What to Look for When Buying Used WTO Tooling
WTO driven tool holders and accessories are precision-engineered to exacting German standards. Because these products directly affect CNC lathe accuracy, careful inspection is essential.
Check runout and bearing condition. Mount the holder in a tool presetter or on the machine turret and measure radial runout at the collet or tool tip. WTO holders are manufactured to single-digit micron specs. Any measurable increase from original indicates bearing wear or internal damage. Spin the holder by hand and listen for roughness, clicking, or uneven resistance in the gear train.
Inspect the mounting interface. For VDI holders, examine the serrated (Hirth) coupling face for burrs, chips, or deformation. For BMT holders, check the flange surface and locating features. Damaged mounting surfaces prevent proper seating, causing vibration and dimensional errors. Confirm the holder matches your turret size and mounting standard (VDI 30, 40, 50, or specific BMT format).
Verify coolant-through function. Most WTO driven holders offer internal coolant delivery. Connect shop air or coolant pressure and confirm flow reaches the tool tip without leaks at seals or joints. Failed seals are a common wear item on used live tooling and can starve coolant at the cutting edge.
Confirm gear ratio and output speed. On speed increasers, verify the multiplication ratio matches your application. Run the unit at operating speed and check for excessive noise, heat, or vibration indicating gear wear. WTO speed multipliers use precision planetary gearing — worn units produce audible whine under load.
WTO Driven Tool Holders
VDI Driven Holders
WTO's VDI-mount driven tool holders are the company's flagship line. Available in VDI 30, 40, and 50 shank sizes, these come in axial (straight), radial (90-degree), and adjustable configurations. Each uses precision angular contact bearings and hardened gearing to transmit torque from the turret drive to the cutting tool. ER collet chucks are standard, with options for Weldon, hydraulic, and shrink-fit clamping. Internal coolant delivery (up to 70 bar on select models) is available across the range.
BMT Driven Holders
For lathes equipped with BMT (Built-in Motor Turret) systems, WTO offers driven holders engineered for the higher torque and rigidity BMT turrets provide. BMT holders feature the same precision gear trains and bearings as the VDI range, optimized for direct-drive coupling. Commonly used on newer DMG MORI, Doosan, and Hyundai-WIA turning centers with BMT turrets.
Specialty Holders
WTO also manufactures driven holders for specific operations: thread whirling attachments for medical screw production, polygon turning holders for machining flats and hex profiles without stopping the spindle, and extended-reach holders for deep-bore work. Each is built on the same precision platform as the standard line.
WTO Angle Heads
WTO angle heads redirect the spindle axis to reach features perpendicular or at fixed angles to the primary tool axis. Standard 90-degree models allow cross-drilling, face milling, and tapping on CNC lathes and machining centers without re-fixturing. Available in single-output and dual-output configurations, all units use precision bevel gearing for smooth power transmission. These bolt directly onto WTO driven holder bodies, creating a modular system that maximizes flexibility.
WTO Speed Increasers & Multi-Spindle Heads
WTO speed increasers use planetary gear trains to multiply spindle RPM by ratios from 1:3 through 1:6 (model dependent). These enable fine drilling, engraving, and small-diameter milling on machines with limited top spindle speed. Multi-spindle drilling heads mount two or more drill spindles in a single holder, allowing simultaneous multi-hole drilling to reduce cycle time on repetitive patterns. Both are built to the same precision and durability standards as WTO's driven tool holders.
How to Sell Your Used WTO Tooling
WTO driven tool holders, angle heads, and speed increasers retain strong resale value due to the brand's reputation for precision and durability. Shops upgrading turret configurations, changing lathe platforms, or consolidating tooling inventories often have WTO holders available for resale.
Resell CNC buys used WTO tooling nationwide.
- Contact us at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com.
- Free appraisal within 24 hours, no obligation.
- Accept the offer and we handle pickup and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used WTO Tooling
Are used WTO driven tool holders reliable?
Yes. WTO holders are manufactured in Germany using hardened steel gearing, precision angular contact bearings, and tight assembly tolerances. Properly maintained, these holders deliver years of accurate service. Used units in good condition perform to near-original specifications.
What CNC lathes are WTO tool holders compatible with?
WTO manufactures driven holders for virtually every major CNC lathe platform. VDI holders fit any lathe with a standard VDI turret (sizes 30, 40, 50). BMT holders are designed for specific BMT turret formats used by DMG MORI, Doosan, and other builders. Always confirm turret type, shank size, and coolant interface before purchase.
What should I inspect before buying used WTO tooling?
Focus on radial runout at the tool tip, bearing smoothness, coolant seal integrity, and mounting interface (VDI serrations or BMT flange). Any increase in runout beyond original spec indicates internal wear. Test coolant-through under pressure to verify seal condition.
What is the difference between VDI and BMT driven tool holders?
VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) holders use a serrated shank that locks into the turret and are driven by a gear mesh with the turret's internal drive. BMT (Built-in Motor Turret) holders mount via a flange and are driven directly by a motor in the turret station, delivering higher torque and rigidity. Your lathe's turret type determines which mounting system you need.
Can I still get replacement parts and service for WTO tooling?
Yes. WTO is an active manufacturer with authorized distributors and service centers supporting their full product range. Bearings, seals, collet nuts, and other wear components are available for current and many older WTO models.
Does Resell CNC offer financing on used WTO tooling?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options. Call (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used WTO tooling?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy WTO driven tool holders, angle heads, speed increasers, and accessories. Free appraisal within 24 hours.