The Bernardo CL 1500 wood copying lathe is a professional wood lathe with an integrated copying device for precise replication of templates and original pieces, sized for experienced turners, and carpenters specializing in the production of turned parts in series (chair legs, candlesticks, furniture parts). Distance between centers 1500 mm, turning diameter over bed Ø 430 mm and over support Ø 160 mm. Maximum copying length 1500 mm, maximum copying diameter Ø 160 mm, maximum copying depth 45 mm. Spindle speed (4 steps) 500 / 1,000 / 1,950 / 2,800 rpm. Spindle thread M33 × 3.5 mm, tailstock taper MT 2, tailstock quill travel 100 mm. Motor 1.1 kW (S1) - 1.5 kW (S6) at 400V three-phase, weight 228 kg, machine dimensions 2,300 × 700 × 1,170 mm. Integrated cast iron base. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Distance between centers: 1500 mm
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Turning diameter over bed: Ø 430 mm
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Copying diameter: Ø 160 mm
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Maximum copying length: 1500 mm
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Maximum copying depth: 45 mm
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Spindle speed: (4 steps) 500 / 1,000 / 1,950 / 2,800 rpm
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Spindle thread: M33 × 3.5 mm
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Tailstock taper: MT 2
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Tailstock quill travel: 100 mm
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Motor: 1.1 kW (S1) / 1.5 kW (S6) - 400V three-phase
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Base: Integrated cast iron
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Weight: 228 kg
Who uses the CL 1500 and for what
The Bernardo CL 1500 is a wood copying lathe with an integrated copying device. The copying device allows precise replication of templates (e.g., wooden or metal chair leg models) or original pieces (e.g., an existing leg to copy): the operator guides a pointer along the model, and the cutting tool exactly replicates the shape on the blank. This is a crucial feature for series production of identical turned parts (sets of chair legs, identical candlesticks, railing spindles, identical tool handles): without copying, each piece would require manual work with continuous profile checks and inevitable variability between pieces. The CL 1500 model is a top-of-the-range copier: weighing 228 kg, with a distance between centers of 1500 mm (the longest in the Bernardo copier range) for very long pieces (large table legs, large candlesticks, railing spindles). Turning diameter over bed Ø 430 mm: superior capacity for large pieces. 4-step mechanical transmission (500/1,000/1,950/2,800 rpm): a crucial feature for stability under load when working with large pieces. Stepped transmission has an advantage over continuous adjustment: the set speed remains constant even under high load, important for copying pieces that require precise speeds. Motor 1.1 kW (S1) - 1.5 kW (S6) at 400V three-phase: industrial power supply with greater efficiency and durability under continuous load. Maximum copying depth 45 mm: allows copying of deep decorative profiles (e.g., grooves, fillets). Suitable for specialized carpenters producing turned furniture in series, artisans with regular production of standardized parts, and restorers of antique furniture who reconstruct identical parts in series. The standard Bernardo copying device allows the use of wooden or metal templates (templates can be made by the operator themselves from drawings or original pieces). The maximum copying lengths and diameters are technical limits of the specific machine.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo wood copying lathe range is organized into 3 sub-categories: KDM (entry-level/intermediate 68-92 kg, continuous adjustment, 0.55-0.75 kW motor); KDH (semi-professional 128 kg with integrated cast iron base, continuous adjustment, 0.75 kW motor); CL (top-of-the-range 218-228 kg, 4-step mechanical transmission, 1.1 kW motor, 400V three-phase power supply). The progressive features are: weight, copying capacity (length and diameter), type of transmission (continuous for flexibility vs. step for stability), power supply (230V single-phase for standard workshops vs. 400V three-phase for industrial workshops).
The CL 1500 is the largest model in the range with a distance between centers of 1,500 mm: sized for very long pieces (large table legs, railing spindles, standard height candlesticks). For shorter pieces (under 1,300 mm in length), the CL 1300 is significantly more economical while maintaining the same mechanical characteristics. For semi-professional artisans with an integrated base and continuous adjustment, the KDH 1100 (128 kg) is correctly sized.
Logistics and Krollit support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days to the South). With a weight of 228 kg, it requires a pallet jack or two to three people to unload carefully. The machine is supplied WITH an integrated cast iron base (a distinctive feature of the KDH and CL professional range). Standard copying templates, additional tool rests, faceplates of different diameters, live centers, spare parts for the copying device, and original Bernardo accessories are available from stock with 3-5 business day shipping. Customer support in Italian is available.
Who is the CL 1500 for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Carpenter specializing in turned furniture production |
Recommended |
1500 mm distance between centers for very long pieces (large table legs, spindles, candlesticks). 4 mechanical speeds for stability under load in series production. |
| Professional artisan with regular production of standardized pieces |
Recommended |
Copying device for precise replication of templates or original pieces. Turning diameter Ø 430 mm over bed for large pieces. Copying depth 45 mm for deep decorative profiles. |
| Specialized antique furniture restorer |
Recommended |
Ability to replicate identical turned parts for restoration of complete sets (e.g., 4 identical chair legs, 6 identical bed columns). 400V three-phase industrial power for continuous use. |
Not suitable for: occasional simple hobby use (oversized; the KDM range is significantly more economical); workshops without a 400V three-phase line (the KDM/KDH 230V/400V range is also available in single-phase version); programmed CNC (Bernardo copying lathes are manual with a mechanical copying device, not numerical control); environments without adequate dust extraction (woodworking produces abundant chips and dust); copying profiles deeper than 45 mm.
