The Bernardo Hobby 350 VDM bench lathe is sized for advanced hobbyists and small workshops with precision needs and a digital display. Center distance 350 mm, center height 90 mm, swing over bed Ø 180 mm, spindle bore Ø 21 mm MT 3 taper, speed range 100 - 1,200 / 100 - 3,000 rpm (dual range, continuous adjustment). Longitudinal feeds 0.1 / 0.2 mm/rev. Metric threads (10) 0.4 - 2.0 mm. Self-centering chuck Ø 80 mm, motor 0.35 kW (S1 100%) - 0.5 kW (S6 40%) at 230V single-phase, weight 44 kg, machine dimensions 770 × 300 × 310 mm (without stand). Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Distance between centers: 350 mm
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Center height: 90 mm
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Swing over bed: Ø 180 mm
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Spindle bore: Ø 21 mm MT 3 taper
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Speed range: 100 - 1,200 / 100 - 3,000 rpm (dual range, continuous adjustment)
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Self-centering chuck: Ø 80 mm
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Longitudinal feeds: 0.1 / 0.2 mm/rev
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Metric threads: (10) 0.4 - 2.0 mm
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Digital display: Speed + cross and top slide
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Motor: 0.35 kW (S1) / 0.5 kW (S6) - 230V single-phase
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Weight: 44 kg
Who uses the Hobby 350 VDM and for what
The Bernardo Hobby 350 VDM is an intermediate bench lathe in the Hobby range with a distinctive feature: a digital display included for spindle speed and for cross slide and top slide position. The Hobby 350 VDM model is the M ('Multi-turret') version of the 350 VD: same mechanical characteristics as the 350 VD (distance between centers, chuck, motor, speeds, dimensions, weight) but with additional turret equipment: in addition to the quick-change tool post (size 5-4 with 4 inserts) it also includes a traditional 4-position tool post. The advantage: the operator can configure the traditional tool post for standard operations (turning, roughing, finishing tools) and use the quick-change tool post for quick changes of special tools (threading, specific roughing). Significantly reduces setup times for productions with complex machining cycles. Suitable for advanced hobbyists, small artisan workshops, technical schools with educational laboratories, restorers of mechanical components. For intensive daily professional use, consider the Hobby 500 range (130 kg, 4-step automatic feeds, complete metric+inch threading).
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo Hobby metal lathe range is organized by progressive dimensions 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 350 VDM differs from the Hobby 350 VD by its double turret equipment: quick-change tool post + traditional 4-position tool post. Practical difference: the VDM allows two different turrets to be kept ready, reducing changeover times for complex machining cycles. For simple productions, the Hobby 350 VD is significantly more economical. For larger workpieces (over 350 mm), the Hobby 400 Super (400 mm distance between centers) is correctly sized; for professional use, the Hobby 500.
Krollit Logistics and Support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days to the South). With a weight of 44 kg, it can be handled by one person; the lathe is sized for placement on an existing sturdy workbench. Tool post inserts, additional self-centering chucks, spare steel gears, original Bernardo accessories and spare parts available from stock with 3-5 business days shipping. Customer support in Italian available.
