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Regarding engine lathes, LeBlond has a new line of precision high-speed heavy-duty machines including the RKL-1600 (16” swing), RKL-1800 (18” swing) and RKL-2000 (21” swing) with either gearhead or electronic variable speed spindles.

You may be curious as to the difference between high-speed heavy-duty and our traditional line of precision high-speed lathes such as the RKL-1300 (14” swing), RKL-1500 (16” swing), RKL-1700 (17” swing) and RKL-1900 (20” swing).

D1-8 Spindle: Higher Power Turning

The first major difference between these two lines is that the high-speed heavy-duty engine lathes feature a D1-8 spindle compared to the D1-6 spindle on the precision high-speed lathes. A larger bearing surface allows a machinist to put more weight on the machine for higher-power turning.

Precision High-Speed Heavy-Duty: More Robust Motor

A second difference is that the precision high-speed heavy-duty lathes have a more robust motor between 10-12.5 HP compared to the 7.5 HP motor on the precision high-speed engine lathes.
A more robust motor allows the heavy duty high speed lathes to match the larger spindle and weight capability. Therefore, with more power and torque, the machine doesn’t bog down when making a cut.

Wider Bed on High-Speed Heavy-Duty Engine Lathes

The third difference between the two lines is that the precision high-speed heavy-duty engine lathes have a wider bed and carriage with up to 90” between centers. While the precision high speed machines range up to 60” between centers.

A wider bed allows for more stability during deep cuts turning heavy parts. Think of a tool analogy in that you might opt for a larger wrench to achieve more torque when confronting a stubborn nut.

High Speeds: Smoother Surface Finish

Both machines feature high speeds. The precision high speed lathes power up to 2200 RPM’s while the precision high-speed heavy-duty lathes run up to 1800 RPM’s.

Higher speeds allow a machinist to achieve a smoother surface finish.

On smaller lathes, the tolerances between the headstock, tailstock and cross slide are aligned more closely. At higher speeds like 2,000 RPM’s, a machinist can cut, say, a 30-grind finish as detected with a surface gauge. This smooth grind finish is usually only possible using a surface grinder but is possible with a manual lathe at higher RPM’s.

Precision High-Speed Heavy-Duty Engine Lathes: More Power

LeBlond built the high-speed heavy-duty lathes to better match our customer requirements. You asked for larger, more robust lathes with enough speed to achieve a fine finish on a part. LeBlond has delivered with the RKL-1600, RKL-1800 and RKL-2000 engine lathes.

If you’re interested in new LeBlond or K.O. Lee machines, fill out a Request for Quote here. If you require OEM parts for your LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill or W.F. & John Barnes equipment, fill out this form. You can always call LeBlond at +1(888) 532-5663 with any questions.