The Bernardo Hobby 500 (230V) bench lathe is sized for advanced hobbyists, small craft workshops, and workshops requiring threading and automatic feeds. Distance between centers 500 mm, center height 110 mm, swing over bed Ø 220 mm, spindle bore Ø 20 mm with MT 3 taper, speed range (6 steps) 140 - 1,710 rpm. Longitudinal feeds (4) 0.05 - 0.2 mm/rev. Metric threads (11) 0.4 - 3 mm, inch threads (11) 8 - 28 TPI. Self-centering chuck Ø 100 mm, motor 0.55 kW (S1 100%) - 0.8 kW (S6 40%) at 230V single-phase, weight 130 kg, machine dimensions 1,150 × 480 × 420 mm (without stand). Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Distance between centers: 500 mm
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Center height: 110 mm
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Swing over bed: Ø 220 mm
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Spindle bore: Ø 20 mm MT 3 taper
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Speed range: (6 steps) 140 - 1,710 rpm
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Self-centering chuck: Ø 100 mm
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Longitudinal feeds: (4) 0.05 - 0.2 mm/rev
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Metric threads: (11) 0.4 - 3 mm
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Inch threads: (11) 8 - 28 TPI
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Motor: 0.55 kW (S1) / 0.8 kW (S6) - 230V single-phase
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Weight: 130 kg
Who uses the Hobby 500 (230V) and for what
The Bernardo Hobby 500 is the top of the Hobby range: 500 mm distance between centers, 110 mm center height, Ø 220 mm swing over bed (the largest in the Hobby range), weight 130 kg. 6-speed step transmission from 140 to 1,710 rpm via mechanical gearbox (vs continuous adjustment of lower models): a decisive feature for professional use where the precision of the set speed is important. Ø 100 mm self-centering chuck with Ø 20 mm MT3 bore. Distinctive features compared to intermediate Hobby models: 4-step automatic longitudinal feeds (0.05 - 0.2 mm/rev vs 2 simple steps of intermediate models), complete metric threads 11 steps (0.4 - 3 mm) and inch threads 11 steps (8 - 28 TPI), traditional 4-position tool post, cross slide with top support. Motor 0.55 kW (S1) / 0.80 kW (S6). 230V single-phase version: power supply compatible with any domestic socket, sized for home workshops and small workshops without a 400V three-phase line. Suitable for advanced hobbyists with home workshops, small craft workshops, technical schools with educational labs. For intensive daily professional production, industrial lathes from the Bernardo Profi or Goliath range are correctly sized (with higher capacities and 1.5-9 kW motors).
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo Hobby metal lathe range is organized by progressive size and technical characteristics: Hobby 140 (140 mm distance between centers, 14 kg weight) and Hobby 250 (250 mm, 23 kg) are entry-level mini lathes without display, 0.15 kW motor; Hobby 350 VD (350 mm, 44 kg), Hobby 350 VDM (M version with additional turret) and Hobby 400 Super (400 mm, 50 kg) are intermediate models with digital display and quick-change tool post, 0.35-0.50 kW motor; Hobby 500 in 230V single-phase and 400V three-phase versions (130 kg, 0.55 kW motor) is the top of the Hobby range with automatic feeds, complete threading and 6-step speed change. Beyond the Hobby range are the Profi models (semi-professional, 200-500 kg) and the heavy industrial Goliath lathes (over 1,500 kg, 5-15 kW motors).
The Hobby 500 (230V single-phase) is the top of the Hobby range with a domestic power supply compatible with any socket: sized for home workshops and small workshops without a three-phase line. The 400V three-phase version has identical mechanical characteristics but an industrial power supply: for workshops with a three-phase line, it is the correct choice (motor with less vibration and longer life). For intensive daily professional production, Profi or Goliath lathes are correctly sized.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days to the South). With a weight of 130 kg, it requires a pallet truck or two-three people to unload carefully. The machine is supplied WITHOUT a stand: for positioning, a dedicated Bernardo stand or a robust workbench (200+ kg capacity) is recommended. Tool post inserts, additional self-centering chucks, spare gears, original Bernardo accessories available from stock with 3-5 working day shipping. Customer support available in Italian.
Who is the Hobby 500 (230V) for?
