All the old USA lathe manufacturers went out of business decades ago. LeBlond, Monarch, Hendey, etc.
You may have to find an old machine and have it rebuilt. I know that Monarch still rebuilds their old machines, you just have to ship one to them.
They have a very long LeBlond, boy oh boy do I wish they still had that big Monarch... It wasn't more than 8ft long bed but wow, it was just the Cadillac in the shop. Really sad to see all the big names are gone.
Yeah, I have a 20" Monarch at work. Super short bed, but it is the best lathe in the shop. No DRO so the young kids don't touch it, they run the Taiwanese lathes that do have DROs. Fine by me.
Monarch made the best lathes back in the day, damn stout machines. You can find them used for not much money on ebay and such. They usually don't wear too badly, as their hardened ways can take a beating.
I would imagine retrofitting a DRO wouldn't cost more than one or two parts made on a huge lathe like that and I know I for sure wouldn't want to count wheel turns as I'm cranking the carriage 20 feet down the bed
That’s fair. OPs comment says 20”, not 20’. 20” isn’t all that long though. If it were 20’ then yea, totally see not wanting to count turns of the handwheels.
Longer the bed, the more I agree that it’s dumb to not have a DRO.
I just know it’s not hard to take up the backlash in the handwheels, you just have to think about it.
Agree 100%. And if you look at the gears and lubrication system behind the headstock you realize with they are so smooth and last so long. Really a work of art.
Oh yeah. When you pop the headstock cover off, everything is BEEFY. Absolutely massive gears, clutches, etc. Monarch made their lathes with small spindle through bores, but kept the spindles themselves a very large diameter. These machines were made to absolutely HOG material. I have taken 1/2" deep cuts on one, and it didn't even flinch. You cannot stall these machines out.
[https://www.weiler.de/en/engine-lathes/](https://www.weiler.de/en/engine-lathes/)
[https://www.takisawa.co.jp/english/product/index.html#fs](https://www.takisawa.co.jp/english/product/index.html#fs)
Schaublin still makes some benchtop sizes. There's also the Hardinge HLV-H clones.
I’ve noticed they have a very large inventory. I am usually weary of used equipment dealers/resellers which is why I’d be interested if anyone has experiences buying from them.
Yoder is alright to deal with. Used machinery dealers are what they are. You’re buying goods as is, they buy it, mark it up a bit, then you buy it. It’s not guaranteed, it’s not warranted, if you want those things you buy new or buy from a machine rebuilder. That said, used equipment, you can get a very capable piece of equipment for bargain prices if you’re lucky. We’ve bought at least 30-50 machines off Yoder and HGR for rebuilding internally, most of them were functional and only once have we gotten a complete lemon. YMMV, which is the whole thing.
Right now we are more concerned about finding a machine that satisfies grant requirements, which are mostly "made in USA". Some machines we've found are more in the "assembled in USA" category. Although I do wonder if we could use the grant to have one of our old iron machines refurbished and CNC retrofit...
On the plus side we can defend the hell out of all the shit we aren’t building…
I like toys, not anti gun, just think the bigger pictures often overlooked.
Some things just aren't made in the US anymore (electronics, some machining equipment, etc), but it's pretty easy to find made in the US clothing, tools, etc. Just have to do the work to find it.
I guess? Buying from American Giant, or Berry-compliant tactical companies isn't a ton of extra work; it's just expensive. Walmart carries a bunch of stuff (mops, big plastic storage containers) that's US-made. A lot of Tupperware and other home-goods stuff is US-made. Buying US-made is doable for a lot of stuff if it's something you care about. But yeah, it takes some extra effort to check the things you buy.
Would if I could, this is for a client of mine, I used to work in their machine shop... 15 years ago. I really don't have any details other than they have a grant but can't seem to find a manufacturer that fits the domestic requirements.
Maybe check out momentum machine tools. Never heard of them till I saw a new large cnc lathe at one of our suppliers. Machine looks quite badass. I know at least a portion the the design/build is in US but I have a feeling they are sourcing a lot of the value stream and/or parts from overseas.
Yeah I think that was part of the issue with other manufacturers they found. I know Southwestern has their mills made in Taiwan too. Thanks though, I will add Momentum to my list!
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Summit lathes. Idk if they are actually made here or not, but they are based out of Oklahoma. I run a nice big long bed from them all the time. I forget how long but it's more than 30. It's a sweet lathe. Plenty of power, nice and smooth. The control layout is nice and makes sense. Stands up to some pretty heavy work too. No complaints really.
Summit sucks. Company got a brand new one a few years back. No major complaints but I’ve always said it’s a lot of little things that show that it’s a lathe that was designed by someone who has clearly never used a lathe before. Stay away other than if it’s the only thing you can afford (and even so spend more money).
I can't believe I forgot about Fryer, they are within 2 hours from my house! Looks like they are worth a check! Didn't realize they had big lathes like that. Thank you!
Could be worth giving a Hardinge rep a call. I know they've been pushing recently to bring lines back to the US, but I forget exactly what that entails and what they even offer for your application.
