Current Stock

    VTT-WB maintains a rotating inventory of used and second-hand vertical lathes, available in various conditions from project machines to fully reconditioned and warranted units. Our stock changes regularly as machines are acquired, refurbished, and sold, so we recommend contacting us directly for the most up-to-date availability.

    Our used vertical lathe stock typically includes machines across several categories, offering options for different budgets and requirements:

    Fully Reconditioned with Warranty

    These machines have completed our full reconditioning process — including hand-scraping of slideways, bearing replacement, geometric alignment, and testing. They are sold with a warranty and are ready for immediate production. This is our highest quality used machine offering, providing near-new performance at a significantly lower price than an equivalent new machine.

    Each reconditioned machine comes with full documentation: the initial inspection report, the reconditioning work carried out, components replaced, geometric measurements before and after, and the final test cut results. For regulated industries, this documentation supports quality management and traceability requirements.

    Reconditioned and CNC-Retrofitted

    These machines have been both mechanically reconditioned and upgraded with a modern CNC control system through our ManuPlus retrofit programme. They offer the performance of a modern CNC vertical turning lathe at a fraction of the new machine cost, with the reliability of a freshly reconditioned mechanical structure.

    These machines represent the best value in our stock — they combine the accuracy of a reconditioned machine with the capability of a modern CNC, at a price point that is typically 40–60% of a comparable new machine. For many workshops, this is the sweet spot between cost and capability.

    Inspected and Serviced

    These are used machines that have been inspected, cleaned, serviced, and verified for function. They may not have undergone full reconditioning, but they are in good working order and suitable for buyers who need a capable machine at a competitive price. Any known faults are documented and priced accordingly.

    These machines are a good option for workshops that need additional capacity quickly and are willing to accept a machine that may need reconditioning in the future. We can provide a condition assessment and an estimate of remaining service life to help with the purchase decision.

    Project Machines

    For buyers who have the in-house capability to refurbish machines themselves, we occasionally offer project machines in as-received condition. These are priced to reflect their condition and are sold with a full inspection report so buyers know exactly what they are getting. Project machines can be an economical option for workshops with the skills and resources to carry out their own reconditioning work.

    To check current stock availability, call Iain Exeter on 07808 789597 or Petr Gabrhelik on 07808 789598.

    Why a VTT-WB Rebuild Beats As-Is

    Buying a used vertical lathe “as is” from an auction, dealer, or private seller can be tempting — the prices are often lower. But the risks are significant, and the true cost of an as-is machine can quickly exceed the price of a rebuilt unit. Understanding these risks helps buyers make informed decisions.

    The Risks of As-Is Purchases

    • Hidden wear: Slideways may be worn beyond economic repair, requiring extensive hand-scraping or grinding that costs more than the machine
    • Bearing failures: Table bearings may be at the end of their life — a costly and time-consuming replacement that requires specialist knowledge
    • Geometric errors: The machine may be out of alignment in ways that are not apparent without proper measurement equipment and expertise
    • Control system issues: Outdated or faulty electrical systems that are difficult and expensive to repair, with spare parts no longer available
    • Incomplete machines: Missing parts, tooling, or accessories that are hard to source and may need to be manufactured
    • No warranty: If something goes wrong after purchase, you bear the full cost of diagnosis and repair
    • Unknown history: The machine may have been overloaded, poorly maintained, or subject to unrecorded repairs that affect its reliability

    The VTT-WB Rebuild Advantage

    When you buy a rebuilt machine from VTT-WB, you get:

    • Verified accuracy: Geometric alignment has been measured and restored to specification — we can prove it with certification
    • Replaced wear parts: Bearings, seals, and worn components have been renewed with quality replacements
    • Hand-scraped slideways: Sliding surfaces restored for accuracy and smooth motion using traditional techniques
    • Tested under load: Test cuts verify that the machine produces accurate parts before it leaves our workshop
    • Warranty: Reconditioned machines are sold with warranty cover for peace of mind
    • Known history: We document what we have found and what we have done — full traceability from inspection to handover
    • Ready for production: No lengthy refurbishment project — the machine is ready to work on arrival
    • After-sales support: We know the machine and can provide ongoing maintenance, parts, and technical support

    The price difference between an as-is machine and a VTT-WB rebuilt machine is typically far less than the cost of the remedial work that an as-is machine will need. And with a rebuilt machine, you know the cost upfront — no expensive surprises after purchase. For many buyers, the combination of warranty, documentation, and known condition makes a rebuilt machine the clear choice.

