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When it comes to choosing the right lathe for your machining operations, one of the most common questions is: Should I go with a centre lathe or a CNC lathe? Each type has its own advantages, depending on your production volume, precision requirements, budget, and operator skill level. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the two, and help you determine which lathe is best suited for your needs.

Note: A centre lathe is also commonly referred to as a manual lathe, universal lathe, or conventional lathe — all of which describe machines operated manually by skilled technicians.
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What Is a Centre Lathe?

A centre lathe (manual lathe) is a traditional machine tool used for turning, cutting, threading, and facing workpieces. It operates by manually controlling the movement of the cutting tool and spindle speed.
Centre lathes are widely used for:

•     Custom part machining
•     Prototyping and repair work
•     Teaching and skill training

These machines are appreciated for their simplicity, affordability, and hands-on control, making them ideal for small workshops or for projects where flexibility and quick adjustments are important.
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What Is a CNC Lathe?

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) lathe automates the machining process by using programmed commands. It allows for high-speed, high-precision, and repeatable operations with minimal manual intervention.
CNC lathes are commonly used in:

•     Mass production environments
•     High-precision industries such as aerospace and medical
•     Jobs requiring complex shapes or fine tolerances

While they have a steeper learning curve and higher initial costs, CNC lathes dramatically improve efficiency and accuracy in high-volume manufacturing.

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Centre Lathe vs. CNC Lathe: Key Differences

Feature	Centre Lathe (Manual/Universal/Conventional)	CNC Lathe
Operation	Manual	Automated (programmed)
Flexibility	High – Ideal for custom jobs and small batches	Lower – Best for repeated tasks
Precision	Operator-dependent	Machine-controlled, very high
Skill Required	High manual skill needed	Programming and setup skill needed
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher investment but long-term efficiency
Setup Time	Minimal	Can be longer for small batches
Best For	Workshops, training, prototyping	High-volume, precision manufacturing

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When to Choose a Centre Lathe

Choose a centre lathe, also known as a manual lathe, universal lathe, or conventional lathe, if:

•     You frequently work on custom or one-off parts
•     You need hands-on control and flexibility
•     You're operating a smaller workshop or repair station
•     You're focused on training new machinists

Centre lathes are excellent for developing operator skills and are cost-effective tools for jobs that don’t require automation.
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When to Choose a CNC Lathe

A CNC lathe is the right choice if:

•     You need to produce large quantities of the same part
•     Your projects demand tight tolerances and consistent quality
•     You want to increase productivity and reduce labor costs
•     You already have skilled operators who can handle CAD/CAM software and CNC programming

Although the upfront cost is higher, CNC lathes pay off in long-term productivity gains.
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Finding the Right Balance

In reality, many machine shops benefit from using both types of lathes. A manual lathe (centre lathe) offers unmatched adaptability and training value, while a CNC lathe provides automation and precision for high-volume work. Assessing your production goals, project types, and operator skills will help you strike the right balance.
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Pin Shin Machinery Co., LTD. – Your Manual Lathe Expert

At Pin Shin Machinery Co., LTD., we specialize in the design and manufacturing of high-quality manual lathes, also known as centre lathes, universal lathes, and conventional lathes. Our machines are built with precision, durability, and operator comfort in mind — ideal for workshops, training centers, and small-batch production facilities.
If you're looking for a dependable manual lathe solution to boost your machining capabilities, explore our product range or contact us today. Pin Shin Machinery Co., LTD. – Delivering precision through simplicity.