The Bernardo HCL 1200 Top wood lathe is sized for professional craftsmen, turners, and vocational technical schools. It is the largest model in the HCL line with capacity for large workpieces. The distance between centers is 1200 mm, the turning diameter over the bed is Ø 560 mm, and over the tool rest is Ø 450 mm. Spindle speed is 0-3,200 rpm (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter). Spindle thread is M33 × 3.5 mm, tailstock taper is MK 2, and tailstock quill travel is 110 mm. The motor is 1.5 kW (S1) - 2.2 kW (S6) at 230V single-phase, weighing 212 kg, with machine dimensions of 2,100 × 550 × 1,300 mm. Integrated Delta frequency inverter for maximum torque at low speeds. LED display for digital speed visualization. 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 560 mm
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Turning diameter over tool rest: Ø 450 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: MK 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 adjustment
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LED display: Digital speed display
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Weight: 212 kg
Who uses the HCL 1200 Top and for what
The Bernardo HCL 1200 Top is the top of the professional HCL range, weighing 212 kg. Fixed distance between centers of 1,200 mm: sized for turning very long workpieces (table legs, shelves, large candlesticks, decorative panels). A distinctive feature of the HCL 1200 Top: an INCREASED turning diameter of Ø 560 mm over the bed (vs. Ø 450 of the standard HCL 1200) for turning very large workpieces. Positioned as a premium model in the HCL range: same features as the HCL 1200 but with greater diameter capacity and higher weight (212 kg vs 186 kg) for superior stability. Integrated Delta frequency inverter for continuous electronic speed adjustment over 2 ranges (0-1,300/3,200 rpm). High-concentricity spindle due to precision machining. Tailstock taper MK 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 turners, professional craftsmen producing turned furniture, vocational technical 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 Top is the top of the Bernardo wood lathe range: 212 kg, 1,200 mm distance between centers, and INCREASED turning diameter of Ø 560 mm over the bed (vs. Ø 450 of the standard HCL 1200). Positioned as a premium model for higher diameter requirements. For simpler length requirements but standard diameter (Ø up to 450 mm), the standard HCL 1200 is significantly more economical. For smaller workpieces and less intensive production, the HCL 600 P/620 range (125-150 kg) is correctly sized.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days to the South). With a weight of 212 kg, it requires a pallet truck or two to three careful people for unloading. The machine comes 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 business day shipping. Customer support in Italian is available.
Who the HCL 1200 Top is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Woodworker specializing in turning furniture |
Recommended |
1,200 mm distance between centers for very long workpieces (table legs, large candlesticks, shelves). Ø 560 mm turning diameter over bed for large workpieces. Integrated Delta inverter. |
| Professional craftsman producing turned furniture |
Recommended |
212 kg machine with cast iron structure for stability during processing large workpieces and hard woods. 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 to turn long and large diameter workpieces for reconstructing parts of antique furniture (antique table legs, bed posts). 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); 400V three-phase power (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 that require adequate extraction).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Distance between centers |
1200 mm |
| Turning diameter over bed |
Ø 560 mm |
| Turning diameter over tool rest |
Ø 450 mm |
Speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle speed |
0-3,200 rpm (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter) |
| Low range |
0-1,200 rpm |
| High range |
0-3,200 rpm |
| Inverter |
Delta frequency, continuous adjustment |
Spindle and tailstock
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle thread |
M33 × 3.5 mm |
| Tailstock taper |
MK 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 |
| Forward/reverse turning |
Included |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
2,100 × 550 × 1,300 mm |
| Weight |
212 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
| Directive |
Machinery 2006/42/CE |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo HCL 1200 Top 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 Top 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 Top is in the HCL LARGE category: top of the HCL range with an increased turning diameter of Ø 560 mm over the bed.
Distinctive features of the HCL 1200 Top: INCREASED turning diameter Ø 560 mm over the bed (vs. Ø 450 of the standard HCL 1200). Forward and reverse turning included. Integrated Delta inverter for maximum torque at low speeds. Weight 212 kg for superior stability. To choose the right model, consider: workpiece weight, frequency of use, precision requirements, presence of dedicated accessories (light, indexing positions). For most craft 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 require high speeds (1,500-3,000 rpm), hardwoods (beech, oak, cherry) and medium workpieces require medium speeds (700-1,500 rpm), very large workpieces (Ø over 200 mm) or exotic woods require low speeds (300-700 rpm) for rotational control. The HCL 1200 Top covers this with its 0-3,200 rpm range (continuous, 2 ranges with Delta inverter).
Important: safety when using a wood lathe 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 speed as the workpiece becomes more cylindrical. For exotic woods or workpieces of uncertain origin (branches, stumps), always start at minimum speed.
Is the machine already complete or do I need additional accessories?
The 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, larger diameter faceplates, 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 the centers). For most standard work, 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 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: 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.
Is a dedicated dust extraction system needed for the lathe?
Yes, it is recommended, especially for continuous use. Woodturning produces chips and dust of varying sizes (from large chips to fine wood dust). Large chips fall into the area under the machine, while 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 dust collector (e.g., Bernardo DC range) connected to the integrated dust port on many lathes (or positioned near the turning area for ambient capture) is correctly sized. Important: fine dust from hardwoods (beech, oak, mahogany) is carcinogenic if inhaled for prolonged periods; effective extraction is recommended for the operator's health. For exotic woods (rosewood, ebony), even greater care is needed: also use FFP3 masks in addition to extraction.
