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South Bend SB1047PF
- Durable cast-iron body
- Integrated cooling system
- Permanently lubricated bearings
South Bend SB1060PF
- Integrated cooling system
- Permanently lubricated bearings
- Versatility with wide speed
Laguna Revo 2436
- Incredibly stable
- Easy-to-use controller
- Headstock can slide along rail
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If you don’t know what an industrial lathe is, it’s basically a regular lathe used for metal or woodworking, but it’s a lot larger and a lot costlier.
However, for your dollar, you’re also getting a tremendous machine that’ll make it easier to produce hundreds if not thousands of intricately-cut pieces in hardly any time, thanks to its large motor and capacity.
In this guide, we’ll show you what the best industrial lathe is out of the limited number of the 23 we compared.
Best Industrial Lathe – South Bend SB1047PF
The overall best industrial lathe you’ll ever find is the South Bend SB1047PF.
This behemoth of a metal lathe lets you cut 21-inch-wide stock at speeds of between 200 and 1600 RPM. It’s also packed with all sorts of features to ensure operator safety from start to finish.
Here’s what the SB1047PF’s key specifications look like—
- 200-1600 RPM
- 21-inch Swing Over Bed
- 80-inch Centers Distance
- Coolant System
The SB1047PF is one of the most astounding gearhead lathes coming out of South Bend’s factories.
It features an adjustable feed rod clutch as well as a stop collar to ensure maximum safety while the user is locking or loosening the chuck.
If ever the carriage accidentally meets the collar, the clutch will slip and stop your machine from experiencing a fatal crash.
Other prominent features in the SB1047PF include an extra-long saddle that enhances stability, a pull-out chip pan for trapping debris, a 3-jaw and a 4-jaw chuck, a Fagor digital readout, and a coolant system to your metal stock cool throughout the entire cooling process.
Pros
- Durable cast-iron body
- Integrated cooling system
- Permanently lubricated bearings
- Versatility with wide speed range
Cons
- Not NTRL certified
For the SB1047PF’s price, you’ll get every last cent of your investment’s worth in the form of precision cutting, convenience, and safety.
Top Industrial Lathe Compared
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall - South Bend SB1047PF |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Premium - South Bend SB1060PF |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Budget - Laguna Revo 2436 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | South Bend SB1015F |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Baileigh PL-1640 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Powermatic 3520C |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Grizzly Industrial G0766 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Laguna MLAREVO 1836 |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Best Industrial Lathes
Best Premium - South Bend SB1060PF
Key Specifications
- 18-1800 RPM
- 18.11-inch Swing Over Bed
- 60-inch Centers Distance
- Fagor Digital Readout
The SB1060PF is slightly smaller than our best overall pick, but it’s also the finest EVS lathe sporting the South Bend label.
In terms of safety and convenience-adding features, you’ll pretty much get the same guarantee as the SB1047PF.
The major difference between the two is that this one has a shorter bed of just 60 inches and a narrower swing at only 18.11 inches.
However, it does deliver a higher turning speed, which users will find more suitable for turning wood and acrylic.
A Fagor digital readout will keep users in the know of how fast the spindle is turning and make proper adjustments.
Pros
- Integrated cooling system
- Permanently lubricated bearings
- Versatility with wide speed range
- Extreme power in a smaller package
Cons
- Not NTRL certified
As you can see, this South Bend model doesn’t differ much from the previous South Bend model, but as an EVS model, you can expect faster turning speeds and slightly better torque.
Best Budget - Laguna Revo 2436
Key Specifications
- 0-1750 RPM
- 24-inch Swing Over Bed
- 36-inch Centers Distance
- Comprehensive Remote Controller
One look at the Laguna Revo 2436 and you can immediately tell that this machine is a lot smaller than the two previous industrial lathe models.
The greatest benefit is that you don’t have to spend nearly as much on investing in this Laguna lathe, but you’re also missing quite a bit in terms of turning capacity (36 inches between centers).
However, the distance between the center and bed is larger, allowing you to turn 24-inch-wide stock easily and safely.
On the 2436’s motor end is a remote controller that comes with an emergency stop button, a forward/reverse switch, a variable speed knob, and a digital RPM readout.
