ACRA 1550C Lathe – 15″ Swing Precision Gap Bed Engine Lathe with Clutch (50″ Centers)

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ACRA 1550C precision gap bed lathe with clutch drive, 15″ swing, and 50″ between centers, designed for accurate machining with smooth operation and operator control.

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SKU: 1550C Category: Brand:

Description

Product Overview

The ACRA 1550C is a precision gap bed engine lathe designed for toolrooms, repair shops, and general machining applications. With a 15″ swing and 50″ between centers, it offers reliable accuracy in a compact footprint.

Equipped with a forward/reverse clutch system, this lathe allows smoother engagement and faster operation compared to standard geared-head machines.


Applications

  • Toolrooms and machine shops
  • Maintenance and repair work
  • Precision turning and threading
  • Small to medium part machining

👉 The 1550C is designed for accurate, everyday machining with improved operator control


Key Features

  • 15″ swing over bed for compact shop use
  • 24″ swing in gap for larger diameter parts
  • 50″ between centers for general work
  • Forward/reverse clutch for smooth engagement
  • 2-3/16″ spindle bore for standard material sizes
  • 7.5 HP motor for reliable cutting power
  • 16 spindle speeds (25–2000 RPM)
  • Meehanite cast iron bed for vibration control
  • Hardened and precision-ground bedways
  • Turcite-coated carriage for smooth movement
  • Universal gearbox for inch & metric threading

Why This Machine Matters

Standard small lathes:

  • Require stopping to change direction
  • Engage harshly under load
  • Slow down production work

The 1550C solves this with:

  • Clutch-controlled spindle engagement
  • Smoother operation and less wear
  • Faster forward/reverse changes

👉 This improves both efficiency and machine longevity.


When to Use This Lathe

  • When doing precision shop work
  • When frequent forward/reverse operation is needed
  • When working in a toolroom or repair environment
  • When upgrading from a basic geared-head lathe

What is a Clutch Lathe? (IMPORTANT)

A clutch-equipped lathe allows the operator to:

  • Engage/disengage spindle without stopping motor
  • Reverse direction quickly
  • Reduce shock to gears and tooling

👉 This is the main upgrade over standard lathes


Specifications

  • Swing Over Bed: 15″
  • Swing In Gap: 24″
  • Distance Between Centers: 50″
  • Spindle Bore: ~2-3/16″
  • Spindle Speeds: 25–2000 RPM (16 speeds)
  • Motor: 7.5 HP
  • Spindle Nose: D1-6

📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Lathe?

Not sure if you need a clutch lathe or a larger machine?

👉 Call us or request a quote—we’ll help you choose the right lathe based on your work type, precision needs, and workload.