Used Swiss lathes for small diameter precision work
A
Swiss lathe is not just a regular lathe with a different label. It is built for small diameter bar work where the part needs support right near the cut. That is why Swiss type machines show up so often in medical components, aerospace fasteners, fittings, connectors, electronics work, and other production jobs where the same small part has to come out right over and over.
The
guide bushing is the part that makes the machine different. Bar stock feeds through the guide bushing, and the tool cuts close to that support point. On long, slender parts, that can be the difference between a clean, repeatable part and a part that moves, vibrates, or falls out of tolerance.
When a Swiss lathe is the right fit
A Swiss lathe is worth a closer look when you are running smaller diameter bar stock, long length to diameter ratios, repeat production, and parts that need multiple operations in one setup. Shops also look at Swiss machines when they want the main spindle, sub spindle, live tooling, and bar feeder working together instead of moving the part through extra operations.
- Good fit: small diameter parts, tight tolerances, long slender parts, repeat production, bar fed work, and parts that benefit from main and sub spindle machining.
- Compare carefully: guide bushing condition, bar feeder compatibility, live tooling, control type, available tooling, and whether your team already knows Swiss programming.
- Usually not the first choice: larger diameter work, very short runs, simple turned parts, or jobs where a standard turning center can make the part with less setup time.
A standard turning center (
CNC Lathe ) may still be the better choice for larger parts, short runs, simpler work, or jobs where setup time and operator familiarity matter more than Swiss style support. If you are comparing both options, start with the part diameter, part length, annual quantity, tolerance requirements, and the secondary operations you are trying to avoid.
What to check before buying a used Swiss lathe
Before buying a used Swiss lathe, look closely at the bar capacity, guide bushing condition, spindle and sub spindle condition, live tooling, control type, included bar feeder, and available manuals or accessories. Controls matter too. Many buyers prefer familiar Fanuc based machines because service knowledge and parts availability can be easier to manage.
The right machine also depends on the work you plan to run. A Swiss lathe that is excellent for very small diameter parts may not be the right choice for a shop trying to take on larger turned parts. Premier Equipment can help you compare the machine details, current availability, and next steps before purchase.
Swiss lathe brands and models
Premier's used Swiss lathe inventory changes often, Our used listings may include Citizen, Tsugami, Star, DMG Mori, Ganesh, Miyano, and other Swiss type machines when available.
Citizen describes its Cincom line as
sliding headstock type CNC automatic lathes. Tsugami lists
Swiss type automatic lathes across several configurations, and Star offers
Swiss type automatic lathes for small, complex metal components.
| Citizen |
L20, A20, M32 |
Bar capacity: approx. 20mm to 32mm; max machining length: approx. 7.8" to 12.6" per chucking |
Average used pricing: $45,000 - $275,000 |
| Star |
SR-20R, SB-20R, SR-32J |
Bar capacity: approx. 20mm to 32mm; max machining length: approx. 8" to 12.6" per chucking |
Average used pricing: $50,000 - $300,000 |
| Tsugami |
BO205, SS20, B0326 |
Bar capacity: approx. 20mm to 32mm; max machining length: approx. 8" to 12" per chucking |
Average used pricing: $45,000 - $250,000 |
| Tornos |
Deco 20, Swiss GT 26, Swiss DT 26 |
Bar capacity: approx. 20mm to 26mm; max machining length: approx. 8" to 10" per chucking |
Average used pricing: $40,000 - $260,000 |
| Hanwha |
XD20, XD26, STL32H |
Bar capacity: approx. 20mm to 32mm; max machining length: approx. 8" to 12.6" per chucking |
Average used pricing: $55,000 - $240,000 |
| Nexturn |
SA20, SA26, SA32 |
Bar capacity: approx. 20mm to 32mm; max machining length: approx. 8" to 12.6" per chucking |
Average used pricing: $35,000 - $180,000 |
Because inventory changes, review the machines listed above and request details on the exact model, bar capacity, options, and condition. Confirm specifications, availability, pricing, shipping, rigging, and compliance details before purchase.
Next steps
Premier Equipment has bought and sold used CNC machinery since 1988 and keeps inventory in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Financing may be available for qualified buyers. If you are comparing a used Swiss lathe against a new machine, look at the full cost of the machine, tooling, bar feeder needs, setup time, and expected production work.
Call
(407) 786-2000 or request a quote on a listed machine to talk through availability, specifications, and shipping next steps.
FAQs
What is a Swiss lathe used for?
A Swiss lathe is used for small, precise turned parts made from bar stock. It is a strong fit for long, narrow parts because the guide bushing supports the material close to the cutting tool. Shops often use Swiss lathes for medical components, fittings, connectors, fasteners, and other repeat production parts.
What is the difference between a Swiss lathe and a CNC lathe?
A standard CNC lathe is a broader turning machine category. A Swiss lathe is a more specialized type of turning machine that feeds bar stock through a guide bushing so the part is supported near the cutting point. That makes Swiss lathes better for small diameter, slender, high precision parts, while standard CNC lathes are often better for larger or simpler turned parts.
What should I check before buying a used Swiss lathe?
Check the bar capacity, guide bushing setup, spindle and sub spindle condition, live tooling, control type, bar feeder, accessories, manuals, and service history when available. You should also confirm that the machine matches your part diameter, tolerance needs, production volume, and operator experience.
Does Premier Equipment offer financing on used Swiss lathes?
Premier Equipment can help qualified buyers explore financing options on used Swiss lathes and other used CNC equipment. Contact Premier at (407) 786-2000 to discuss the machine you are considering, current availability, and financing next steps.