Sitting on to of cast-iron legs, this Laguna lathe ensures maximum stability at higher turning speeds.
Pros
- Incredibly stable
- Easy-to-use controller
- Low-noise induction motor
- Headstock can slide along rail
Cons
- Could be easier to change chucks
While not industrial by most standards, we can see the Laguna Revo 2436 serving a ton of use in professional workshops anywhere.
South Bend SB1015F
Key Specifications
- 40-2000 RPM
- 16.14-inch Swing Over Bed
- 60-inch Centers Distance
- Universal Gearbox
The South Bent SB1015F is another highly regarded industrial lathe that, yet again, smaller than the SB1047PF, but it’s also an EVS lathe that lets you change speeds without much trouble.
It comes with the same range of features as the other South Bend lathes, including a universal gearbox with the Fagor digital readout, speed controls, and safety switches.
The SB1015F has a 16.14-inch swing over bed with 60 inches between the centers.
You’ll also get 3 and 4-jaw chucks to handle all kinds of stock, even uneven materials.
With a max speed of 2000 RPM, we see professional furniture makers finding a ton of value from this versatile beast.
Pros
- Integrated cooling system
- Permanently lubricated bearings
- Versatility with wide speed range
- Extreme power in smaller package
Cons
- Not NTRL certified
When it comes to South Bend models, there’s very little risk with your purchase. They’re long-lasting machines with extremely high resale value even decades later.
Baileigh PL-1640
Key Specifications
- 30-2000 RPM
- 16-inch Swing Over Bed
- 40-inch Centers Distance
- Integrated Coolant System
The Baileigh PL-1640 is marketed as a metal lathe, but its 2000 max RPM rating indicates that it would also work incredibly well on plastic and wood.
The 16-inch swing with a 40-inch distance between the centers will let you play around with all kinds of stock while also allowing you to grow without replacing the lathe.
This Baleigh-made metal lathe is made almost entirely out of cast iron, ensuring rigidity and stability even at higher speeds.
Built into the lathe is a 7.5-HP motor that offers 12 different turning speeds, allowing users to work with all kinds of material.
There’s also a handy Mitutoyo digital readout, a halogen light, and a 3-jaw chuck ready in the package.
Pros
- Versatile
- Long-lasting durability
- Cooling system means fewer breaks
- Beefy motor and wide variable speed range
Cons
- Could come with quick change tool
For what it costs, you can expect to get a ton of value from the Baleigh PL-1640 while also experiencing minimal maintenance issues over the long run.
Powermatic 3520C
Key Specifications
- 15-4000 RPM
- 20-inch Swing Over Bed
- 35-inch Centers Distance
- Movable Control Box
The Powermatic 3520C comes with 6-inch riser blocks that let you adjust the height of the four legs.
This lathe operates on 220V with a 2-HP engine, driving the spindle at speeds of between 15 and 4000 RPM for metalworking and woodworking projects.
It even has an extended spindle nose that gives better access to your stock.
The lathe features a moveable control box, which you can relocate to other parts of the lathe for easier access.
The digital readout will let you know how quickly or slowly your workpiece turns to ensure optimal cutting from start to finish.
Here’s a Powermatic-made video description of their 3520C.
Pros
- Handy magnetic control box
- Can rise off the ground by 6 inches
- Wide RPM range for added versatility
- 700-pound construction, enhanced stability
Cons
- Could be easier to relocate around the shop
While a lot smaller by industrial standards, the 3520C would definitely be a valuable lathe for pro workers looking for a more compact lathe.
Grizzly Industrial G0766
Key Specifications
- 100-3200 RPM
- 22-inch Swing Over Bed
- 42-inch Centers Distance
- Adjustable Headstock
The Grizzly Industrial G0766 is yet another small-scale lathe designed for professional workers.
It’s mainly used for turning wood and acrylic, as you can see from its 3200-RPM turning speed.
This machi can accommodate 22-inch-wide stock measuring 42 inches in length, giving you plenty of room to create all sorts of furniture pieces.
The G0766’s bed is made entirely out of cast iron, which also adds weight to the machine.
This helps keep its legs firmly on the ground and reduces vibrations when operating the spindle at higher speeds.
The sliding headstock is an excellent feature as it gives you the freedom to position your stock at any angle.
