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Baileigh PL-1640 Precision Metal Lathe
The Baileigh PL-1640 is a professional-grade precision metal lathe that combines a substantial 16-inch swing capacity with 40-inch between centers, delivering the perfect balance of size and power for serious machine shops, educational institutions, and industrial fabrication facilities.
Are you tired of compromising between capacity and precision? The PL-1640 eliminates that dilemma entirely. This heavy duty geared head lathe features a robust 7.5 hp motor that delivers the muscle you need for demanding metalworking projects, while maintaining the accuracy required for precision parts manufacturing.
What sets the PL-1640 apart is its uncompromising build quality. The fully integrated cast iron base doesn't just support the machine—it becomes part of the mainframe itself, creating one of the most rigid lathe platforms available today. This means less vibration, tighter tolerances, and consistently superior results even when tackling challenging materials. Your cuts stay smooth and chatter free, which translates directly to longer tool life and reduced scrap rates.
Whether you're running a growing machine shop, upgrading outdated educational equipment, or expanding your fabrication capabilities, the PL-1640 delivers professional results from day one. It comes factory equipped with a Mitutoyo digital readout system, eliminating guesswork and putting precise measurements at your fingertips. With 13 variable speeds ranging from 31 to 2,000 rpm and comprehensive threading capabilities (metric, imperial, diametrical, and module), this lathe adapts to virtually any turning, threading, or polishing operation you can envision.
Applications
- Precision Component Manufacturing: Create tight-tolerance parts for automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery applications
- Tool Room Operations: Prototype development, custom tooling fabrication, and repair work requiring exceptional accuracy
- Educational Training: Comprehensive teaching platform for technical schools and apprenticeship programs covering all essential lathe operations
- General Metalworking: Shaft turning, facing, boring, and grooving operations across steel, aluminum, brass, and other metals
- Thread Cutting: Complex threading operations including metric, imperial, module, and diametrical thread forms
- Production Runs: Collar stop system enables efficient repeat part manufacturing for small to medium batch production
Key Features & Benefits
- Factory-Installed Mitutoyo DRO: You get precise digital readouts right out of the box, eliminating measurement errors and boosting your productivity from the first cut
- 13-Speed Geared Head Design: Select the perfect speed for any material or operation, from 31 rpm for heavy cuts to 2,000 rpm for finishing work
- Integrated Cast Iron Construction: The base and mainframe are engineered as a single unit, giving you rock-solid rigidity that minimizes vibration and maintains accuracy over decades of use
- Gap Bed Design: Remove a bed section when needed to accommodate larger diameter workpieces, expanding your capacity beyond the standard 407mm swing
- Precision Ground and Hardened Ways: These aren't just ground—they're hardened and polished, ensuring smooth carriage movement and tight tolerances that last
- Complete Tooling Package: Arrives with 3-jaw chuck, steady rest, follow rest, 4-way quick change tool post, flood coolant system, halogen work light, and emergency foot brake—everything you need to start working immediately
- Comprehensive Threading Capability: Cut 54 metric threads, 41 imperial threads, 45 module threads, and 33 diametrical threads with precision and ease
- Safety-First Design: Headstock chuck guard features an automatic safety switch that prevents operation when the guard is open, protecting your operators
What's in the Box
- Baileigh PL-1640 Precision Lathe (fully assembled)
- 3-Jaw Chuck (200mm/8-inch)
- Factory-Installed Mitutoyo 2-Axis Digital Readout (DRO)
- 4-Way Quick Change Tool Post with Guard
- Steady Rest
- Follow Rest
- Flood Coolant System with Backsplash Guard
- Emergency Foot Brake
- Halogen Work Light
- Headstock Chuck Guard with Automatic Safety Switch
- Tool Box with Standard Accessories
- Operator's Manual and Safety Documentation
- 1-Year Parts Warranty Card
Baileigh PL-1640 Specifications
| Model Number | PL-1640 |
|---|---|
| Swing Over Bed | 407 mm (16") |
| Swing Over Cross Slide | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Swing In Gap (Diameter) | 595 mm (23.4") |
| Center Length | 1,016 mm (40") |
| Speed Range | 31 - 2,000 rpm |
| Number of Speeds | 13 |
| Motor Power | 7.5 hp (5.5 kW) |
| Power Requirements | 400V Three-Phase |
| Spindle Bore | 52 mm (2.05") |
| Tailstock Quill Diameter | 54 mm (2.13") |
| Cross Slide Travel | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Shipping Weight | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
Baileigh PL-1640 Manuals & Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the PL1640 and entrylevel lathes?
The PL-1640 is built for professional use with features that matter when precision counts. You get a fully integrated cast iron base (not bolt-together construction), precision ground and hardened ways, a factory-installed Mitutoyo DRO, and comprehensive threading capabilities. Entry-level lathes often lack these features or offer them only as expensive upgrades. Plus, you're backed by Baileigh's lifetime technical support and a robust 1-year parts warranty.
Can this lathe handle both prototype work and production runs?
Absolutely. The collar stop system allows you to set precise stops for repeat parts, making small to medium batch production efficient. The digital readout ensures consistent accuracy across multiple pieces. Whether you're making one custom part or fifty identical components, the PL-1640 delivers repeatable precision.
What power supply do I need for this machine?
The PL-1640 requires 400-volt three-phase power, which is standard in most industrial facilities, machine shops, and educational institutions. If you're uncertain about your facility's power compatibility, consult with a qualified electrician before purchase. Note that single-phase power is not suitable for this model.
How difficult is the setup and installation?
The lathe arrives fully assembled and factory-tested. You'll need adequate floor space (approximately 2.3m x 1.7m), a level concrete floor capable of supporting 2,000 kg, and proper three-phase electrical connections. Most shops can have the machine operational within a day of delivery. The operator's manual includes detailed installation guidelines, and Baileigh's technical support team is available to assist with any questions.
What kind of maintenance does this lathe require?
Regular maintenance is straightforward and keeps your PL-1640 running smoothly for decades. Key tasks include daily cleanup of metal chips, weekly lubrication of moving parts, monthly coolant system checks and fluid changes, and periodic inspection of belts and gears. The flood coolant system significantly extends cutting tool life and reduces heat-related issues. Change cutting tools when they show signs of wear (typically annually for moderate use, more frequently in heavy production environments).