What a Vertical Borer Does

    A vertical boring machine — also known as a vertical borer or vertical boring lathe — is a machine tool designed for machining large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped workpieces that would be difficult or impossible to hold on a conventional horizontal lathe. The workpiece is mounted on a horizontal rotary table, whilst the cutting tool is mounted on a ram or tool head that moves vertically and horizontally above it.

    This configuration offers several distinct advantages that make vertical borers indispensable in heavy engineering environments:

    • Gravity works with you: Heavy workpieces sit naturally on the table — no need to fight gravity to hold them in a chuck
    • Large swing capacity: Vertical borers can accommodate workpieces far larger than a comparably sized horizontal lathe
    • Stability: The workpiece weight is supported by the table bearing, not by the machine spindle
    • Accessibility: The cutting area is open and visible, making setup, inspection, and tool changes straightforward
    • Simplified setup: No need to balance heavy or irregular castings in a chuck — they sit on the table and are clamped down
    • Cost-effectiveness: For large-diameter, short-length components, a vertical borer is typically more economical than an equivalent-capacity horizontal machine

    Typical operations performed on a vertical boring machine include:

    • Boring and counterboring of large cylindrical bores
    • Facing of flanges and flat surfaces
    • Turning of external diameters on large components
    • Taper boring and contour turning (on CNC models)
    • Drilling and recessing
    • Recessing and grooving of internal features
    • Light milling operations on some configurations

    For a deeper explanation of how these machines work, see our guide: How a Vertical Boring Machine Works.

    Our Range: Capacities, Swing & Table Sizes

    VTT-WB supplies vertical boring machines across a range of capacities, from medium-duty workshop machines to heavy industrial units capable of machining the largest components. Our product range includes both new machines and rebuilt/refurbished units, giving customers a choice of price points and specifications.

    The Machines We Designed and Built

    Between 1993 and 2010 we designed and built the Webster & Bennett vertical turning centres below. We no longer build them new, but we support, service and refurbish them, and sometimes have them available used:

    • Millennium — Flagship 3-axis vertical turning centre, launched in 1996. Precision turning, contour and thread milling, drilling, grinding and elliptical turning, with capacities from 1000mm to 2200mm diameter.
    • Evolution — From 2004. A 2-axis CNC machine built on the Webster & Bennett 36, 48 and 72 structure, for turning, grinding and PCD drilling up to 2100mm diameter.
    • Revelation — From 2006. A super heavy 3-axis turning and machining centre for turning, grinding and contour milling, with capacities up to 5000mm diameter.
    • Aeroturn — Launched in 2009, the last range we built new. A faster, lighter-duty machine than the Millennium for precision turning, milling and grinding, including a twin-ram version.
    • ManuPlus — Our programme for upgrading older Webster & Bennett vertical borers with full CNC or Manual-CNC controls.

    Every machine is different. Talk to Iain about the specification, condition and support options for a particular machine.

    Rebuilt & Refurbished Machines

    We also supply rebuilt and refurbished Webster & Bennett and other makes of vertical borer. These machines undergo our full reconditioning process before sale, offering excellent value for buyers who need large-capacity vertical boring at a lower price point than a new machine.

    Rebuilt machines are an excellent option for workshops that need substantial machining capacity but do not require the latest new-build features. A fully reconditioned Webster & Bennett, for example, can deliver decades more service at a fraction of the cost of a new equivalent — and with the option of a CNC retrofit, it can be brought to near-modern capability.

    Capacity Guide

    Our machines cover a wide range of specifications to suit different applications:

    • Table diameters from 36 inches (914 mm) up to 72 inches (1830 mm) and beyond
    • Max swing from approximately 48 inches to over 100 inches on the largest models
    • Table load capacities suitable for workpieces weighing from hundreds of kilograms to several tonnes
    • Spindle speed ranges to suit ferrous, non-ferrous, and exotic materials
    • Feed rate ranges from fine finishing to heavy roughing
    • Ram travel (Z-axis) from a few hundred millimetres to over a metre on large machines

    When selecting a machine, the key parameters to consider are maximum workpiece diameter (swing), maximum workpiece height, maximum workpiece weight, and the required machining operations. Our team can help you match these requirements to the right machine from our range, ensuring you get the capacity you need without paying for capacity you will never use. We can also advise on tooling, workholding, and accessory requirements to ensure the machine is production-ready from day one.

