A sliding head lathe, also called a Swiss-type lathe, feeds bar stock through a guide bush while the headstock moves the bar along its length. The tool always cuts right next to the guide bush, so long, thin parts stay rigid and accurate. It is the machine of choice for small precision turned parts in large quantities.
Quick facts
- Bar size
- Typically about 3–32 mm (0.118–1.26 inch) diameter (some up to 38 mm (1.50 inch))
- Typical tolerance
- About ±0.005–0.01 mm (±0.0002–0.0004 inch)
- Best for
- Long slender parts, small precision parts, big batches
- Extras
- Live tools, sub-spindle: milling, drilling and back working in one go
- Feeding
- Bar feeder; runs unattended for long periods
- Common materials
- Free-cutting brass, stainless steel, EN1A, aluminium
How it differs from a normal CNC lathe
| Sliding head (Swiss) | Fixed head CNC lathe | |
|---|---|---|
| Bar support | Guide bush right at the cut | Chuck; long parts need a tailstock |
| Long thin parts | Excellent | Difficult |
| Bar diameter | Small, up to about 32 mm (1.26 inch) | Larger |
| Complete part | Often finished in one cycle with sub-spindle | Often needs a second operation |
Typical parts
- Brass and stainless pins, connectors and fittings
- Medical and dental screws
- Valve stems, nozzles and small shafts
- Electrical and electronic contacts
- Watch and instrument parts
Limits
- Small bar diameters only
- Ground bar stock is preferred for the guide bush
- Setting up takes time; it pays off on large batches
- Some bar is left as remnant at the end of each bar
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Questions
- Why is it called a Swiss lathe?
- The design was developed in Switzerland for making small watch parts, and the name stayed. Today it is used for all kinds of small precision turned parts.
- When is a Swiss lathe better than a normal CNC lathe?
- For long, thin or small parts with close tolerances in large quantities, especially when milling or cross drilling can be done in the same cycle. For short, large-diameter parts a normal CNC lathe is usually better.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 15 October 2026.