Service Home Lathe Work Piece - Weight Limits - RD0036
Last updated: 06/23/2026

Lathe Work Piece - Weight Limits

RD0036

Revision A - 06/2026

Lathe Work Piece - Weight Limits - RD0036

Lathe Work Piece Weight Limits

Caution:

  • The weights do not include the weight of the workholding.
  • These weights are estimates. They do not make a safe setup.
  • The chuck and jaw have a weight capacity. The weight of the workpiece must be less than the capacity. 
  • The operator is responsible for ensuring that the setup and operation of the machine is safe.
  • If the workpiece has less than a 3-to-1 length-to-diameter ratio:
    • Put 1/3 or more of the workpiece into the chuck
  • If the workpiece has more than a 3-to-1 length-to-diameter ratio:
    • Support the workpiece with a tailstock or steadyrest if you have this condition
  • Turning speed and holding force are related: as the speed increases, the holding force decreases.
  • Y Axis, Live Tooling, and other options have no effect on weight capacity.
Machine Model Maximum Weight On Chuck Maximum Weight With Tailstock
Office Lathe OL-1 15 lb (6.8 kg) N/A
Toolroom Lathe TL-1 70 lb (32 kg) 140 lb (64 kg)
TL-2 70 lb (32 kg) 140 lb (64 kg)
TL-3 250 lb (113 kg) 500 lb (227 kg)
TL -3W 250 lb (113 kg) 500 lb (227 kg)
TL-3B 1000 lb (453 kg) 2000 lb ( 907 kg)
Standard Lathe ST-10 / ST-10L 70 lb (32 kg) 140 lb ( 64 kg)
ST-15 / ST-15L 150 lb (68 kg) 300 lb (136 kg)
ST-20 / ST-20L 150 lb (68 kg) 300 lb (136 kg)
ST-20SS 100 lb (45 kg) 200 lb (91 kg)
ST-25 / ST-25L 200 lb (91 kg) 400 lb (181 kg)
ST-28 / ST-28L 500 lb (227 kg) 1000 lb (454 kg)
SB-28 250 lb (113 kg) 500 lb (227 kg)
ST-30 / ST-30L 250 lb (113 kg) 500 lb (227 kg)
ST-30SS 125 lb (57 kg) 250 lb (113 kg)
ST-35 / ST-35L 500 lb (227 kg) 1000 lb (454 kg)
SB-35 / SB-35L 500 lb (227 kg) 1000 lb (454 kg)
ST-40 / ST-40L /  ST-40S 500 lb (227 kg) 2000 lb (907 kg)
ST-45 / ST-45L / ST-45S 1000 lb (454 kg) 3000 lb (1361 kg)
Sub Spindle Option ST-10 - ST25Y (A2-5, 5" chuck) 24 lb (11 kg) N/A
ST-30 - ST35Y (A2-5, 6.5" chuck) 24 lb (11 kg) N/A
Dual Spindle Lathe DS-20Y (Main Spindle) 150 lb (68 kg) N/A
DS-20Y (Secondary Spindle) 70 lb (32 kg) N/A
DS - 25Y (Main Spindle) 250 lb (113 kg) N/A
DS - 25Y (Secondary Spindle) 70 lb (32 kg) N/A
DS-30Y Reboot (Main Spindle) 250 lb (113 kg) N/A
DS-30Y Reboot (Secondary Spindle) 150 lb (68 kg) N/A
DS-30Y Pre-Reboot (Main Spindle) 100 lb (45 kg) N/A
DS-30Y Pre-Reboot (Secondary Spindle) 100 lb (45 kg) N/A
DS-30Y with DS-3B Option Pre-Reboot (Main Spindle) 125 lb (57 kg) N/A
DS-30SS (Main Spindle) 75 lb (34 kg) N/A
DS-30SS (Secondary Spindle) 75 lb (34 kg) N/A
DS-40Y (Main Spindle) 500 lb (227 kg) N/A
DS-40Y (Secondary Spindle) 250 lb (113 kg) N/A
Machine Model Maximum Weight per Chuck Maximum Weight between Centers or between Chucks
Front and Rear Spindle Nose Lathe ST-50 / ST-55 2000 lb (907 kg) 3000 lb (1361 kg)
TL-3B 1000 lb (453 kg) 2000 lb (907 kg)