    CNC vs Manual Vertical Borers

    Vertical boring machines are available in both manual and CNC configurations, and the choice between them depends on your production requirements, component mix, and available operator skills.

    Manual Vertical Borers

    Manual machines rely on the operator to set speeds, feeds, and tool positions. They are well suited to one-off work, large components where setup flexibility matters, and environments where skilled operators are available. Many Webster & Bennett machines in service are manual — and with proper reconditioning, they continue to deliver excellent results for the right applications.

    The strengths of manual machines include simplicity, durability, and the ability to handle unusual or one-off components without the need for programming. For workshops that primarily produce one-off or small-batch parts, a manual machine may be entirely adequate.

    CNC Vertical Borers

    CNC machines offer programmable control of all axes, automatic tool positioning, stored part programmes, and consistent repeatability. They excel in batch production, complex contour work, and applications where cycle time and accuracy are critical. Our CNC vertical turning lathes cover the full range from two-axis to multi-axis configurations.

    The advantages of CNC include reduced setup time for repeat work, improved consistency across batches, the ability to machine complex profiles, and reduced dependency on operator skill for routine operations. For workshops producing repeat batches or complex components, CNC typically delivers significant productivity gains.

    If you have a serviceable manual machine that needs modern capabilities, our CNC retrofit programme can convert it to full CNC control at a fraction of the cost of a new machine. This approach retains the machine’s existing mechanical structure — including the substantial cast iron frame — and replaces only the control and drive systems.

    Rebuilt & Second-Hand in Stock

    We maintain a rotating stock of rebuilt and second-hand vertical borers. Each machine in stock has been inspected, assessed, and — where required — fully reconditioned. We do not sell untested machines “as seen” — every machine we supply is verified for accuracy and function.

    Our used vertical lathe stock changes regularly. Machines are typically available in the following categories:

    • Fully reconditioned with warranty — complete with certification and test results
    • Reconditioned and CNC-retrofitted — modern control system on a reconditioned mechanical base
    • Inspected and serviced, ready for production — in good working order with any known faults documented
    • Project machines for buyers who wish to refurbish themselves — priced to reflect condition

    We can also source specific machines to order. If you need a particular make, model, or capacity, let us know — our industry network often turns up machines before they reach the open market. We can inspect, assess, and report on any machine you are considering, whether or not it is from our stock.

    Get a Quote

    Whether you need a new vertical boring machine, a rebuilt machine from stock, or a quote for reconditioning or retrofitting your existing machine, we are ready to help.

    The quoting process begins with a conversation about your requirements — what you machine, what capacities you need, what your budget allows, and what timeline you are working to. From there, we can recommend the most appropriate machine or service and provide a detailed quotation with no hidden costs.

    For new machines, we will discuss your component requirements, material types, tolerance needs, and production volume to recommend the right model and configuration. For rebuilt machines, we will match your needs to our current stock or source a suitable machine to order. For reconditioning and retrofit work, we will inspect your machine and provide an itemised quotation with clear scope and pricing.

    We understand that purchasing a machine tool is a significant investment. We are happy to provide detailed information, arrange site visits, and answer technical questions to help you make the right decision. We would rather spend time helping you choose correctly than rush a sale and disappoint you later.

    Call Iain Exeter on 07808 789597 or Petr Gabrhelik on 07808 789598 to discuss your requirements, or visit our contact page to send an enquiry.

    Based in Birmingham (B6 7LG), VTT-WB serves customers across the UK and internationally, with particular expertise in the defence, nuclear, oil and gas, aero engine, and aerospace sectors. Our combination of machine tool engineering expertise and sector knowledge makes us the ideal partner for your vertical turning requirements.

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