The 7 best CNC lathes for metal 2026

The best CNC lathe for value for money is the Bernardo CK 360 x 750 (€27,494): 3.7 kW power, 750 mm distance between centers, Siemens 808D Advanced control, and hydraulic tailstock. For long workpieces up to 1 meter, the CK 400 x 1000 (€37,478) is the top-of-the-range model with 5.5 kW. For workshops with limited space, the CK 320 x 500 (€20,503) offers precision in a compact format. All models include AC servomotors and ball screws.

In a hurry? Go directly to the Bernardo CNC lathe catalog.

# Model Price Power Dist. Between Centers Weight Ideal for

→ View all CNC lathes available on Krollit

The CK series CNC lathes from Bernardo are designed for industrial applications requiring precision, repeatability, and reliability. All models share premium features:

• Siemens 808D Advanced Control — intuitive interface, standard G-code programming, integrated diagnostic functions
• AC Servomotors — rapid response, precise positioning, low maintenance
• Ball Screws — smooth movements, reduced wear, long-term precision
• Preloaded Angular Contact Bearings — spindle rigidity, minimized vibrations
• Electronic Handwheel — precise manual control on X and Z axes

The difference between the series (320, 360, 400) primarily concerns the swing diameter and structural robustness, while the variants (500, 750, 1000) indicate the distance between centers in millimeters.

Price: €27,494 | Power 3.7 kW, distance between centers 750 mm, weight 1550 kg. Perfect balance between machining capacity and investment. Hydraulic tailstock included.

Price: €37,478 | The most powerful (5.5 kW) and largest capacity (1000 mm). For intensive industrial production, long workpieces, and demanding materials. Speeds from 30 RPM for delicate operations.

Price: €20,503 | Only 870 kg, reduced footprint. Ideal for workshops with limited space that don't want to compromise on CNC precision and Siemens control.

All models are available in the Krollit CNC lathes catalog with shipping throughout Italy.

The top-of-the-range for industrial production

The CK 400 x 1000 is the most powerful and largest capacity CNC lathe in the Bernardo range. With 5.5 kW of power and 1000 mm distance between centers, it handles long workpieces and demanding materials without compromise. The minimum speed of 30 RPM (compared to 150 RPM for other models) allows for delicate finishing operations on large diameters.

Pros: Maximum power and capacity, minimum speed 30 RPM, hydraulic tailstock, industrial construction.

Cons: Significant footprint and weight, requires adequate flooring, substantial investment.

Ideal for: Mechanical industries, heavy carpentry, production of shafts and long components.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 400 x 1000 is the benchmark for those seeking the most from a CNC lathe. Its robust construction, minimum speed of 30 RPM, and hydraulic tailstock make it perfect for complex industrial machining where no compromises are accepted."

Industrial power in a medium format

The CK 400 x 750 offers the same power as its larger sibling (5.5 kW) but with a reduced distance between centers of 750 mm. Perfect for those who primarily work with medium-short workpieces but require maximum chip removal capacity and structural rigidity.

Pros: Top power (5.5 kW), speed from 30 RPM, hydraulic tailstock, robustness of the 400 series.

Cons: Limited distance between centers vs CK 400 x 1000, still heavy weight.

Ideal for: Series production of medium-short components, workshops with moderate space but high demands.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 400 x 750 is perfect for those who need high precision in a more compact format than the 1000. The advanced features and robust construction of the 400 series make it ideal for intensive work environments where productivity is a priority."

The best quality-price balance

The CK 360 x 750 represents the best buy in the range: it combines professional machining capacity (750 mm between centers, 3.7 kW) with a more accessible investment compared to the 400 series. Hydraulic tailstock included, ideal for most industrial applications.

Pros: Excellent value for money, hydraulic tailstock, 750 mm capacity, proven reliability.

Cons: Lower power than the 400 series, minimum speed 150 RPM.

Ideal for: Medium-sized workshops, prototyping, mixed production, those looking for the best investment.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 360 x 750 is my recommendation for most workshops. It offers the perfect balance of capacity, precision, and investment. The hydraulic tailstock and Siemens control make it a safe investment for anyone wanting to get into CNC without compromise."

360 series in compact format

The CK 360 x 500 offers the same build quality as the 360 series with a reduced center distance of 500 mm. Hydraulic tailstock included, perfect for those who mainly work short pieces but want the solidity of the intermediate series.

Pros: Hydraulic tailstock, 360 series robustness, compact footprint.

Cons: Limited center distance to 500 mm.

Ideal for: Workshops with limited space, production of high-quality short components.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 360 x 500 is a compact lathe that doesn't compromise on precision. Perfect for workshops with limited space that require high quality and reliability in operations. The hydraulic tailstock makes all the difference compared to the 320 series."

Long pieces on a budget

The CK 320 x 1000 is the only model in the 320 series with 1000 mm distance between centers and 5.5 kW power. It offers capacity for long workpieces with a lower investment than the CK 400 x 1000, while maintaining all premium CNC features.

Pros: 1000 mm between centers, 5.5 kW, manageable weight (1190 kg), affordable price for its capacity.

Cons: 320 series less robust than 360/400, no hydraulic tailstock.

Ideal for: Those needing long workpieces on a limited budget, workshops with standard flooring.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 320 x 1000 offers precision and reliability in a versatile format with 1 meter between centers. It's an excellent choice for those who need to work long pieces without the investment of the 400 series. A great compromise."

Professional entry-level

The CK 320 x 750 is the entry-level model for those who want to enter the world of CNC lathes with Siemens control without making too high an investment. 750 mm between centers covers most applications, 3.5 kW is sufficient for standard materials.

Pros: Affordable price, Siemens 808D included, 750 mm capacity, manageable weight.

Cons: Minimum power in the range (3.5 kW), no hydraulic tailstock.

Ideal for: First CNC lathe, vocational schools, workshops starting with CNC.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 320 x 750 is perfect for industrial environments that require precision and reliability in a compact format and within a limited budget. Ideal as a first CNC lathe or for vocational training schools."

The most compact in the range

The CK 320 x 500 is the most compact and lightest CNC lathe in the Bernardo range: only 870 kg and 500 mm between centers. Perfect for workshops with limited space who still want the precision of the Siemens 808D Advanced control and Bernardo's build quality.

Pros: The lightest (870 kg), minimal footprint, same CNC quality as other models.

Cons: Limited capacity (500 mm), only for short pieces.

Ideal for: Small spaces, R&D labs, prototyping small components.

Sandra Gaspar's opinion: "The CK 320 x 500 is a compact and precise lathe, perfect for workshops with limited space that require high quality in operations. With only 870 kg, you can have a Siemens CNC even where you thought it was impossible."

To delve deeper into the technical characteristics and understand which type best suits your needs, consult our complete guide to CNC lathes.

• Pieces up to 500 mm: CK 320 x 500 or CK 360 x 500
• Pieces up to 750 mm: CK 320 x 750, CK 360 x 750 (recommended), or CK 400 x 750
• Pieces up to 1000 mm: CK 320 x 1000 (budget) or CK 400 x 1000 (top)

• Entry level: CK 320 x 500 or CK 320 x 750
• Best Value for Money: CK 360 x 750 
• Industrial: CK 400 x 750 or CK 400 x 1000

• Limited space: CK 320 x 500 (870 kg)
• Medium space: CK 360 x 500 or CK 320 x 750
• Adequate space: Any model