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Distance between centers |
1500 mm |
| Turning diameter over bed |
Ø 430 mm |
| Turning diameter over support |
Ø 160 mm |
| Copying diameter |
Ø 160 mm |
| Maximum copying length |
1500 mm |
| Maximum copying depth |
45 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle speed |
(4 step) 500 / 1,000 / 1,950 / 2,800 rpm |
Spindle and tailstock
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle thread |
M33 × 3.5 mm |
| Tailstock taper |
MT 2 |
| Tailstock quill travel |
100 mm |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power S1 100% |
1.1 kW |
| Motor power S6 40% |
1.5 kW |
| Voltage |
400V three-phase |
Additional features
| Specification |
Value |
| Base |
Integrated cast iron |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
2,300 × 700 × 1,170 mm |
| Weight |
228 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery 2006/42/CE |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo CL 1500 copying lathe
- Copying device for replicating templates and original parts
- 290 mm tool rest
- 200 mm faceplate
- MT 2 live center
- Drive center
- Fixed tailstock (steady rest)
- 3-16 mm drill chuck with MT 2 / B16 shank
- HSS V-gouge
- Integrated cast iron base
- Continuous/multi-speed adjustment
- Set of turning tools
- User manual in Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the copying device work?
The copying device is a pantograph mechanism that allows a profile (wooden, metal template, or original piece) to be replicated on the blank to be turned. The operator guides a pointer along the profile of the template, and the mechanical system transfers the movement to the cutting tool which works on the blank, precisely reproducing the same shape. The CL 1500 has copying capabilities: max length 1500 mm, max diameter Ø 160 mm, max depth 45 mm.
Practical advantage for series production: without copying, each piece would require manual work with continuous profile checks (e.g., using shape gauges, comparison rulers). With copying, the first piece is accurately worked to create the template, then all subsequent pieces are replicated identically in 30-90 seconds each. For productions of 10-100 identical pieces (e.g., sets of chair legs, candlesticks, railing spindles), the time saved is 70-90% compared to individual manual processing. Copying templates can be made by the operator themselves (in hardwood for occasional use, or in steel or aluminum sheet for continuous use) or purchased from suppliers of copying lathe accessories.
What is the difference between the CL 1500 and other copying lathes in the range?
The Bernardo copying lathe range has 3 sub-categories: KDM (entry-level/intermediate 68-92 kg, 0.55-0.75 kW motor), KDH (semi-pro 128 kg with integrated base, 0.75 kW motor), CL (top-of-the-range 218-228 kg with 4-step speeds and 1.1 kW 400V three-phase motor). The CL 1500 is in the CL PRO category: top professional for regular series production.
To choose the right model, evaluate: required weight and robustness (occasional vs. continuous use), copying capacity (profile length/diameter/depth), preferred transmission type (continuous for speed variety or step for stability under load), available power supply (230V single-phase for standard artisan workshops or 400V three-phase for industrial workshops). For most artisan workshops with regular production, the KDM 1100 or KDH 1100 are correctly sized; for intensive professional production, the CL range.
Are the copying templates included or must they be purchased separately?
Copying templates are not included in the standard equipment: the machine is supplied with the copying device (pantograph mechanism) but the specific templates for each profile to be replicated must be made or purchased separately.
Templates can be: made by the operator themselves from drawings or original pieces (in hardwood for occasional use, or in steel or aluminum sheet for continuous use); purchased from specialized suppliers of copying lathe accessories (standard templates for common profiles such as chair legs, candlesticks, spindles); derived from existing original pieces that are used directly as templates. For continuous use, it is recommended to make templates from steel sheet: superior durability (hundreds of copies without wear) and constant precision. For occasional use or small productions, hardwood templates are sufficient and more economical.
Is the 230V/400V power supply dual or does it require a choice?
The CL 1500 is available in a dual 230V/400V version: the operator can choose which power supply to use at the time of installation, depending on the electrical line available in the workshop.
The 230V single-phase version is sized for standard artisan workshops; the 400V three-phase version for workshops with an industrial line. Mechanical characteristics are identical; only the motor efficiency changes (the three-phase version has less vibration and greater durability under continuous load). To choose: if the workshop has a 400V three-phase line available, use it. If only 230V single-phase, it is sufficient for most work.
What spindle speed should be chosen for copying?
For copying, recommended speeds are slightly lower than for free turning, because the copying system imposes a more constant tool feed rate: softwoods (pine, fir) and simple copying 800-1,500 rpm; hardwoods (beech, oak, walnut) and standard copying 500-900 rpm; exotic woods (mahogany, rosewood) or complex profiles 400-700 rpm. The CL 1500 covers with its range (4 steps) 500 / 1,000 / 1,950 / 2,800 rpm.
Important: the optimal speed for copying also depends on the diameter of the piece (large pieces require lower speeds to limit the linear cutting speed), depth of the profile to be copied (deep profiles require lower speeds to limit the torque required by the tool), type of copying tool (standard HSS tools at medium speeds, carbide tools at higher speeds). For series production, it is recommended to record optimal speeds for each wood + profile combination on a work sheet for reference.
