Difference between Capstan and Turret Lathe
Contents
Comparison between Capstan and Turret Lathe
Summary:
The Key Difference between Capstan and Turret Lathe is that Capstan Lathe is a light-duty machine. Turret Lathe is a heavy-duty machine.

Comparison Chart
Capstan Lathe | Turret Lathe |
---|---|
It is a light-duty machine. | It is a heavy-duty machine. |
The turret head is mounted on the ram and the ram is mounted on the saddle. | The turret head is directly mounted on the saddle and the saddle slides over the bed ways. |
The saddle will not be moved during machining. | The saddle will not be moved during machining. |
The lengthwise movement of the turret is less. | The lengthwise movement of the turret is more. |
Short workpieces only can be machined. | Long workpieces can be machined. |
It is easy to move the turret head as it slides over the ram. | It is difficult to move the turret head along with the saddle. |
The turret head cannot be moved crosswise. | The turret head cannot be moved crosswise. |
As the construction of lathe is not rigid, a heavy cut cannot be given. | As the construction of lathe is rigid, a heavy cut can be given. |
It is used for machining workpieces up to 60mm diameter. | It is used for machining workpieces up to 200mm diameter. |
Collet is used to holding the workpiece. | Jaw chuck is used to hold the workpiece. |
What is Capstan Lathe?
- The turret of the capstan lathe machine is mounted on a slide or ram which can be moved longitudinally on the saddle for feeding the tools.
- The saddle itself is mounted on the bed.
- The turret is generally hexagonal but may also be square or round.
- This type of machine is lighter in construction and is suitable for machining bars of up to 60 mm in diameter
- More than one tool may be mounted on the same face on the turret making it possible to machine more than one surface at the same time.
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Capstan Lathe - Capstan Lathe Parts
- Headstock
- Bed
- Feed box
- Carriage
- Toolpost
- Hexagonal turret
- Saddle for ram
- Lead screw
- Ram
What is Turret Lathe?
- The tool turret is mounted directly on the saddle and the feed is given by moving the entire unit.
- The turret lathe can thus operate under more serve conditions accommodating heavier workpieces with higher cutting speeds, feeds, and depth of cut.
- Turret lathes are capable of turning bars up to 200 mm diameter using collets as well as handling irregular jobs like castings and forgings with chucks.
- Some turret types lathes are equipped with crosswise movement of the hexagonal tool turret by hand or power.
- Turret machines provided with the so-called side hung type of carriage do not require any support from the rear slide of the bed.

- Turret Lathe Parts
- Headstock
- Bed
- Feed box
- Toolpost
- Carriage
- Lead screw
- Feed rod
- Hexagonal turret
- Saddle