2011 Haas ST-20 CNC Lathe

The 2011 Haas ST-20 is a robust 2-axis CNC turning center built for shops that need reliable, high-output production turning without overcomplicating the shop floor. Powered by a 20 HP vector drive spindle turning at up to 4,000 RPM through an A2-6 nose, this machine handles a wide range of materials and part geometries with authority. The 8-inch hydraulic chuck and 2-inch bar capacity make it well-suited for both bar work and chucking operations, while the 12-station bolt-on turret keeps tool changes fast and rigid. With 8.4 inches of X-travel and 21 inches of Z-travel, it covers a generous cutting envelope — up to 12.5 inches in diameter and 21 inches in length. The programmable tailstock adds flexibility for longer shaft work, and standard features like programmable coolant, auto doors, and high-intensity lighting round out a package that is ready to run from day one.

Compared to the Haas SL-20 it replaced, the ST-20 brought meaningful improvements that buyers should weigh carefully. The ST series introduced a stiffer, more thermally stable casting design with wider box ways on the Z-axis, translating directly into better surface finishes and tighter tolerances under sustained cuts. Spindle performance saw a jump as well — the ST-20 moved to a higher-torque vector drive delivering 150 ft-lbs at 500 RPM, a notable upgrade over the SL-20's belt-driven spindle. The turret indexing was also refined for faster tool-to-tool times, and the control received expanded memory and Ethernet connectivity as standard. For shops stepping up from an SL-20 or evaluating used Haas lathes in this class, the ST-20 represents a clear generational improvement in rigidity, throughput, and control capability.