The Bernardo HCL 1200 wood lathe is sized for professional artisans, woodturners, and technical vocational schools. It is the largest in the HCL line with capacity for large workpieces. It has a distance between centers of 1200 mm, a turning diameter over the bed of Ø 450 mm, and over the tool rest of Ø 350 mm. The spindle speed is 0-3,200 rpm (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter). Spindle thread is M33 × 3.5 mm, tailstock taper is MT 2, and tailstock quill travel is 110 mm. The motor is 1.5 kW (S1) - 2.2 kW (S6) at 230V single-phase, with a weight of 186 kg and machine dimensions of 2,100 × 550 × 1,300 mm. An integrated Delta frequency inverter provides maximum torque at low speeds. A LED display shows the digital speed. Distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Distance between centers: 1200 mm
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Turning diameter over bed: Ø 450 mm
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Turning diameter over tool rest: Ø 350 mm
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Spindle speed: 0-3,200 rpm (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter)
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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: 110 mm
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Motor: 1.5 kW (S1) / 2.2 kW (S6) - 230V single-phase
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Inverter: Delta frequency, continuous regulation
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LED display: Digital speed display
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Weight: 186 kg
Who uses the HCL 1200 and for what
The Bernardo HCL 1200 is the top of the professional HCL range, weighing 186 kg. Fixed distance between centers of 1,200 mm: sized for turning very long workpieces (table legs, shelves, large candlesticks, decorative panels). Standard features of the HCL 1200: turning diameter Ø 450 mm over the bed and Ø 350 mm over the tool rest. Positioned as the standard model of the large HCL range: for larger diameter requirements (over Ø 500 mm), the HCL 1200 Top is correctly sized. Integrated Delta frequency inverter for continuous electronic speed control over 2 ranges (0-1,300/3,200 rpm). High concentricity spindle thanks to precision machining. Tailstock taper MT 2, motor 1.5 kW (S1) - 2.2 kW (S6). LED display for speed visualization, tailstock with long travel (110 mm) and quick-lock lever on the bed. Compatible with optional accessories for outboard turning. In Krollit customer workshops, the HCL 1200 range is chosen by woodturners, professional artisans producing turned furniture, technical vocational schools with advanced workshops, and restorers specializing in reconstructing turned parts for antique furniture.
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 hobbyists; 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 professional with cast iron structure and integrated Delta frequency inverter.
The HCL 1200 is the standard model of the large HCL range: 186 kg, 1,200 mm distance between centers, and Ø 450 mm turning diameter over the bed. For larger diameter requirements (over Ø 500 mm), the HCL 1200 Top (Ø 560 mm) is correctly sized. For smaller pieces and less intensive production, the HCL 600 P/620 range (125-150 kg) is significantly more economical.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days to the South). With a weight of 186 kg, it requires a pallet jack or two to three people to carefully unload. The machine is supplied WITH an integrated base (a distinctive feature of the professional HCL range). Additional tool rests, faceplates of different diameters, live centers, bed extensions, and original Bernardo outboard turning accessories are available from stock with 3-5 working days shipping. Customer support in Italian is available.
Who is the HCL 1200 for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Woodturner specializing in furniture turning |
Recommended |
1,200 mm distance between centers for very long workpieces (table legs, large candlesticks, shelves). Ø 450 mm turning diameter over the bed for large workpieces. Integrated Delta inverter. |
| Professional artisan producing turned furniture |
Recommended |
186 kg machine with cast iron structure for stability in machining large workpieces and hardwoods. 1.5 kW (S1) - 2.2 kW (S6) motor for adequate torque on heavy workpieces. |
| Restorer of antique furniture specializing in turned pieces |
Recommended |
Capacity for turning long and large diameter workpieces for reconstructing parts of antique furniture (antique table legs, bed columns). Forward and reverse turning for special accessories. |
Not suitable for: simple occasional hobby use (oversized; the DM 305 V/450/450 V range is significantly more economical); three-phase 400V power supply (Bernardo wood lathes are only 230V single-phase); programmed CNC for turning (Bernardo lathes are manual); environments without adequate chip extraction (woodworking produces abundant chips and dust requiring adequate extraction).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Distance between centers |
1200 mm |
| Turning diameter over bed |
Ø 450 mm |
| Turning diameter over tool rest |
Ø 350 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle speed |
0-3,200 rpm (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter) |
| Low range |
0-1,300 rpm |
| High range |
0-3,200 rpm |
| Inverter |
Delta frequency, continuous regulation |
Spindle and tailstock
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle thread |
M33 × 3.5 mm |
| Tailstock taper |
MT 2 |
| Tailstock quill travel |
110 mm |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power S1 100% |
1.5 kW |
| Motor power S6 40% |
2.2 kW |
| Voltage |
230V single-phase / 50 Hz |
Additional features
| Specification |
Value |
| LED display |
Digital speed display |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
2,100 × 550 × 1,300 mm |
| Weight |
186 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery 2006/42/EC |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo HCL 1200 wood lathe
- 360 mm tool rest
- 150 mm faceplate
- Drive center
- Live center
- LED speed indicator
- Delta frequency inverter
- Tool set
- User manual in Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the HCL 1200 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 HCL 1200 is positioned in the HCL LARGE category: a large professional model in the HCL range with a 1,200 mm distance between centers.
Distinctive features of the HCL 1200: Fixed 1,200 mm distance between centers for very long workpieces. Integrated Delta inverter. Ø 450 mm turning diameter over the bed. To choose the right model, consider: workpiece weight, 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 use high speeds (1,500-3,000 rpm), hardwoods (beech, oak, cherry) and medium workpieces use medium speeds (700-1,500 rpm), very large workpieces (Ø over 200 mm) or exotic woods use low speeds (300-700 rpm) for rotation control. The HCL 1200 covers this range with its 0-3,200 rpm (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter).
Important: safety in woodturning requires lower speeds for large or unbalanced workpieces. An unbalanced rough workpiece at high speed causes vibrations and a 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, integrated Delta inverter, 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, gouges, specific profiles), outboard turning accessories (for workpieces that do not pass 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 hobby and semi-professional lathes, compatible with most woodturning accessories available on the market.
Practical advantage: the M33 thread allows you to purchase self-centering chucks, faceplates, outboard turning accessories, and other accessories from various suppliers (Bernardo, Holzmann, Record Power, Axminster) without compatibility issues. For lathes of 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.
Do I need a dedicated dust extraction system for the lathe?
Recommended yes, 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 under 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 filter bag extractor (e.g., Bernardo DC range) connected to the integrated extraction port on many lathes (or positioned near the turning area for ambient capture) is correctly sized. Important: fine hardwood dust (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: use FFP3 masks in addition to extraction.