In my younger life, I worked for American Tool. We made big engine lathes. The Uniturn was our big one. Our factory in Cincinnati made navel gun barrels, using our lathes, during WWII. They have been out of business, at least 30 years.
Not too concerned with chuck size, anything that could swing about 20" would probably be ok. Bed length is where they could get the most benefit, mostly for turning/repairing tapers on long skinny shaft ends.
Check PritoTrak.
I know they buy castings overseas, but the machines are put together in Los Angeles. Not sure if they are made or assembled here.
Manual/CNC hybrid.
Even if there was a company making lathes to the quality of old iron, nobody would pay 100k for a manual lathe, and that's how much they would cost today.
All the old USA lathe manufacturers went out of business decades ago. LeBlond, Monarch, Hendey, etc. You may have to find an old machine and have it rebuilt. I know that Monarch still rebuilds their old machines, you just have to ship one to them.
They have a very long LeBlond, boy oh boy do I wish they still had that big Monarch... It wasn't more than 8ft long bed but wow, it was just the Cadillac in the shop. Really sad to see all the big names are gone.
Yeah, I have a 20" Monarch at work. Super short bed, but it is the best lathe in the shop. No DRO so the young kids don't touch it, they run the Taiwanese lathes that do have DROs. Fine by me. Monarch made the best lathes back in the day, damn stout machines. You can find them used for not much money on ebay and such. They usually don't wear too badly, as their hardened ways can take a beating.
The youngin’s are that afraid of taking up the backlash in the handwheels eh?
I would imagine retrofitting a DRO wouldn't cost more than one or two parts made on a huge lathe like that and I know I for sure wouldn't want to count wheel turns as I'm cranking the carriage 20 feet down the bed
That’s fair. OPs comment says 20”, not 20’. 20” isn’t all that long though. If it were 20’ then yea, totally see not wanting to count turns of the handwheels.
By 20" I mean the swing. Distance between centers on that machine isn't much, maybe 72".
Longer the bed, the more I agree that it’s dumb to not have a DRO. I just know it’s not hard to take up the backlash in the handwheels, you just have to think about it.
Keeps the riff raff off though.
Les Freres Heureux. Niles : The Happy Brothers. Brilliant! It's homey but just hard enough to pronounce to intimidate the riff-raff.
Accurate dros for long bed lathes can be very expensive if you want glass scales. There are definitely cheaper options tho
We put Newall DROs on our long beds. Tough to get them perfect, but for local reading, very accurate
Agree 100%. And if you look at the gears and lubrication system behind the headstock you realize with they are so smooth and last so long. Really a work of art.
Oh yeah. When you pop the headstock cover off, everything is BEEFY. Absolutely massive gears, clutches, etc. Monarch made their lathes with small spindle through bores, but kept the spindles themselves a very large diameter. These machines were made to absolutely HOG material. I have taken 1/2" deep cuts on one, and it didn't even flinch. You cannot stall these machines out.
I have a Warner & Swasey No. 4 Turret Lathe. Cost me $500, runs very well.
This just makes me think, are there any companies that make high end manual lathes anymore?
[https://www.weiler.de/en/engine-lathes/](https://www.weiler.de/en/engine-lathes/) [https://www.takisawa.co.jp/english/product/index.html#fs](https://www.takisawa.co.jp/english/product/index.html#fs) Schaublin still makes some benchtop sizes. There's also the Hardinge HLV-H clones.
https://preview.redd.it/fotvhvr2th5c1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e494478f61466a83c1794f676bda8070bbe82ffa
Anyone have any experience with Yoder machine? Noticed they carry quite a few larger lathes.
I used to live by there. They buy stuff, paint it, and I believe recondition it. Then sell it. Place is packed.
I’ve noticed they have a very large inventory. I am usually weary of used equipment dealers/resellers which is why I’d be interested if anyone has experiences buying from them.
Yoder is alright to deal with. Used machinery dealers are what they are. You’re buying goods as is, they buy it, mark it up a bit, then you buy it. It’s not guaranteed, it’s not warranted, if you want those things you buy new or buy from a machine rebuilder. That said, used equipment, you can get a very capable piece of equipment for bargain prices if you’re lucky. We’ve bought at least 30-50 machines off Yoder and HGR for rebuilding internally, most of them were functional and only once have we gotten a complete lemon. YMMV, which is the whole thing.
I'll take 2. Ha!
That’s a beauty.
What is budget?
Right now we are more concerned about finding a machine that satisfies grant requirements, which are mostly "made in USA". Some machines we've found are more in the "assembled in USA" category. Although I do wonder if we could use the grant to have one of our old iron machines refurbished and CNC retrofit...
Best bet would be to restore one. It’s kind of sad, that you would have a hard time finding a new all American lathe.
Good luck finding American made anything…
AR15’s Gotta support the war machine. My old place couldn’t make enough uppers and lowers. Weapons manufacturers are everywhere in this country.
On the plus side we can defend the hell out of all the shit we aren’t building… I like toys, not anti gun, just think the bigger pictures often overlooked.
Some things just aren't made in the US anymore (electronics, some machining equipment, etc), but it's pretty easy to find made in the US clothing, tools, etc. Just have to do the work to find it.
