About Bullard

Used Bullard VTL Machines for Sale

Resell CNC is your Simple. Reliable. and Trusted.® source for used Bullard vertical turret lathes — including Cutmaster, Dynatrol, Man-Au-Trol, Series 75, Spiral Drive, and CNC retrofit models. We carry Bullard VTLs across the full size range, from compact 24" table machines through heavy-duty 74"+ models built for the most demanding production environments.

Founded in 1894 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Bullard Machine Tool Company became so synonymous with vertical turret lathes that "Bullard" is still used as industry shorthand for any VTL. At their peak during World War II, Bullard was the largest machine tool builder in the United States, employing over 1,200 people and producing thousands of VTLs that powered wartime manufacturing across the country. Though the last Bullard rolled off the production line in 1989, thousands remain in active service worldwide — running in oil and gas production shops, aerospace facilities, power generation plants, and heavy equipment manufacturers. That extraordinary longevity is a direct result of Bullard's massive castings, precision-ground hardened ways, and robust mechanical systems that were engineered to last generations, not just years.

OEM parts, factory-trained field service, and complete rebuild and CNC retrofit services remain available through Bourn & Koch in Rockford, Illinois, who acquired the Bullard brand and all original engineering prints in 2004. This means every Bullard ever built can still be serviced with genuine OEM components manufactured to original specifications.

Looking to sell your Bullard? Resell CNC buys used Bullard VTLs nationwide — any model, any size, any condition. We make selling simple: free appraisal within 24 hours, competitive offers, and we handle all rigging and transportation logistics. Call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com and see why we're the Simple. Reliable. and Trusted.® partner manufacturers count on.

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Bullard Vertical Turret Lathes

Bullard VTLs are heavy-duty machines designed for versatility in both one-off and high-volume production. Built with manual and automatic controls in table sizes from 24" to 74"+, the major model families include the Cutmaster (the most widely available), Dynatrol (premium hydraulic variable-speed), Man-Au-Trol (semi-automatic), and Series 75. These machines handle large, heavy, short workpieces with a combination of rigidity and torque that modern machines match only at significantly higher cost. Bullard VTLs excel at turning valve bodies, flanges, gear blanks, bearing housings, turbine components, pipe fittings, and virtually any large-diameter part.

Bullard Vertical Boring Mills

Bullard vertical boring mills feature large-capacity tables from 30" to 110"+, vertical rams, and hardened ways built for decades of precision service. These machines are the workhorses of industries where heavy, oversized parts demand extreme rigidity and substantial material removal rates — including oil and gas production, power generation, aerospace, defense, mining equipment, and general heavy manufacturing.


Founded	1894 (production ended 1989)
Original Location	Bridgeport, Connecticut
Current OEM	Bourn & Koch, Rockford, Illinois (acquired 2004)
Best Known For	Vertical turret lathes & boring mills — the machine that defined the VTL category
Popular Models	Cutmaster, Dynatrol, Man-Au-Trol, Series 75, Spiral Drive
Table Sizes	24" through 110"+
Controls	Manual, hydraulic, or Fanuc CNC retrofit
Industries Served	Oil & gas, aerospace, power generation, defense, heavy equipment

What to Look for When Buying a Used Bullard VTL

Every Bullard on the market is a used machine — production ended in 1989. But these VTLs were built with such extraordinary craftsmanship that machines from the 1940s still cut precision parts daily. Knowing what to inspect separates a decades-long workhorse from an expensive rebuild project.

Ways and cross rail condition come first. The ways are the most critical wear surface. Climb a ladder and inspect behind and below the cross rail where scoring hides from casual inspection. Experienced Bullard machinists warn that using grease instead of specified way oil causes severe scoring over time. Deeply scored ways mean a major rebuild — run your hand along the surfaces and confirm with a dial indicator.

Table bearings and turret head are next. Spin the table slowly and measure runout on the chuck face. Excessive wobble indicates worn bearings — one of the costliest Bullard repairs. Index the 5-position turret through all stations and verify positive, repeatable locking. Check the turret swivel (30° left and right) for smooth clamping and inspect each toolpost hole for wear.

Hydraulics, electrics, and rebuild history. On Dynatrol and Man-Au-Trol models, check the hydraulic system for leaks and verify smooth speed control. On machines 40–70+ years old, inspect wiring for deterioration. Always ask about rebuild history — a professionally rebuilt Bullard with documentation is often a significantly better investment.

