Machine Comparison
Tornos DECO 20a vs Tornos Swiss GT 26
Tornos vs Tornos · Swiss-Type Lathes
Summary
The Tornos DECO 20a and Tornos Swiss GT 26 are both from Tornos's swiss-type lathes lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Tornos ecosystem. These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a swiss-type lathe.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Tornos DECO 20a | Tornos Swiss GT 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Tornos TB-DECO / TISIS | Fanuc 31i-B with TISIS connectivity |
| Max Bar Capacity | 20.5 mm (0.807 in) | 25.4 mm (1.0 in) ▲ |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM ▲ | 0 - 10,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Power | 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) | 8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak ▲ |
| Counter Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM ▲ | 0 - 10,000 RPM |
| Counter Spindle Power | 3.7 kW (5 hp) | 8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak ▲ |
| Number Of Axes | Up to 10 ▲ | 6 linear axes + 2 C-axes (B-axis optional) |
| Price Range | $200,000 - $350,000 | $200,000 - $350,000 |
Advantages
Tornos DECO 20a
- Superior main spindle speed at 10,000 RPM vs 0 - 10,000 RPM
- Superior counter spindle speed at 10,000 RPM vs 0 - 10,000 RPM
- Superior number of axes at Up to 10 vs 6 linear axes + 2 C-axes (B-axis optional)
Tornos Swiss GT 26
- Superior max bar capacity at 25.4 mm (1.0 in) vs 20.5 mm (0.807 in)
- Superior main spindle power at 8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak vs 5.5 kW (7.4 hp)
- Superior counter spindle power at 8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak vs 3.7 kW (5 hp)
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The Tornos DECO 20a and Tornos Swiss GT 26 trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.