailstock that holds the material being worked on. They’re also commonly equipped with a turret, which can hold several cutting tools at once to speed up the process of creating a part.

Precision Lathes

Often found in small machine shops and workshops, an engine lathe is a standard lathe that features a carriage, slide and power feed. This type of lathe is typically used for a wide variety of tasks that require cutting, shaping and grinding. Summit Machine Tool offers a large selection of used engine lathe for sale in a variety of sizes and models.

Precision lathes are often known for their exceptional accuracy, ensuring that the dimensions and geometries of machined parts meet tight tolerances. They may also have advanced guideways that reduce deflection and vibration during machining, which improves surface finish and overall accuracy. These machines can be used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical and general fabrication. They are available in a range of sizes, from small to large, and are designed to accommodate a variety of chucks. Some may include a power bar and other accessories for performing a wide variety of tasks.

If you’re looking for a used lathe to use in your metalworking shop, Summit Machine Tool has an extensive selection of used engine lathes for sale. These machines come in various sizes and feature all the normal features you’d expect to find on a lathe. You can also find a number of used metalworking lathes that are equipped with taper attachments and other options to increase your machining capabilities.

Used Lathes

A lathe is a tool that can shape metal, wood, or even specialty items like bowls and musical instruments. While there are many different kinds of lathes, they all work in the same way by rotating the workpiece and using a cutting tool to remove material from the piece.

Used lathes can be a good option for machinists who want to add this type of machinery to their workshop without breaking the bank. When purchasing a second-hand lathe, however, it is important to ensure that the machine is compliant with safety regulations and that it has been properly maintained and inspected by professionals. Always request video and pictures of the lathe before making an in-person inspection. Also, ask about maintenance records, as these can give you a sense of the equipment’s history and how well it has been cared for over time. Additionally, you should consider the logistics of moving the lathe machine to your facility.