    What to Check Before Buying

    If you are considering purchasing a used vertical lathe — whether from us or from another source — here is our checklist of critical inspection points. These are the things our engineers look for when assessing a machine for our own stock. A thorough inspection before purchase can save thousands of pounds in unexpected repair costs.

    Mechanical

    • Table runout: Measure axial and radial runout with a dial indicator. Excessive runout indicates bearing wear or table distortion. Acceptable levels depend on the machine size and application, but as a guide, axial runout should be within a few microns for a quality machine.
    • Slideway condition: Check cross-rail ways and ram ways for wear, scoring, or uneven contact. Use blueing to assess bearing area. Worn slideways are the most common and most expensive problem on used machines.
    • Ram wear: Check for play between ram and its guideway. Excessive play indicates worn ram liners or guideways. Test by applying lateral force to the ram and measuring movement.
    • Table drive: Listen for unusual noises from the gearbox. Check for smooth speed changes and adequate torque. Grinding, whining, or knocking noises indicate gear or bearing problems.
    • Geometric alignment: Verify column perpendicularity, cross-rail parallelism, and ram verticality using precision levels and indicators. Misalignment may indicate foundation issues, structural damage, or previous improper repairs.
    • Hydraulics and lubrication: Check for leaks, pump condition, and proper lubrication delivery to all points. A machine that has not been properly lubricated may have accelerated wear on critical surfaces.

    Electrical and Control

    • Control system age: Determine the make and model of the control system and whether spares are still available. Some older controls are no longer supported, making repair impossible.
    • Wiring condition: Inspect for aged, brittle, or modified wiring that may need replacement. DIY electrical modifications are a red flag — they may be non-compliant and unsafe.
    • Motor condition: Check spindle and feed motors for overheating, bearing noise, and insulation condition. Motor rewind or replacement adds significant cost.
    • Safety systems: Verify e-stops, interlocks, and safety relays are functional and compliant with PUWER. Non-compliant safety systems must be upgraded before the machine can be legally operated.

    Structural

    • Casting integrity: Inspect column, table, and base for cracks, repairs, or welds. Cast iron cracks can be difficult to detect but may indicate serious structural problems.
    • Foundation: Check for evidence of movement or settling that could affect alignment. The machine may need re-levelling or a new foundation.
    • Modifications: Look for non-standard modifications that may affect performance, safety, or value. Some modifications are well-executed; others are bodges.

    If you would like a professional assessment of a machine you are considering — or one you already own — our inspection service provides a detailed report with clear recommendations. Contact Iain on 07808 789597 or Petr on 07808 789598, or visit our contact page.

    Part-Exchange & Buy-Back

    If you are upgrading to one of our new vertical turning lathes — the Millennium, Evolution, Revelation, or Aeroturn — or purchasing a rebuilt machine, we may be able to take your existing machine in part-exchange. This simplifies the transition — you do not need to find a buyer for your old machine, and we can often refurbish and resell serviceable units.

    Part-exchange offers several advantages:

    • You deal with one supplier for both the old and new machine
    • The part-exchange value is deducted from the new machine price, reducing upfront cost
    • We handle collection of the old machine, so you do not need to arrange disposal
    • The transition can be timed to minimise production downtime

    We also operate a buy-back service for Webster & Bennett and other vertical borers. If you have a machine that is no longer needed — perhaps due to retirement, closure, or replacement — we may be interested in purchasing it. We will assess the machine, make a fair offer based on its condition and market value, and arrange collection.

    Part-exchange and buy-back offers are subject to inspection. We will need to see the machine, assess its condition, and verify its specifications before making an offer. Even if your machine is in poor condition, it may still have value for parts or as a project — so it is always worth asking.

    To discuss part-exchange or buy-back, call Iain Exeter on 07808 789597 or Petr Gabrhelik on 07808 789598, or visit our contact page.

    See also: our vertical boring machines range, Webster & Bennett heritage machines, our reconditioning services, and CNC retrofit programme.

    More reading: browse all VTT-WB guides, including rebuild or replace? how to decide.