Who the Hobby 350 VDM is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Advanced hobbyist / small craftsman |
Recommended |
Digital display for speed + carriage, quick-change tool post with 4 inserts. Dual turret (quick-change + traditional 4-position) for complex machining cycles. 350 mm distance between centers and Ø 80 mm chuck for medium-large workpieces. |
| Technical school / professional teaching laboratory |
Recommended |
Digital display for modern teaching: students learn digital reading of carriage movements. Robustness suitable for intensive use by multiple operators. |
| Workshop producing unique pieces |
Suitable |
Suitable for single pieces or small series. For regular production with automatic feeds and complete threading, the Hobby 500 (130 kg) or Profi (over 200 kg) models are correctly sized. |
Not suitable for: complete metric + inch threading (the Hobby 500 with 11 metric + 11 inch is the correct choice); intensive continuous professional use (the Hobby 500 with 130 kg robustness is correctly sized); very large workpieces (over Ø 180 mm on the bed; the Hobby 500 with Ø 220 mm is the correct choice).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Distance between centers |
350 mm |
| Center height |
90 mm |
| Swing over bed |
Ø 180 mm |
| Swing over cross slide |
Ø 110 mm |
Spindle
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle bore |
Ø 21 mm |
| Spindle bore taper |
MT 3 |
| Self-centering chuck |
Ø 80 mm |
Speeds and feeds
| Specification |
Value |
| Speed range |
100 - 1,200 / 100 - 3,000 rpm (dual range, continuous adjustment) |
| Longitudinal feeds |
0.1 / 0.2 mm/rev |
Threads
| Specification |
Value |
| Metric threads |
(10) 0.4 - 2.0 mm |
Tailstock
| Specification |
Value |
| Tailstock quill travel |
60 mm |
| Tailstock taper |
MT 2 |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power S1 100% |
0.35 kW |
| Motor power S6 40% |
0.5 kW |
| Voltage |
230V single-phase |
Digital display
| Specification |
Value |
| Speed indication |
Digital LCD display |
| Cross and top slide indication |
Digital display included |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
770 × 300 × 310 mm (without stand) |
| Weight |
44 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo Hobby 350 VDM Lathe
- Self-centering chuck Ø 80 mm
- Spindle guard
- Quick-change tool post (size 5-4) with 4 inserts
- Traditional 4-position tool post
- Spare steel gears
- Splash guard
- Digital speed indication
- Digital display for cross and top slide
- Fixed tailstock
- Tool kit
- User manual in Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 230V single-phase power truly professional?
For the Hobby range, yes. The 0.35 kW (S1) - 0.5 kW (S6) motor is sized for continuous use at 230V single-phase. The machine is designed for advanced hobby use and small 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 (400V version of the Hobby 500 or Profi range) is recommended.
What workpieces can I machine with the Hobby 350 VDM?
Typical workpieces: cylindrical turning of shafts and cylinders up to Ø 180 mm and 350 mm length between centers, facing, grooving, chamfering and filleting, threading (10) 0.4 - 2.0 mm metric. Typical materials: mild steels (Fe360, S235), alloy steels (C45, 39NiCrMo3), aluminum and light alloys, brass, bronze, technical plastics.
Machining limits: maximum Ø on bed 180 mm, Ø on cross slide 110 mm, spindle bore Ø 21 mm (maximum limit for thru-bars). For larger workpieces, the higher models in the range or industrial lathes (Profi range 200-500 kg or Goliath 1,500-3,500 kg) are correctly sized. For hobby/small workshop use, it is correctly sized for most standard needs.
Is the machine already complete or are additional accessories needed?
The machine comes with standard equipment sufficient for immediate use: Ø 80 mm self-centering chuck, quick-change tool post with 4 inserts, fixed tailstock, spindle guard, splash guard, tool kit.
Optional accessories typically purchased separately: self-centering chucks of different diameters for specific workpieces, steady rests for long workpieces, 4-jaw chuck for non-cylindrical workpieces, additional turning tool sets (roughing, finishing, threading, drilling), revolving tailstock (if the machine has a fixed tailstock). For most standard hobby machining, the basic equipment is sufficient; for specific productions or particular workpieces, dedicated accessories should be considered.
How is the dual speed range (100-1,200 / 100-3,000 rpm) selected?
The selection between the two ranges is done via mechanical change (selection lever on the lathe head): low range 100-1,200 rpm for high torque on hard materials or large workpieces, high range 100-3,000 rpm for fast finishes on soft materials and small workpieces. Within each range, the speed is continuously adjustable.
The optimal speed depends on: material (mild steels 80-150 m/min, hard steels 50-80 m/min, aluminum 200-400 m/min), workpiece diameter (linear cutting speed must be constant), type of operation (roughing lower speeds, finishing higher speeds). For regular production, it is recommended to record optimal speeds on a work sheet for reference.
Can I install the Hobby 350 VDM on any workbench?
Yes, on sturdy workbenches with a load capacity greater than the weight of the machine (44 kg) plus the workpieces being machined. The workbench must be stable and level: workbench instability causes vibrations during turning that compromise work precision.
For home workshops or schools, a sturdy carpenter's bench (e.g., WB 1500 Hobby or WB 2000 Hobby from the Bernardo range) with a solid beech wood top is recommended. For advanced hobby use, consider a dedicated lathe stand (made of steel sheet) for greater stability. Important: the machine must be fixed to the workbench with through bolts in the designated base holes to prevent sliding during machining.