Pros
- Lots of room to work
- Quiet, smooth operation
- Excellent value for price
- Great after-sales services from GI
Cons
- Assembly could be easier
If you’re a hobbyist or a pro woodturner, the Grizzle G0766 is an excellent, affordable, high-powered wood lathe that blows most of its similarly-sized competitors out of the water.
Laguna MLAREVO 1836
Key Specifications
- 135-3500 RPM
- 18-inch Swing Over Bed
- 36-inch Centers Distance
- Comprehensive Remote Controller
The Laguna MLAREVO 1836 is a 2-HP wood lathe that offers up to 3500 RPM for turning all sorts of objects.
The 18-inch swing and 36-inch bed is the ideal size for semi-pro workers and hobbyists alike.
The stout frame is constructed out of cast iron to absorb most of the shocks and vibrations when turning large stock.
The remote controller is set at the ideal height and angle for quick and easy access.
A large digital RPM readout will let you know how fast the spindle is turning, and the control panel is made to provide easy adjustments, even for beginner-level woodworkers.
Pros
- Intuitive control panel
- Onboard storage for your tools
- Excellent mid-range capabilities
- Reliable stability at high speeds
Cons
- Requires 22V, 15A circuit
Assuming your garage or workshop has the right type of outlet installed, you shouldn’t have any trouble setting up and operating the user-friendly Laguna MLAREVO 1836.
Best Industrial Lathe Buying Guide
At first glance, an industrial lathe looks just like any lathe except for its massive size.
While true for the most part, you don’t have to spend a small fortune on a lathe to get the kind of woodturning capabilities your workshop needs.
Below, you’ll find out how to shop for the best industrial lathe and determine which of the models above will fit best in your shop.
One of the most obvious differences between industrial lathes and other kinds of lathes is the turning capacity.
This refers to the swing over bed, or the max diameter of your stock that the machine can turn, and the distance between centers—how long a workpiece can fit.
The distance between the centers typically ranges from 60 to 80 inches, though you can find models that go beyond that.
The best industrial lathe is one that suits your needs and allows you to grow. That’s why we recommend the 80-inch South Bend SB1047PF over the others.
Everything else in an industrial lathe is pretty standard (RPM, construction, etc.). However, another thing that sets them apart is the range of features they come with.
For instance, digital readouts are virtually standard in every industrial lathe.
However, you might want to keep an eye out for an integrated coolant system and sliding headstocks.
In addition, a great industrial lathe should let you swap out chucks in record time.
This enhances productivity and allows you to work with stock of all shapes and sizes.
FAQ’s
That depends. If you’re a hobbyist woodworker, you can certainly make do with one of the smaller models listed above. If you’re working out of a professional workshop that produces components for other businesses, then yes, an industrial lathe is exactly what you need. On our list, we’ve provided several options by South Bend and one by Baleigh that we think will fulfill your needs multiple times over.
Once again, it depends. Industrial lathes are generally used to produce single, large-sized items individually. However, if your workshop could benefit from multiple smaller lathes with multiple operators at a time, then you could certainly consider picking up several benchtop lathes. Also note that for the cost of a single industrial lathe, you could pick up dozens of benchtop lathes.
For the most part, no, they’re not. Industrial lathes are used in commercial establishments to produce all sorts of parts and equipment. You wouldn’t expect a beginner to invest in an industrial lathe just to turn bowls. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t; it’s just that we recommend you shouldn’t. On our list, you can see several models that can be used by aspiring metal and woodturners, but even then, they’re more powerful than the average DIYer needs.
You bet they are. Even with all of the safety features in place, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be perfectly safe while standing within close proximity to the tool. This is especially true for industrial lathes since a crash, though incredibly rare, can lead to both the destruction of the tool and the surrounding environment. Exercise the right precautions when using a lathe and never attempt to stick a wider workpiece than the swing can fit.
Summary
That’s the end of that chapter, folks.
In this guide, we showed you what the best industrial lathe is out of the 23 models we sat down and compared head-to-head.
Our list of industrial lathes includes some lighter-duty models that we think would work well in the shops of pro metal and woodworkers as well as serious hobbyists.
If you’re unsure of which industrial lathe to take home with you, we’d be more than happy to help in the comments section.
