The lathe is a machine tool for metal-cutting machining and can perform a variety of operations: threading, parting off, drilling, boring, turning, grooving or slotting, and roughing. It is now possible to buy used lathes, that is, second-hand ones, which bring great benefits to machine shops.
What is a lathe?
There are different types of lathe: copying, engine, vertical, CNC, woodturning, and so on. Each has its own features and functions, but they all operate on one basic principle. In these machine tools, the workpiece is held in a chuck and rotates on its own axis at high speed while it advances towards the cutting tools.
The cutting tool on a lathe is mounted on a movable carriage that slides on guideways, moving parallel to the workpiece's axis of rotation. On this carriage sits a second carriage that moves radially in relation to the part being machined. Some lathes include a third carriage, or compound rest, which can be tilted and allows tapered parts to be machined.
These machine tools can work with different materials: steel, other metals, iron, aluminium, wood or plastics, among many others, regardless of their hardness and dimensions. Depending on the lathe chosen, it is also possible to machine parts with complex geometries.
Benefits of used lathes
If you are thinking of buying a machine tool for your workshop, you will know that these machines have high prices that vary according to the model and functions of the machine you want. Today, however, it is possible to find used lathes, that is, second-hand lathes, at quite affordable prices that bring great benefits to the buyer.
But why buy a used lathe? What benefits can it bring? Does it represent a risk? Many people assume that second-hand machinery will bring more problems than benefits to the workshop. This is not the case, since used machinery must, without exception, pass rigorous quality checks and comply with certain regulations.
Savings
The main advantage of used lathes , though not the only one, is their price. Buying new machinery can be very expensive, especially for small workshops. With new machinery, it may take many years to pay back the initial investment. With a second-hand lathe this is not the case. The cost of this machinery is much lower, so the payback period is shorter and the profits are also greater.
Quality machinery
As mentioned, many people believe that buying second-hand equipment offers no guarantee. In the metalworking industry, used machinery has to pass rigorous checks that ensure the machine is in good condition and able to keep working almost as if it were new.
Companies that sell used machinery refurbish it to get it ready for sale. The machines are inspected and worn parts replaced, faults and defects are repaired and the electrical installation is renewed (where necessary); in essence, corrective maintenance is carried out on the machine and it is even delivered with a finish that looks new. While these adjustments are made to the machine tool, the technicians also test it and run it to verify that it is fit for delivery.
In addition, for the machine to be sold, it is essential that it carries CE marking. Several EC directives are in force that indicate a machine is fit to be placed on the market.
Service and support
It is not only new machines that have service support available in the event of breakdowns and faults. Used lathes also come with a warranty (depending on the company you buy from) and, as a result, with service support available for any repairs and for maintenance of the machine tool.
Many companies also offer customers the option of shipping the machine, as well as staff who install the equipment at its final location. Operator training can also be provided, if required.
Used lathes to suit your production needs
Without doubt, one of the benefits of used lathes is that you can find one that fits the needs of your workshop. Companies that sell second-hand machinery usually have a wide catalogue of equipment: older models, recent models and models specific to each type of work.
You may even find on the market the same lathe model you bought a few years ago and which has since been discontinued. You can always find a machine that suits the production needs of your workshop. Moreover, in the event of breakdowns and repairs, the necessary parts and spares can be found or the lathe can even be modified to give it more performance or power.