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Baileigh PL-1440E Economical Precision Lathe with Digital Readout
The Baileigh PL-1440E is a professional grade gear head metal lathe that delivers precision machining capabilities with exceptional value. Perfect for small to medium shops and educational facilities, this lathe combines precision ground hardened ways with a pre-installed digital readout to give you reliable performance right out of the crate.
Looking for a lathe that won't compromise on quality even at an entry level price point? The PL-1440E raises the bar for what you should expect from an economical precision lathe. This isn't just another budget machine. It's built with the same quality standards that define all Baileigh gear head lathes, featuring precision ground and hardened ways that maintain tight tolerances for years of demanding use.
What makes this lathe stand out is the convenience factor. You don't need to be a master machinist to get started. The moment you open the crate, you're ready to work. Simply wire it up to your 220V single phase power, and you're in business. No complicated assembly. No guesswork. The pre-installed digital readout means you can make precise cuts from day one, while the integrated coolant system keeps everything running smoothly and extends your tool life.
Whether you're turning custom parts for automotive restoration, creating prototype components, or training the next generation of machinists, the PL-1440E gives you the versatility you need. With 16 spindle speeds ranging from 46 to 1800 RPM and a powerful 3HP motor, you can tackle everything from delicate finishing work to heavy material removal. The gap lathe design is particularly clever, allowing you to remove a section of the bed when you need to accommodate larger diameter workpieces. It's this kind of thoughtful design that makes your workflow smoother and your shop more productive.
Applications
- Custom Part Manufacturing: Create precise shafts, bushings, and cylindrical components for machinery repair, automotive restoration, or custom fabrication projects
- Thread Cutting Operations: Cut both imperial threads (45 options from 4 to 112 TPI) and metric threads (23 options from 0.45 to 7.5mm) for specialized fasteners and fittings
- Prototype Development: Machine test parts and proof-of-concept components with the accuracy needed for engineering validation
- Educational Training: Provide hands-on machining instruction in technical schools and training programs with a professional-quality machine that teaches proper techniques
- Repair and Restoration Work: Rebuild worn shafts, create replacement parts for vintage equipment, and restore damaged components to original specifications
- Small Batch Production: Run short production series of turned parts with consistent quality and repeatable accuracy
Key Features & Benefits
- Ready to Work Immediately: No assembly required means you're not wasting time putting pieces together. Open the crate, connect the power, and start making chips. This saves you hours of setup frustration and gets your investment working for you faster.
- Precision That Lasts: The precision ground and hardened ways aren't just marketing speak. This means your lathe maintains accuracy over thousands of hours of use. You won't find yourself constantly adjusting for wear or losing dimensional accuracy on critical parts.
- Pre-Installed Digital Readout (DRO): Stop counting handwheel graduations and eliminating backlash calculations. The DRO gives you instant, accurate position readings so you can work faster and with more confidence. This feature alone saves hours on complex projects.
- Versatile Speed Range: With 16 speeds from 46 to 1800 RPM, you have the flexibility to machine anything from soft aluminum to tough steel. Low speeds for threading and large diameter work, high speeds for finishing cuts. The right speed is always available.
- Integrated Coolant System: Built-in coolant delivery means better tool life, superior surface finishes, and the ability to run harder and faster. The system keeps chips under control and maintains thermal stability for tighter tolerances.
- Gap Lathe Design: When you need to turn a large diameter flange or gear, simply remove the gap section. This gives you up to 506mm (19.9") swing capacity, expanding your capabilities without needing a larger, more expensive machine.
- Complete Chuck Package: Both 6" three-jaw and 8" four-jaw chucks come standard. You're equipped to handle round stock with the three-jaw for speed, or irregular shapes with the four-jaw for precision. No need to buy expensive accessories before you can start working.
- Safety Features Included: The headstock chuck guard with automatic safety switch protects you from flying chips and stops the machine if the guard is opened. The foot brake gives you instant stopping control, keeping you safe during critical operations.
What's in the Box
- PL-1440E Metal Lathe with Pre-Installed Digital Readout
- 6" Three-Jaw Chuck (mounted)
- 8" Four-Jaw Chuck
- Quick Change Tool Holder
- Steady Rest
- Follow Rest
- Face Plate
- Live Center
- Headstock Chuck Guard with Automatic Safety Switch
- Safety Foot Brake
- Integrated Coolant System with Splash Guard
- Removable Chip Tray
- Halogen Work Light
- Owner's Manual
- Safety Guidelines
- Warranty Information
Baileigh PL-1440E Specifications
| Model Number | PL-1440E |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 3 HP |
| Power Requirements | 220V Single Phase |
| Speed Range | 46 - 1800 RPM |
| Number of Speeds | 16 |
| Spindle Bore | 38mm (1.5") |
| Max Swing Over Bed | 355mm (14") |
| Max Swing Over Cross Slide | 220mm (8.6") |
| Max Swing in Gap | 506mm (19.9") |
| Distance Between Centers | 1016mm (40") |
| Imperial Thread Range | 45 options: 4 - 112 TPI |
| Metric Thread Range | 23 options: 0.45 - 7.5mm pitch |
Baileigh PL-1440E Manuals & Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this lathe work with my power supply?
The PL-1440E requires 220V single phase power, which is standard in most shops and many home workshops. This makes installation straightforward compared to three-phase machines that require expensive phase converters. If you have access to a standard 220V outlet (like what powers your dryer or welder), you're good to go. Always consult a qualified electrician if you're unsure about your electrical capacity.
How difficult is it to set up and start using?
This is one of the easiest lathes to get running. Baileigh ships it fully assembled, so there's no putting together complex assemblies or aligning critical components. You literally open the crate, position the lathe, wire it to your power source, and you're ready to make parts. The digital readout is pre-installed and calibrated. Even if you're new to machining, the included manual walks you through basic operations.
Can I cut both inch and metric threads?
Absolutely. The PL-1440E handles both threading systems with ease. You get 45 imperial thread options ranging from 4 TPI (coarse) to 112 TPI (fine), plus 23 metric thread options from 0.45mm to 7.5mm pitch. The gear head design makes thread selection straightforward, you simply set the appropriate gears for your desired thread pitch.
What maintenance does this lathe require?
Regular maintenance is simple and keeps your lathe running for decades. Lubricate the ways and moving parts according to the schedule in your manual (typically after every 8-10 hours of operation). Keep the coolant system clean and topped up. Check belt tension periodically. The hardened ways resist wear, so you won't be dealing with constant adjustments. Most users find that 15 minutes of maintenance per week keeps everything running perfectly.
What size parts can I realistically machine?
Your capacity depends on the specific dimension you're working with. For length, you can turn pieces up to 1016mm (40") between centers. For diameter, you get 355mm (14") swing over the bed for standard work, or up to 506mm (19.9") when you remove the gap section for larger diameter pieces. The cross slide gives you 220mm (8.6") of clearance for facing operations. This covers the vast majority of small to medium shop work, from small fittings to substantial shafts and flanges.