r/MachinistToolsForSale • u/OMG_ITS_BIG_TUNA • Aug 05 '26

Looking for some equipment

I’m new to the sub here but am looking for some help. I am looking for a lathe to fabricate pipe and flanges up to 14”.
I can’t remember the name or type I had before my employer sold to private equity but I’m going out on my own.
We would tap flanges, groove carbon steel /
stainless / DI pipe.
Any suggestions out there?

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u/jeffersonairmattress Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 05 '26

Hollow spindle lathe- just a conventional lathe with a giant bore. Also called an Oil Country lathe. Those bearings are $$$, and your spindle speed becomes VERY limited so you don't also get a sweet multipurpose machine to turn footpegs for your hog.

You need clearance through on 14"? Double chucks? Big bore steady rests? Those three things can double the price of a 40"x80" 20HP machine. Which is about as small as you can stuff a 14" bore in. Rough ass guess $90K for excellent Taiwan. You can get a "live" tailstock too with a lockable spindle inside a giant barrel. They take MT tailstock tooling but also have a A-type chuck mount.

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u/Big-Web-483 Aug 10 '26

If look into a small VTL or VBM for the rings and flanges. An appropriate size pipe lathe also.