WEISS MACHINERY WM500 MANUAL LATHES

Technical Description

The WEISS MACHINERY WM500 is a manual engine lathe engineered for versatile turning, facing, and boring operations in job shop, toolroom, and prototyping environments. With a swing capacity of 19.6 inches, this machine accommodates mid-range workpiece diameters, while its 116.9-inch center distance provides substantial longitudinal capacity for longer shaft and cylindrical component manufacturing. The 3.14-inch spindle bore enables efficient bar stock feeding and supports various chuck and collet configurations for both small precision work and larger production runs. Powered by a robust 7.5 horsepower motor, the WM500 delivers adequate cutting force across diverse material applications. Operating at 1,600 RPM maximum spindle speed, the machine prioritizes torque delivery for sustained heavy cutting without thermal stress on bearings or spindle components. This moderate speed range suits ferrous and non-ferrous material machining where surface finish quality and dimensional accuracy depend on controlled feed rates and cutting velocities. The cast iron bed provides structural rigidity and vibration damping essential for maintaining accuracy during extended cutting cycles. Manual operation via handwheels enables operator control over depth of cut and feed rate, making the WM500 particularly suitable for one-off jobs, repairs, and prototype work where flexibility outweighs production volume requirements. The combination of generous swing and center distance with moderate power and speed specifications positions this lathe as a reliable general-purpose machine for achieving quality results across varied machining applications.