Used lathe

Types of used lathes

One of the most critical machines in any production process is the silhouette of the parting line, which indicates how blow molds are made. This consists of two halves of the molds that create hollow objects. The benefits of used lathes are not limited to cost savings; they also contribute towards sustainable practices within industries by extending lifespan of machinery. Buying an unused lathe is just as expensive, which is why many people choose to buy them.

Used CNC lathes allow for the computerization of operations. This leads to improved precision during part production while reducing manual labor requirements. Their ability to produce intricate designs makes them highly sought after types of used CNC lathes. Many of them may have made it through the factory but still have a lot of life left and can be overhauled. 

Along with being overhauled, used servo CNC lathes are quite popular because, while they are used, they still function just as normally as brand-new machines. The servo lets the machine know how fast and with what precision it must do the job. The more modern the machine, the better its functioning will be. This is why understanding the kind of machine that is needed for business in the first place is crucial before making a decision about what to buy.

Besides the fact that they are often more affordable, many people choose to invest in a used CNC lathe because they can also be upgraded. Many suppliers on Alibaba offer the option to upgrade the machines after purchase so that businesses can get a product they are satisfied with without having to lay out a large sum all at once. Used lathes of any kind are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that want to run a smooth operation and ensure that their production line never breaks.

It is important to note that not all lathes are suitable for all types of work. Some are better at cutting harder metals than others. Knowing the exact specifications of what needs to be done on the production floor comes into play here once again when buying a used lath machine. If it does not meet the requirements of what needs to be produced, there will be wastage of money and resources that cannot be recovered.

Specifications and maintenance of used lathes

The specifications of a lathe are manifold and vary depending on the machine type and model purchased. However, key parts related to the operation of the machine include:

• Motor: Lathe machines have different motor specifications, whose power output is measured in kilowatts (kW). The higher the power of the motor, the bigger the workpiece it can efficiently turn.
• Spindle Power: Spindle power on a used lathe machine indicates how much work it can handle without overheating or stalling. Bigger, industrial-scale lathe machines have a spindle power of around 3 kW to 5 kW. Smaller lathe machines for home use have a spindle power of around 0.2 kW to 0.75 kW.
• Maximum Swing: Swing on a lathe machine measures the diameter of the workpiece the machine can turn when mounted on its spindle. It is measured over the bed of the lathe machine. For bigger industrial lathe machines, the maximum swing can range from 60” to 90”. In the case of smaller lathe machines, the maximum swing measures around 8” to 12”.
• Length Between Centers: Length between centers refers to the maximum length of the workpiece the lathe machine can turn. The length between the two centers of industrial-scale lathe machines is quite large, ranging from 30” to 250”. Smaller lathe machines for light duty have the length between centers in the range of 10” to 20”.
• Bed: As mentioned earlier, the bed of the lathe machine holds the workpiece in place as it turns at a high speed against stationary tools that cut the material to shape it into the desired object. The material used for making the bed is cast iron, steel, or aluminum alloys. Industrial-scale lathe machines have heavy and large beds.

Every machine requires maintenance, and a lathe machine is no exception. Routine maintenance helps avoid any sudden breakdown of the machine and ensures it works smoothly and efficiently for a long time to come. The used lathe machine will only fetch a good resale price if it has been maintained well.

Routine maintenance involves thorough cleaning of the entire machine to remove any debris or dirt accumulated due to the cutting of various materials. Once cleaned, the machine must be lubricated well to ensure the moving parts move smoothly and efficiently without any danger of wear and tear.

Once in a while, the machine should be subjected to a thorough inspection to see if any components require replacement, repair, or adjustment. All bolts and nuts must be checked to see if they are securely fastened and adjusted as per requirements. Any damaged or worn-out parts must be replaced immediately to prevent accidents.

Inspection should also be done on all belts and screws to check for proper tension and alignment. They should be adjusted to the right levels and cleaned and lubricated as per requirements.

Many suppliers of new and used lathes for sale also offer services and products for the maintenance of the lathe machines. So, for someone looking to buy a used lathe online, make sure to ask the supplier what services they offer for the maintenance of the lathe machine.

Applications of used lathes

Despite the age of the machine, used lathes still play a vital role in many applications.

• Furniture industry

  Unused wood lathe machines can still create various wooden craft items, chair parts, and decorative components.

• Construction industry

  Used metal lathes can trim down metal rods or pipes used for structural support in construction projects or the assembly of scaffolding systems.

• Automotive industry

  Automotive manufacturers or repair shops can use an inexpensive lathe machine to work on used lathe parts for cars, such as axles and rotors.

• Jewelry making

  Micro lathes are ideal for jewelry makers or hobbyists who use them to create intricate pieces and details. They can work on delicate items such as rings, bracelets, and pendants.

• Machinery parts

  When repairing or maintaining machinery, spare parts often need to be made. Used lathes can create parts like pulleys, shafts, and bearings.

• Medical devices

  Medical manufacturers can use CNC lathes to produce medical devices and implants tech components with a high level of precision.

• Hobbies and crafts

  Hobbyists and craft lovers use small or cheap lathe machines to make items like pipe dreamers, rolling pins, or customized handcrafted toys.

• Musical instruments

  An instrument maker can use a used metal lathe to make an instrument's body or neck, e.g., a clarinet, flute, or oboe.

• Sports equipment

  Sports equipment manufacturers also use CNC lathes to make sports-related equipment such as golf clubs, handles, or rackets.

How to choose used lathes

Buying a lathe machine for sale is not enough; the buyer must know what features to look for when purchasing a used lathe machine. It's safer to prioritize machines that are still functional without needing repairs. This means the parts are regularly maintained, and there are no serious defects.

Investigate the service record of the lathe machine. Has it been regularly serviced? Are there details of the spare parts replaced? If possible, get the spare parts replacement details to ascertain if crucial parts like the motor have been replaced. Also, ask about the last servicing date to predict when next it should be serviced. With this information, buyers can estimate the remaining useful lifetime of the machine.

It's also important to find out the type of materials the previous user worked with. AWood lathe for sale, for instance, may have been used to work on hardwood, which are denser materials than softwood. If the new user intends to work on dense materials, it's safer to go for a machine that has worked on similar materials. This prevents added stress on the machine that could lead to early breakdowns.

The most critical thing a buyer must evaluate is the machine's functionality. Test all the parts and functions of the lathe machine to discover any issues that could lead to high repair costs. It's best to get a professional lathe technician to help with the assessment.

The support and warranty offered by the seller are also important. A buyer may need support when setting up the machine at a new location, especially overseas. A user manual can help with this, as can a warranty that covers certain repairs. Even the delivery options are worth considering.

Used lathe Q&A

Q1. What materials can be worked on a used metal lathe?

A1. Used metal lathes are commonly used for metals, such as cast iron, brass, and aluminum. The lathe machine for wood can only work on wooden materials.

Q2. What type of power source does a used lathe machine have?

A2. Most used lathes have electricity as the main power source. Petrol lathes and other used lathes with battery power are less common.

Q3. Can an operator control the speed of a used lathe?

A3. Yes. The speed of a used lathe can be controlled. The used lathe's speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Smaller lathes may have a few belt speed settings, but larger ones with motor drives have an entirely flat speed range.

Q4. Does a used lathe machine come with any accessories?

A4. The most common accessory is a used lathe chuck, which holds the workpiece. Others include the cross slide, used lathe tool post, tailstock, and many more.