CNC lathes spin a block of material for cutting, sanding or drilling a work piece to create a three-dimensional object. Woodworkers, metal smiths, potters and glass workers use lathes to make products like table legs, bowls, candle holders, baseball bats, cue sticks and crankshafts.

CNC lathe machines have begun to replace older manual models, and many shop owners have decided to upgrade. CNC industrial lathes use modern carbide tooling and a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) process that requires skilled supervision. Before buying the perfect CNC lathe for your business, check out CNC lathe information from several suppliers and manufacturers.

1. If your business specializes in smaller individually crafted items, look for small CNC lathes for sale.

2. If you run a large industrial shop that mass-produces your product, seek out larger CNC industrial lathes.

3. If you're looking for a less expensive lathe of any size or for any purpose, check out used CNC lathes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore small CNC lathes

Some CNC lathe manufacturers make smaller models to fit the needs of workshops with little floor space. This includes businesses you run out of your home.

I recommend: TAIG Tools has specialized in manufacturing small lathes for over 30 years. Sherline Products Inc. offers a full line of tabletop and benchtop precision manual and CNC lathes for light industrial use.

Look at larger CNC industrial lathes

Larger shops use CNC lathes to turn material in a precise way as it is being carved into a cylindrical and/or symmetrical shape for mass production. CNC lathes work well for small items you plan to mass produce as well as larger items. If you've been using a conventional lathe, you can save time by upgrading to CNC. Most suppliers offer 'turn-key,' first-time buyer packages to make the transition easier.

I recommend: FEMCO Inc.'s CNC Machine Tools offers a line of large industrial CNC lathes designed for machine shops. Clausing Industrial Inc. sells a series of affordable, versatile CNC lathes for a wide range of applications.

Find a used CNC lathe machine

Buying any item used can save you money, and CNC lathe machines are no exception. Find a supplier who specializes in used equipment to make your search easier. Look for machines people have traded in or that companies repossessed.

I recommend: ABL Technology offers a wide selection of used CNC lathe machines. They help find and deliver the right CNC lathe machine right to your shop. Emachinetool.com has a large inventory of used CNC lathes, some at highly reduced prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure the CNC lathe supplier you order from is ISO certified for quality control and that they renewed their certification within the past six months. In addition, see if the supplier has any other quality certifications.
• •  Ask members of your trade union or professional association for CNC lathe info and recommendations.
• •  If you buy a used CNC lathe, make sure it comes with a warranty.