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.