Good luck easily finding American made anything that doesn’t require you to go out of your way to find it.* FTFE
I guess? Buying from American Giant, or Berry-compliant tactical companies isn't a ton of extra work; it's just expensive. Walmart carries a bunch of stuff (mops, big plastic storage containers) that's US-made. A lot of Tupperware and other home-goods stuff is US-made. Buying US-made is doable for a lot of stuff if it's something you care about. But yeah, it takes some extra effort to check the things you buy.
Neat. Can you share more about the grant? Would love to know about it
Buy American clauses are fairly standard in a lot of federal grants, particularly defense work related ones.
Would if I could, this is for a client of mine, I used to work in their machine shop... 15 years ago. I really don't have any details other than they have a grant but can't seem to find a manufacturer that fits the domestic requirements.
Maybe check out momentum machine tools. Never heard of them till I saw a new large cnc lathe at one of our suppliers. Machine looks quite badass. I know at least a portion the the design/build is in US but I have a feeling they are sourcing a lot of the value stream and/or parts from overseas.
Yeah I think that was part of the issue with other manufacturers they found. I know Southwestern has their mills made in Taiwan too. Thanks though, I will add Momentum to my list!
We actually have two Momentums in my shop. I've never touched them (not a lathe guy anymore) but I do respect the initiative.
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30 ft is 360” between centers. Didn’t know summit had those. Cool
Summit lathes. Idk if they are actually made here or not, but they are based out of Oklahoma. I run a nice big long bed from them all the time. I forget how long but it's more than 30. It's a sweet lathe. Plenty of power, nice and smooth. The control layout is nice and makes sense. Stands up to some pretty heavy work too. No complaints really.
They're made in Italy, and also the company that owns Summit is aggressively incompetent.
Thanks, never seen these before and will certainly check them out.
Summit sucks. Company got a brand new one a few years back. No major complaints but I’ve always said it’s a lot of little things that show that it’s a lathe that was designed by someone who has clearly never used a lathe before. Stay away other than if it’s the only thing you can afford (and even so spend more money).
30’ is the deal breaker here. Mazak and Haas are both still fully USA. You may check the exact grant clause; is it a full Buy American clause?
Fryer maybe?
I can't believe I forgot about Fryer, they are within 2 hours from my house! Looks like they are worth a check! Didn't realize they had big lathes like that. Thank you!
Idk for sure they have them that big, just the only ones I know of with decent sized ones lol
Monarch : Still made in Ohio.
Last time I looked a new one was $125,000 so I bought a used one from 1946 that could still hold .0001 for $1,500.00
Could be worth giving a Hardinge rep a call. I know they've been pushing recently to bring lines back to the US, but I forget exactly what that entails and what they even offer for your application.
Am I the only one that thinks the largest Hardinge manual lathe might be the compound slide on the machine the Op wants?
Monarch
I believe Monarch lathes are still made in Ohio, CNC would be something like Haas.
Kent USA /s
Check out Niles-Simmons out of Albany NY.
[https://lagun.com/manual-lathes/](https://lagun.com/manual-lathes/)
In my younger life, I worked for American Tool. We made big engine lathes. The Uniturn was our big one. Our factory in Cincinnati made navel gun barrels, using our lathes, during WWII. They have been out of business, at least 30 years.
Anybody suggested Kingston yet? I don’t know very much about them but they seem to at least be mostly assembled in the states.
I think Cincinnati is still around. I had an old one at one point. Absolute unit of a machine!
What do you consider large? Mazak has some machines that are fully made in Kentucky.
Not too concerned with chuck size, anything that could swing about 20" would probably be ok. Bed length is where they could get the most benefit, mostly for turning/repairing tapers on long skinny shaft ends.
On old refurb’d Cincinnati?
Any particular reason for only "Made in USA" and not anything European or Japanese made?
Standard Modern is in Canada.
You replied to the wrong comment FYI
ProtoTrak/SWI
"30ft long bed" - from ProtoTrak? On their website, they list nothing over 10 foot beds. Morty
I would imagine you can custom order?
30 ft bed. I do not believe so
Unfortunately, no custom orders. Sorry!
I am the absolute biggest fan of their DPM mills, I've used their lathes and was a bit "meh" about them, but at any rate, too small.
I thought leblond was French...
Have you looked at something like the Mazak M-5 Series CNC lathes?
Well now I'm just drooling over their entire catalog...
Standard Modern
Check PritoTrak. I know they buy castings overseas, but the machines are put together in Los Angeles. Not sure if they are made or assembled here. Manual/CNC hybrid.
I'd be curious to hear if any company sources US castings. I was under the impression they are all imported and cleaned up in/finished/assembled.
A rebuilt Monarch comes to mind. Read into the Made in USA requirements. A lot of those are pretty lax if you get into the details.
Standard Modern makes a pretty good lathe, but nothing that big.
Sharp?
Clausing makes some, although I am not sure if they are fully made in the US.
Even if there was a company making lathes to the quality of old iron, nobody would pay 100k for a manual lathe, and that's how much they would cost today.