Economic CNC lathe: a flat-bed CNC lathe on a manual-lathe-type bed, with an electric four-position tool post and gear-stepped spindle
Economy flat-bed CNC lathes (CK61 and CAK types) · Manual-lathe-derived beds, electric four-position tool posts or six-position turrets, manual or three-step gear spindles, manual chucks and tailstocks, and IT6–IT7 work accuracy
This page covers economy flat-bed CNC lathes of the CK61 and CAK families: a horizontal flat bed of the kind used on manual lathes, a two-axis CNC, an electric four-position tool post or a simple turret, a spindle with manual or automatic gear steps, and a manually clamped chuck and tailstock. Ask three things first: swing, centre distance and spindle bore for your parts, the spindle speed steps and motor power for your materials, and the tool post or turret and work accuracy the machine is stated to hold.
Economy flat-bed CNC lathes (CK61- and CAK-type) with manual-lathe-type beds, electric four-position tool posts or simple turrets, gear-stepped or stepless spindles and manual chucks and tailstocks. Horizontal CNC lathes and turning centres as a whole, including slant-bed machines with live tooling, are covered on the Universal CNC lathe page. Vertical lathes, Swiss-type sliding-head lathes, manual lathes and CNC turning services are outside this page.
CNFX editorial research · Sources checked October 12, 2026 · 3 sources
Swing, centre distance and spindle bore of a CK6140 against a CAK50
The two published machines below show the size steps of the family: a 400 mm swing CK6140 and a 500 mm swing CAK50, each offered in more than one bed length. SMTCL states that the CAK50 turns shaft and disc parts, threads, arcs and cones, can hold work accuracy of IT6–IT7 with Cp up to 1.6, and has its accuracy tested to JB/T 8324.1-1996 for horizontal NC turning machines. [1][2]
Give the supplier the largest part diameter and length, bar or chuck work, the materials and the heaviest cuts, threads and tapers needed, the CNC system you prefer, the tool post or turret, whether chuck and tailstock may stay manual, and the work accuracy required.
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Gear-stepped and stepless spindle ranges, and what they mean for cutting speed
Borui's CK6140 has a manual two-step spindle of 100–500 and 500–1,800 rpm, with an optional stepless 90–1,800 rpm. SMTCL lists the CAK50 with automatic three-step gears at 15–2,200 rpm, manual stepless at 100–1,800 or 22–1,800 rpm, automatic three-step with 12 grades at 40–1,800 rpm, or a single-range spindle at 30–2,500 rpm, depending on version. [2][1]
Editorial calculation: at 1,800 rpm a 50 mm diameter turns at about π × 0.05 m × 1,800 ≈ 283 m/min, while at the CK6140's 100 rpm minimum the full 400 mm swing turns at about 126 m/min; slower spindle steps are what keep cutting speed down on large diameters and threads. [2]
SMTCL's CAK50 layout shows a manual chuck, manual tailstock, vertical four-position turret, lubrication station and coolant tank on the bed, with the CNC operating system customisable. [1] Borui lists its CK and CWK flat-bed CNC lathes separately from its slant-bed BR and TCK series. [3] Editorial note: on these machines loading, chucking and tailstock movement stay manual; ask whether hydraulic chuck, hydraulic tailstock or a turret are offered if cycle time matters.
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Send the parts, materials and accuracy together
Paste it into your enquiry below or into an email to a maker, then replace every bracket.
Parts: [largest diameter; length; bar or chuck]
Materials: [steel; cast iron; non-ferrous]
Spindle: [speed range; steps or stepless; power]
Tools: [4-position post; 6-position turret]
Workholding: [manual or hydraulic chuck and tailstock]
Accuracy: [IT grade; test standard]
2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each
company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.
SMTCL (Shenyang Machine Tool Co., Ltd.)
Manufacturing site to be confirmed for the order
Lists the CAK50 series economic CNC lathe, 500 mm swing, with vertical four-position or horizontal six-position tool posts.
Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.
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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review
· Page last updated 13 October 2026
Buyer questions
What is an economic CNC lathe?
A flat-bed CNC lathe on a manual-lathe-type bed, such as Borui's CK6140 or SMTCL's CAK50, with an electric four-position tool post, gear-stepped or stepless spindle and manual chuck and tailstock. [2][1]
What accuracy can an economic CNC lathe hold?
SMTCL states IT6–IT7 work accuracy with Cp up to 1.6 for its CAK50, with machine accuracy tested to JB/T 8324.1-1996. [1]
How fast do economic CNC lathe axes move?
Borui lists 6 m/min on X and 8 m/min on Z for the CK6140; SMTCL lists 6 and 12 m/min for the CAK50. [2][1]
Sources and what still needs a direct check
Sources checked 2026-10-12. SMTCL and Borui state the specifications of their own lathes.
