Hardinge HC High Accuracy Chucker Lathe | 8-Station Turret | 5C Collet Spindle

Hardinge HC High Accuracy Chucker

Type: Manual Precision Chucking Machine | Mounting: 5" Vertical Turret | Precision: "Hardinge Accuracy"

Overview

The Hardinge HC is a legendary toolroom and production machine designed for high-precision, short-to-medium-run machining. Unlike a standard engine lathe, the "Chucker" lacks a tailstock and a carriage with a lead screw; instead, it features a massive, 8-station automatic indexing vertical turret.

In the world of precision manufacturing, the HC is the gold standard for concentricity. Because a part can be turned, bored, faced, and threaded in a single chucking using the 8-station turret, the cumulative error of re-fixturing is eliminated. It is a favorite for aerospace, medical, and instrument shops.

Technical Specifications

• Collet Capacity: 1-1/16" (using 5C Collets)
• Step Chuck Capacity: Up to 6"
• Swing Over Bed: 13"
• Turret Stations: 8-Station (Vertical)
• Turret Travel: 8" (Longitudinal) | 4.5" (Cross)
• Spindle Speeds: Variable from 125 – 3,000 RPM
• Threading: Manual Lead Screw & Follower system (optional but common)
• Motor: 2 HP (Two-speed)
• Weight: Approx. 1,700 – 1,850 lbs

Key Features

• 8-Station Indexing Turret: Allows for a complete sequence of operations (drill, bore, turn, face, knurl) without removing the part from the 5C collet or chuck.
• Preloaded Ball Bearing Spindle: Hardinge’s world-famous spindle design provides "tenths" accuracy and exceptional surface finishes.
• Hardened and Ground Ways: The dovetail bed is famously durable, maintaining alignment over decades of use.
• Ease of Setup: The HC is known for being faster to set up than a cam-driven screw machine or an early CNC, making it the "go-to" for small batches.
• Threading Attachment: If equipped with the Automatic Threading Head, it can produce high-precision threads using a lead screw and follower system.