Chevalier FBL-230 MC
Image: chevalierusa.com, Chevalier Machinery
Key Specifications
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
control
swing over bed
swing over cover
max turning diameter
How much does the Chevalier FBL-230 MC cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Chevalier FBL-230 MC that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Chevalier FBL-230 MC is the live-tooling version of Chevalier's 8 in box-way lathe. MC stands for the driven tool function: the 12-station BMT-55 turret can carry rotating drills and end mills, so cross holes, flats and bolt patterns are done in the lathe instead of on a second machine.
Live tool holders stand further out than fixed ones, and the capacity figures reflect that. Maximum cutting diameter is 10.6 in (270 mm) and maximum cutting length 14.3 in (362 mm). The frame is otherwise the one used for the plain model, with a 21.7 in (550 mm) swing over the bed and 20.0 in (507 mm) between centers.
The main spindle is unchanged, which is good news for a small mill-turn machine: 15 hp / 20 hp (11 / 15 kW), 4,000 rpm, an A2-6 ASA nose and a 2.4 in (62 mm) bore. Bar capacity is 2.0 in (52 mm), or 2.5 in (65 mm) as an option. X travel is 8.3 in (210 mm) and Z travel 17.7 in (450 mm).
There is no Y axis on this machine, so milled features are limited to what X, Z and spindle positioning can produce on centre. Chevalier's Y-axis lathes are the FNL and the FBL Y models. A hydraulic tailstock with an MT 5 quill and 12.2 in (310 mm) of travel is listed. The machine weighs 7,700 lb (3,500 kg) and is controlled by a Fanuc 0i-T. The driven tool speed and power are not given in the maker's table.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-T |
| Swing Over Bed | 21.7 in (550 mm) |
| Swing Over Cover | 13.0 in (330 mm) |
| Max Turning Diameter | 10.6 in (270 mm) |
| Max Turning Length | 14.3 in (362 mm) |
| Distance Between Centers | 20.0 in (507 mm) |
| Chuck Size | 8 in (203 mm) |
| Bar Capacity | 2.0 in (opt. 2.5 in); 52 mm (opt. 65 mm) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-6 ASA |
| Spindle Bore | 2.4 in (62 mm) |
| Spindle Speed | 4,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 hp / 20 hp (11 / 15 kW) |
| Z Axis Travel | 17.7 in (450 mm) |
| X Axis Travel | 8.3 in (210 mm) |
| Feed Rate Z X | 787 ipm (20 m/min) |
| Turret Type | BMT-55 |
| Turret Stations | 12 |
| OD Tool Size | 1.0 in x 1.0 in (S.A.E.); 25 x 25 mm (metric) |
| Tailstock Travel | 12.2 in (310 mm) |
| Tailstock Quill Travel | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
| Tailstock Quill Diameter | 3.0 in (75 mm) |
| Tailstock Quill Taper | MT 5 |
| Tailstock Quill Drive | Hydraulic |
| Machine Weight | 7,700 lb (3,500 kg) |
Specifications sourced from chevalierusa.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Live tooling on a 12-station BMT-55 turret for drilling and milling in the lathe
- 15 hp / 20 hp (11 / 15 kW) main spindle at 4,000 rpm
- Box ways and a 45-degree slant bed in ribbed Meehanite cast iron
- 8 in (203 mm) chuck with up to 2.5 in (65 mm) bar capacity as an option
- Weighs 7,700 lb (3,500 kg)
Limitations
- Maximum cutting length drops to 14.3 in (362 mm) with live tooling
- Maximum cutting diameter is 10.6 in (270 mm)
- No Y axis, so off-centre milling is not possible
- Driven tool speed and power are not published
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Chevalier states that the MC model has the live tooling function, offering additional flexible machining capabilities to make more complex workpieces with one machine. The turret is a 12-station BMT-55 type.
02
Maximum cutting diameter is 10.6 in (270 mm) and maximum cutting length 14.3 in (362 mm). Swing over bed is 21.7 in (550 mm), and the chuck is 8 in (203 mm).
03
No Y axis appears in its specification table, which lists Z and X travel of 17.7 in (450 mm) and 8.3 in (210 mm). For off-centre milling Chevalier lists separate Y models such as the FBL-250Y.
04
Maximum bar capacity is 2.0 in (52 mm) as standard and 2.5 in (65 mm) as an option. The spindle hole diameter is 2.4 in (62 mm), so the larger capacity involves a different spindle or drawtube; ask the maker what the option includes.
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