Bullard VTL Model Guide

Cutmaster (1940s–1970s) — The Industry Standard

The most widely available Bullard on the used market. Thousands were built during and after WWII. Features a 5-position swiveling turret head, side head with square turret, and 20-speed mechanical gearbox. Available from 26" through 74" table diameter, with 36" and 42" most common. The Model 75 and Series 75 are later-generation refinements. Pin-type lever controls make the Cutmaster reliable, straightforward, and easy to train operators on.

Dynatrol (1960s–1989) — The Premium Choice

Bullard's most advanced conventional VTL featuring infinitely variable table speed (no stepped gears), hydraulic feeds, and pendant controls with spindle load meter for real-time cutting force monitoring. Available from 36" through 108"+, including rare High Column models with nearly double the standard rail clearance. Preferred for precision finishing work and commands a premium over equivalent Cutmasters.

Man-Au-Trol, Spiral Drive & CNC Retrofits

The Man-Au-Trol added semi-automatic pin-board control to the Cutmaster platform. The Spiral Drive (1927–1940s) and New Era (1911–1926) are Bullard's earliest models — Bourn & Koch provides OEM parts for machines dating to 1912. Many Dynatrols have been retrofitted with modern Fanuc CNC controls, combining original rigidity with modern digital programming — often the most cost-effective path to CNC vertical turning for large workpieces.

How to Sell Your Used Bullard VTL

Bullard VTLs maintain strong resale value because there is no modern equivalent at a comparable investment level. Oil and gas, power generation, aerospace, and defense industries continue driving steady demand for quality used Bullards.

Resell CNC buys used Bullard VTLs — every model, every size, nationwide.

Contact us with your model, table size, serial number, and condition — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
Receive a free appraisal within 24 hours — no obligation, no fees.
Accept the offer and we handle all rigging, transport, and logistics.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Used Bullard VTLs

Can I still get OEM parts for a Bullard VTL?

Yes. Bourn & Koch acquired the Bullard brand in 2004 and holds original engineering prints for every part ever designed. They manufacture OEM replacement parts to original specifications, offer factory-trained field service technicians throughout the US, and provide complete machine rebuild and CNC retrofit services.

What is the difference between a Bullard Cutmaster and Dynatrol?

The Cutmaster uses a 20-speed mechanical gearbox with manual lever controls — simple, reliable, and easy to operate. The Dynatrol features infinitely variable table speed (no stepped ranges), hydraulic feed systems, and pendant-mounted controls with a spindle load meter for real-time monitoring. The Dynatrol offers smoother operation and more precise speed control, making it preferred for finishing work.

Are Bullard VTLs still reliable after decades of use?

Absolutely. Bullard VTLs were built to extraordinary standards of craftsmanship. Machines manufactured in the 1940s and 1950s remain in daily production service across thousands of shops worldwide. The oldest Bullard that Bourn & Koch has serviced dates back to 1912. Maintenance history and way condition are the most important factors in evaluating long-term reliability on any used Bullard.

Can a Bullard VTL be retrofitted with CNC controls?

Yes. Bourn & Koch and other qualified rebuild specialists retrofit Bullard VTLs with modern Fanuc CNC controls, preserving the machine's legendary rigidity and capacity while adding programmable cycles, digital readouts, and modern operator interfaces. A CNC retrofit is often the most cost-effective way to acquire CNC vertical turning capability for large-diameter work.

What industries use Bullard VTLs?

Bullard VTLs are widely used in oil and gas (valve bodies, flanges, pipe fittings), power generation (turbine components, generator housings), aerospace (large-diameter rings, engine casings), defense, mining equipment, and general heavy manufacturing. Any application involving heavy, short, large-diameter workpieces is a natural fit for a Bullard.

What is a High Column Bullard?

High Column (Hi-Column) variants feature extended columns providing significantly more clearance between the table and cross rail — in some cases nearly double the standard height. This allows machining of taller workpieces that standard-column Bullards cannot accommodate. High Column models are relatively rare and are highly sought after on the used market.

Does Resell CNC offer financing on used Bullard VTLs?

Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options designed to help your business acquire the equipment it needs. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss financing terms on any Bullard in our inventory.

How do I sell my used Bullard VTL?

Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy used Bullard VTLs of every model, size, and condition — nationwide. You'll receive a free, no-obligation appraisal within 24 hours and we handle all rigging and transportation logistics.