What to Look for When Buying a Used Megabore Lathe
Megabore lathes are built with one-piece bed castings, alloy steel spindles, hardened and ground ways, and heavy-duty construction for demanding oil country and industrial turning. These machines see hard service in pipe threading, drill collar work, and heavy turning. Here is what to inspect on used units.
Test the spindle and hollow bore. Measure spindle runout at the nose with a test indicator. On hollow spindle models, verify the bore diameter and inspect the bore surface for scoring, wear, or damage from pipe or bar stock. Run the spindle across the full RPM range through all gear ranges and listen for bearing noise, vibration, or gear whine. On 18-speed geared headstock models, test every speed step. Verify that the electromagnetic spindle brake engages and stops the spindle reliably.
Inspect the bed, ways, and carriage. Megabore lathes use 2-shear and 3-shear bed ways that are hardened and ground. Check for wear along the full bed length using a precision level or test indicator. On slant-bed CNC models (LD, SS, SB series), check the 45-degree slant bed for chip buildup interference and verify smooth carriage travel. On long-bed machines (centers to 40 feet on some models), verify bed alignment across the full distance. Check the cross slide and compound slide for smooth, backlash-free motion.
Test the tailstock and steady rests. Verify that the tailstock quill advances and retracts smoothly with no detectable play. Confirm tailstock alignment to the spindle centerline. On machines with large steady rests (essential for heavy workpieces), check jaw condition, mounting base fit, and clamping force. Steady rests on oil country lathes see heavy use and may require jaw or base refurbishment.
Verify the control and threading systems. On CNC models (LD, SS, SB series), confirm clean power-up of the Fanuc, Siemens, or Fagor control and test all programmed functions. Verify threading capability (API and standard threads) by running test cycles. On manual PA and PB models, test the hydraulic taper turning system and semi-automatic API threading system for smooth, accurate operation. Verify the totally enclosed universal inch/metric gearbox for correct thread pitch selection across all ranges.
Megabore LD-Series CNC Lathes
The LD series (LD-35, LD-40, LD-45, LD-50) is Megabore's best-selling CNC platform. The model number denotes approximate swing in inches, ranging from 880 mm (LD-35) through 1,275 mm (LD-50). Hollow spindle bores range from 6 to 22 inches. Center distances span 1,500 to 12,000 mm. Standard features include one-piece floor-type bed castings, alloy steel spindles with taper roller bearings, V12 turrets, automatic lubrication, Turcite B anti-friction material on slides, heat-treated quills, and Fanuc 0i-TF Plus controls with Manual Guide i and thread repair software. The LD series is the most commonly traded Megabore CNC model on the used market.
Megabore SS & SB-Series Slant-Bed CNC
The SS series (SS-31, SS-35, SS-40) provides compact 45-degree one-piece slant-bed CNC construction with spindle bores from 6 to 18 inches. The slant-bed design promotes efficient chip evacuation and positions the turret for optimal rigidity. The SB series (SB-50, SB-55, SB-60) handles the heaviest CNC turning applications with swings from 50 to 60 inches, centers to 17 feet, and maximum spindle power for aggressive metal removal on large-diameter oil country and industrial components.
Megabore PA & PB-Series Manual Lathes
The PA series (PA-35 through PA-50) is Megabore's versatile manual hollow spindle platform. PA machines feature 18-speed geared headstocks, hydraulic taper turning, semi-automatic API threading, front and rear 4-jaw chucks, electromagnetic spindle brakes, and spindle motors from 20 to 50 HP. Swing, center distance, and hollow spindle bore are configurable to customer requirements. The PB series (PB-40, PB-50, PB-60) handles the largest manual turning jobs with swings to 60 inches, centers to 280 inches, 14-inch spindle bores, and machine weights approaching 18,000 kg. PB machines serve mines, shipyards, and heavy industrial shops where workpiece weight and diameter exceed the capacity of standard engine lathes. All PA and PB machines include pressurized one-shot lubrication for the cross slide and carriage.
How to Sell Your Used Megabore
Megabore lathes hold strong resale value thanks to heavy-duty construction, large hollow spindle capability, and consistent demand from oil and gas, mining, and heavy industrial manufacturers. LD-series CNC models and PA-series manual oil country lathes are in particularly high demand.
Resell CNC buys used Megabore lathes, every model and configuration, nationwide.
- Contact us — call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer — we handle rigging, transport, and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Megabore Lathes
Are used Megabore lathes reliable?
Yes. ESP/Megabore has been active in engineering and machinery for over 50 years. Megabore lathes feature one-piece bed castings, alloy steel spindles, hardened and ground ways, and heavy-duty construction. These machines are designed for demanding oil country and industrial environments where reliability under continuous heavy cutting is essential.
What is the relationship between Megabore and ESP Machinery?
Megabore is the lathe brand of ESP Machinery Australia Pty Ltd, a family-owned company headquartered in Melbourne with additional operations in Sharjah, UAE. ESP/Megabore designs the machines, which are manufactured in Taiwan and distributed globally. ESP maintains spare parts inventory and provides service for all Megabore models.
What should I inspect before buying a used Megabore?
Test spindle runout and hollow bore condition. Check bed ways for wear across full travel. Verify all gear ranges on geared headstock models. Test tailstock alignment and steady rest condition. On CNC models, verify control function and API threading capability. On manual models, test hydraulic taper turning and threading systems.
What Megabore models hold their value best?
LD-series CNC models (especially LD-40 and LD-50) maintain the strongest resale values due to Fanuc controls and broad demand. PA-40 manual oil country lathes with large bores hold well in the oil and gas sector. Call (844) 478-8181 for current valuations.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used Megabore lathes?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options to help your business acquire the equipment it needs. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used Megabore?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy all Megabore models nationwide, from SS compact CNC lathes through PB-60 heavy-duty manual machines. Free appraisal within 24 hours.