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Advanced hobbyist with home workshop |
Recommended |
Top of the Hobby range: 4-step automatic feeds, complete metric and inch threads, 6 stepped speeds for stability. 230V single-phase power compatible with any domestic socket. |
| Small craft workshop |
Recommended |
Robustness of 130 kg for daily use, Ø 220 mm swing over bed, 500 mm distance between centers. Complete threading (11 metric + 11 inch) for production of standard threaded parts. |
| Vocational school / training laboratory |
Recommended |
Professional lathe with all the standard features of an industrial lathe (stepped speed change, complete threading, automatic feeds). For intensive use by multiple students, the 130 kg robustness is adequate. |
Not suitable for: industrial production of large parts (over Ø 220 mm on the bed; Profi or Goliath range is correctly sized); programmed CNC (the Hobby 500 is a manual lathe); continuous intensive use where 400V three-phase stability is important (the 400V version of the Hobby 500 is correctly sized).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Distance between centers |
500 mm |
| Center height |
110 mm |
| Swing over bed |
Ø 220 mm |
Spindle
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle bore |
Ø 20 mm |
| Spindle bore taper |
MT 3 |
| Self-centering chuck |
Ø 100 mm |
Speed and feeds
| Specification |
Value |
| Speed range |
(6 steps) 140 - 1,710 rpm |
| Longitudinal feeds |
(4) 0.05 - 0.2 mm/rev |
Threads
| Specification |
Value |
| Metric threads |
(11) 0.4 - 3 mm |
| Inch threads |
(11) 8 - 28 TPI |
Tailstock
| Specification |
Value |
| Tailstock quill travel |
45 mm |
| Tailstock taper |
MT 2 |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power S1 100% |
0.55 kW |
| Motor power S6 40% |
0.8 kW |
| Voltage |
230V single-phase |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
1,150 × 480 × 420 mm (without stand) |
| Weight |
130 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo Hobby 500 (230V) lathe
- Self-centering chuck Ø 100 mm
- Chuck guard
- Spare steel gears
- Fixed center
- 4-way tool post
- Cross slide with top support
- User manual in Italian
Frequently asked questions
Is the 230V single-phase power supply really professional?
For the Hobby range, yes. The 0.55 kW (S1) - 0.8 kW (S6) motor is sized for continuous use at 230V single-phase. The machine is sized for advanced hobbyist use and small craft workshops, not for intensive industrial production.
Recommended check before installation: electrical line with adequate cross-section (minimum 2.5 mm² cable), dedicated 16A miniature circuit breaker, CEE 16A 230V industrial socket (preferable to a 'Schuko' domestic socket for professional use). For workshops with other simultaneous loads (compressors, extractors), check the available power on the meter. For intensive daily industrial use, a lathe with a 400V three-phase motor is recommended (400V version of the Hobby 500 or Profi range).
What parts can I work with the Hobby 500 (230V)?
Typical parts: cylindrical turning of shafts and cylinders up to Ø 220 mm and 500 mm length between centers, facing, grooving, chamfering and filleting, threads (11) 0.4 - 3 mm metric. Typical materials: mild steels (Fe360, S235), alloy steels (C45, 39NiCrMo3), aluminum and light alloys, brass, bronze, technical plastic.
Working limits: maximum Ø on the bed 220 mm, spindle bore Ø 20 mm (maximum limit for through bars). For larger parts, higher range models or industrial lathes are correctly sized (Profi range 200-500 kg or Goliath 1,500-3,500 kg). For hobbyist/small workshop use, it is correctly sized for most standard needs.
Is the machine already complete or do I need additional accessories?
The machine is supplied with standard equipment sufficient for immediate use: Ø 100 mm self-centering chuck, 4-way tool post, fixed center, chuck guard, splash guard.
Optional accessories typically purchased separately: self-centering chucks of different diameters for specific parts, steady rests for long parts, 4-jaw chuck for non-cylindrical parts, set of additional turning tools (roughing, finishing, threading, drilling), live center (if the machine has a fixed center). For most standard hobbyist work, the basic equipment is sufficient; for specific productions or particular parts, evaluate dedicated accessories.
Are the 6 stepped speeds sufficient for all materials?
Yes, for hobbyist/small workshop use. The 140-1,710 rpm range covers all typical needs: low rotation (140-280 rpm) for threading and hard materials, standard rotation (470-720 rpm) for turning mild steels, high rotation (1,130-1,710 rpm) for finishing and soft materials.
Practical difference with continuous adjustment (Hobby 350/400 models with continuous speed adjustment): the mechanical step change has greater stability of the set speed under load (the speed does not drop when the tool encounters resistance), an important feature for precision threading. Continuous adjustment is simpler to use but can experience speed variations under load. For professional use, the step change is preferred; for simple hobbyist use, continuous adjustment is more intuitive.
Do I need to buy a separate stand?
Yes, if you want to install the machine in a fixed position in the workshop. The Hobby 500 (230V) is supplied WITHOUT a stand: it is typically installed on a dedicated Bernardo stand (purchased separately) or on a robust workbench with a load capacity exceeding 200 kg.
The dedicated Bernardo stand for the Hobby 500 range includes: folded steel sheet structure, height adjustment for operator ergonomics, integrated chip tray, oil collection tray under the machine, possibly drawers for tools. For hobbyist use, it is possible to install the machine on existing robust workbenches (e.g. WB 2100 Profi from the Bernardo range); for daily professional use, the dedicated stand is recommended for greater stability during machining.
