The Bernardo VDM 500 wood lathe is sized for advanced hobbyists and semi-professionals who demand precision and flexibility: three speed ranges for optimal adaptation to different workpieces and woods. Distance between centers 520 mm, turning diameter over bed Ø 360 mm, over support Ø 260 mm. Spindle speed 250-3,550 rpm (continuous adjustment, 3 ranges). Spindle thread M33 × 3.5 mm, tailstock taper MK 2, tailstock quill travel 70 mm. Motor 0.75 kW (S1) - 1.1 kW (S6) at 230V single-phase, weight 50 kg, machine dimensions 1,100 × 450 × 500 mm. LED display for digital speed readout. 24 indexing positions for precise workpiece locking during complex operations. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Distance between centers: 520 mm
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Turning diameter over bed: Ø 360 mm
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Turning diameter over tool rest: Ø 260 mm
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Spindle speed: 250-3,550 rpm (continuous adjustment, 3 ranges)
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Spindle thread: M33 × 3.5 mm
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Tailstock taper: MK 2
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Tailstock quill travel: 70 mm
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Motor: 0.75 kW (S1) / 1.1 kW (S6) - 230V single-phase
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LED display: Digital speed readout
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Indexing positions: 24 positions
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Weight: 50 kg
Who uses the VDM 500 and for what
The Bernardo VDM 500 is a semi-professional wood lathe in the VDM category, weighing 50 kg, positioned as an intermediate lathe between the compact DB range and the heavy-duty professional HCL range. Distance between centers 520 mm, turning diameter Ø 360 mm over bed and Ø 260 mm over tool rest: capacity for medium-large workpieces suitable for advanced hobbyist production. A distinctive feature of the VDM 500: continuous electronic speed control with 3 selectable RANGES (250-720 / 600-1,700 / 1,200-3,550 rpm). The 3 ranges are sized for: low range for torque on large workpieces and hardwoods, medium range for standard turning, high range for finishing small workpieces. Forward and reverse turning included for operations with milling cutters and special accessories. LED display for speed indication, 24 indexing positions for precise workpiece positioning. Tailstock taper MK 2, motor 0.75 kW (S1) - 1.1 kW (S6). In Krollit customer workshops, the VDM 500 is chosen by advanced hobbyists with regular production of decorative turnings, semi-professionals working with various woods (beech, oak, cherry, walnut), and technical schools with advanced workshops.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo wood lathe range is organized into 4 progressive categories by weight and features: DM (Drechselbank Mini, 20-38 kg) entry-level for hobbies; DB (semi-pro 36 kg) compact with standard professional accessories; VDM (semi-pro 50 kg) intermediate with 3 speed ranges; HCL (High Cast iron Lathe, 125-212 kg) heavy-duty professional with cast iron structure and integrated Delta frequency inverter.
The VDM 500 is intermediate semi-professional: 50 kg with 3 speed ranges. Positioned between the DB 450 (36 kg, 2 ranges) and the HCL 600 P (125 kg, 3 ranges with DC motor). For intensive daily professional production with long workpieces, the HCL 600 P/620 range is correctly sized; for very large and long workpieces (over 1 m), the HCL 1200/1200 Top is correctly sized.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days for Southern Italy). With a weight of 50 kg, it can be handled by one person; the lathe is sized for placement on an existing robust workbench (capacity 80+ kg). Additional tool rests, faceplates, live centers, bed extensions (for compatible models), original Bernardo accessories and spare parts available from stock with 3-5 working days shipping. Customer support in Italian available.
Who is the VDM 500 for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Advanced hobbyist with dedicated workshop |
Recommended |
Three speed ranges for adaptation to a variety of woods and sizes. 24 indexing positions for precise positioning. LED display for speed readout. |
| Semi-professional with regular production |
Recommended |
Capacity Ø 360 mm over bed, 0.75 kW (S1) motor. Intermediate machine between the compact DB range and the heavy-duty HCL range. |
| Technical school with diverse teaching needs |
Recommended |
Three speed ranges allow teaching of different techniques (high speed for finishing, medium for standard turning, low for hardwoods). Forward and reverse turning included. |
Not suitable for: occasional simple hobby use (oversized; DM 305 V/450/450 V range is significantly cheaper); three-phase 400V power supply (Bernardo wood lathes are only 230V single-phase); CNC programmed turning (Bernardo lathes are manual); environments without adequate chip extraction (woodworking produces abundant chips and dust that require adequate extraction).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Distance between centers |
520 mm |
| Turning diameter over bed |
Ø 360 mm |
| Turning diameter over tool rest |
Ø 260 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle speed |
250-3,550 rpm (continuous adjustment, 3 ranges) |
| Low range (L) |
250-720 rpm |
| Medium range (M) |
600-1,700 rpm |
| High range (H) |
1,200-3,550 rpm |
Spindle and tailstock
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle thread |
M33 × 3.5 mm |
| Tailstock taper |
MK 2 |
| Tailstock quill travel |
70 mm |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power S1 100% |
0.75 kW |
| Motor power S6 40% |
1.1 kW |
| Voltage |
230V single-phase / 50 Hz |
Additional features
| Specification |
Value |
| LED display |
Digital speed readout |
| Indexing positions |
24 positions |
| Forward/reverse turning |
Included |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
1,100 × 450 × 500 mm |
| Weight |
50 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo VDM 500 wood lathe
- 200 mm tool rest
- 100 mm faceplate
- Drive center
- Live center
- LED speed indicator
- Tool set
- User manual in Italian
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the VDM 500 and the lower/higher models in the range?
