Lathes are ancient tools with recent automated upgrades used in nearly every industry.

Purchasing a lathe means setting up your production line for success. If you need to cut, sand, or drill materials such as wood and metal, then a lathe is the right tool for your facility. 

These simple yet effective machines can be used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, plastics, furniture, and more. 

Learn about lathes and how to find one for your warehouse at HGR below! 

Purchasing an industrial lathe 

What is a lathe? 

A lathe is a handy tool to have in any facility.  

Using an axis, a lathe rotates materials for a variety of applications, such as sanding, drilling, cutting, knurling, and deformation. Materials that can be worked on a lathe include: 

• Wood 
• Plastics 
• Metal 
• Wax 
• Glass 

This simple machine works well in any industry that needs to create symmetrical objects, such as automotive parts, furniture parts, and more. 

CNC lathes, or “computer numerical control” lathes, are fully automated and can work multiple materials at a time, making it an efficient addition to your production line. 

History of lathes 

Lathes have a long history—starting with the ancient Egyptians, in fact! 

Pottery and other small objects like jewelry and furniture were created using lathes. Rocks were also cut with lathes to create sculptures or building materials. 

During the Industrial Revolution, lathes got a steam-powered upgrade that allowed them to rotate heavier parts. 

Most recently, CNC lathes have made production faster than ever using automated processes to rotate and shape materials. 

Different types of lathes 

There are several types of lathes: 

• Engine lathes: Per the name, these lathes use an engine to shape materials that are difficult to manipulate, such as strong metals. 
• Turret lathes: Turret lathes are unique in that they have interchangeable cutting tools and are lightweight, making them a versatile tool for any manufacturer. 
• CNC lathes: As mentioned above, CNC lathes are automated machines used for industrial applications.
• Special purpose lathes: Finally, this large category includes lathes designed for a specific purpose, such as pottery or leather production. 

No matter what industry you’re in, you can find a lathe to fit your production line. 

Where to buy an industrial CNC lathe 

If you’re in the market for a used industrial lathe, you’re in luck! HGR carries affordable industrial lathes for purchase on our online marketplace. 

Check out our lathes here to shop our current selection. These items go fast, so shop now before it’s too late! 

To purchase a lathe, choose the Purchase Request or Add to Cart options on the product listing. Additionally, choose to Make an Offer! After submitting your request, one of our HGR salespeople will reach out to you within one business day. 

Looking for more? Shop from thousands of items on HGR’s website, or visit the warehouse in Euclid, Ohio to walk through over a dozen aisles to find what you need. 

Need help finding equipment? Contact one of our salespeople by clicking the button below! 

Shop the HGR Marketplace today 

At HGR, we buy and sell everything. 

HGR has over 20 years of experience serving local and international customers looking to buy industrial tools, parts, and equipment. Our 500,000 square foot facility in Euclid, Ohio carries thousands of items with truckloads of equipment coming in every day.  

Plus, we purchase used surplus from warehouses across the United States so our vendors can clear out their facilities while recouping part of their initial investment. 

Visit HGRinc.com to view the latest additions to our marketplace and save big on used industrial parts and equipment.