The Bernardo wood lathe range is organized into 4 categories: DM (entry-level mini, 20-38 kg), DB (semi-pro 36 kg with light and 24 indexing positions), VDM (intermediate 50 kg, 3 speed ranges), HCL (professional 125-212 kg with inverter or DC motor and heavy cast iron structure). The VDM 500 is positioned in the VDM category: an intermediate semi-professional lathe with 3 speed ranges and forward/reverse turning.
Distinctive features of the VDM 500: Three speed ranges for optimal adaptation to a variety of woods and sizes. Forward and reverse turning included for use with special accessories. 24 indexing positions for precise positioning. To choose the right model, consider: weight of the workpiece, frequency of use, precision requirements, presence of dedicated accessories (light, indexing). For most artisan workshops, a mid-range model (VDM 500 or HCL 600 P) balances capacity and price.
Which spindle speed should I choose for each type of wood?
General guidelines for spindle speed based on wood type and workpiece diameter: softwoods (pine, spruce) and small workpieces high speeds (1,500-3,000 rpm), hardwoods (beech, oak, cherry) and medium workpieces medium speeds (700-1,500 rpm), very large workpieces (Ø over 200 mm) or exotic woods low speeds (300-700 rpm) for rotation control. The VDM 500 covers this range with its 250-3,550 rpm (continuous adjustment, 3 ranges).
Important: safety in woodturning requires lower speeds for large or unbalanced workpieces. An unbalanced rough workpiece at high speed causes vibrations and the risk of the workpiece being thrown. Standard procedure: start at low speed to balance the workpiece (roughing), then gradually increase the speed as the workpiece becomes more cylindrical. For exotic woods or workpieces of uncertain origin (branches, stumps), always start with minimum speed.
Is the machine already complete, or do I need additional accessories?
Standard equipment includes: complete machine, tool rest (one or more standard sizes), faceplate, drive center, live center, LED display, turning tool set.
Optional accessories typically purchased separately: bed extensions for longer workpieces (compatible with models that allow it), tool rests of different lengths, faceplates of larger diameters, self-centering wood chucks (compatible with M33 thread), additional turning tool sets (roughing, finishing, coves, specific profiles), external turning accessories (for workpieces that do not fit between centers). For most standard operations, the basic equipment is sufficient.
What does M33 × 3.5 mm spindle thread mean and why is it important?
M33 × 3.5 mm is the standard spindle thread for the Bernardo wood lathe range. Dimensions: 33 mm diameter with a 3.5 mm pitch. It is the European market standard for hobbyist and semi-professional lathes, compatible with most woodturning accessories available on the market.
Practical advantage: M33 thread allows you to purchase self-centering chucks, faceplates, external turning accessories, and other accessories from different suppliers (Bernardo, Holzmann, Record Power, Axminster) without compatibility problems. For lathes from other brands with non-standard threads (e.g., 1"×8 TPI American, M30×3.5 of some industrial lathes), accessories are limited to those from the original manufacturer. All Bernardo wood lathes in the DM/DB/VDM/HCL range have the same M33 × 3.5 mm thread: accessories are interchangeable between different models.
Is a dedicated dust extraction system needed for the lathe?
Recommended, especially for continuous use. Woodturning produces chips and dust of varying diameters (from large chips to fine wood dust). Large chips fall into the area below the machine, fine dust disperses into the workshop air.
For occasional use (a few hours a week), manual cleaning may be sufficient. For continuous use, a bag filter extractor (e.g., Bernardo DC range) connected to the integrated dust extraction port on many lathes (or positioned near the turning area for ambient capture) is correctly sized. Important: fine dust from hardwood (beech, oak, mahogany) is carcinogenic with prolonged inhalation; effective extraction is recommended for operator health. For exotic woods (rosewood, ebony), even greater care is needed: also use FFP3 masks in addition to extraction.
