Colchester Tornado SL25MC

Q: How much does the Colchester Tornado SL25MC cost?

The price estimate for the Colchester Tornado SL25MC is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/colchester-tornado-sl25mc#price; the request is passed to Colchester or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-04 · colchester.co.uk Updated 2026-10-04

Colchester Tornado SL25MC (Tornado series)

Image: colchester.co.uk, Colchester

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

5,000 rpm

Spindle Power

11 kW (14.8 hp)

Max Turn Length

380 mm (15.0 in)

Accuracy

0.010 mm (0.0004 in)

Repeatability

+/- 0.003 mm (+/- 0.0001 in)

spindle bore

52 mm (2.0 in)

How much does the Colchester Tornado SL25MC cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Colchester Tornado SL25MC 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

Driven tools are what separate the Colchester Tornado SL25MC from the plain 2-axis machine it is based on. It is a slant-bed turning centre with a C-axis, an 8 in (203 mm) chuck and a 12-station VDI 30 turret whose driven tools are rated 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) at up to 5,000 rpm. The main spindle is unchanged: 5,000 rpm, 11 kW (14.8 hp), A2-6 nose, 52 mm (2.0 in) bore.

The milling capability costs some turning envelope. Maximum cutting diameter is 280 mm (11.0 in) here, against 350 mm (13.8 in) on the Tornado SL25, and turning length is 380 mm (15.0 in) rather than 400 mm (15.7 in). Swing over the bed stays at 530 mm (20.9 in). If the work is turned-only discs near the top of the diameter range, the simpler machine holds more.

What you get in return is the ability to finish cross holes, bolt circles, flats and slots in the same chucking. A driven-tool speed equal to the main spindle's 5,000 rpm suits small drills and end mills. There is no Y-axis, though, so milled features are limited to what the C-axis and X-axis can generate between them. Off-centre keyways and true flats cut across the part are the job of the Tornado SL25 MSY, which has a Y-axis of +/- 42 mm.

Control is the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus or the Siemens 828D. The standard equipment matches the rest of the range, including the swarf conveyor, parts catcher, Renishaw tool setting probe and 20 bar coolant.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Bore	52 mm (2.0 in)
Chuck Size	8 in (203 mm)
Swing Over Bed	530 mm (20.9 in)
Max Turning Length	380 mm (15.0 in)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus / Siemens 828D
C Axis Driven Tools	Yes
Y Axis	No
Sub Spindle	No
Max Spindle Speed	5,000 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (14.8 hp)
Spindle Nose	A2-6
Turret Stations	12
Turret Tooling	VDI 30
Driven Tool Speed	5,000 rpm
Driven Tool Power	3.5 kW (4.7 hp)
Swing Over Cross Slide	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Turning Diameter	280 mm (11.0 in)
Positioning Accuracy	0.010 mm (0.0004 in)
Repeatability	+/- 0.003 mm (+/- 0.0001 in)

Specifications sourced from colchester.co.uk — verified 2026-10-04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

C-axis and driven tools rated 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) at up to 5,000 rpm on a 12-station VDI 30 turret
Driven-tool speed of 5,000 rpm equals the main spindle speed, which helps with small drills and cutters
Main spindle keeps the 11 kW (14.8 hp) rating and 52 mm (2.0 in) bore of the 2-axis machine
Choice of Fanuc 0i-TF Plus or Siemens 828D control
20 bar coolant, parts catcher and swarf conveyor are standard

Limitations

Maximum cutting diameter falls to 280 mm (11.0 in), from 350 mm (13.8 in) on the Tornado SL25
No Y-axis, so off-centre milling is not possible on this version
No sub-spindle: the second side still needs another setup
3.5 kW (4.7 hp) of driven-tool power is enough for drilling and light milling, not heavy slotting

Best For

Turned parts with cross holes, bolt circles or flats finished in one chucking Work within 280 mm (11.0 in) cutting diameter and 380 mm (15.0 in) turning length Small-diameter drilling and milling at up to 5,000 rpm on the driven tools Batches where removing a second milling operation matters more than turning envelope

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What do the driven tools on the Tornado SL25MC offer?

Colchester lists a driven tool spindle power of 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) and a maximum driven tool speed of 5,000 rpm, with C-axis control of the main spindle. The turret has 12 stations and uses VDI 30 tooling. That covers radial and axial drilling, tapping and light milling on a part that is still in the 8 in (203 mm) chuck.

02 How does the Tornado SL25MC differ from the Tornado SL25?

The Tornado SL25 is the 2-axis version with no C-axis or driven tools, and it turns up to 350 mm (13.8 in) in diameter over 400 mm (15.7 in). The MC version adds the C-axis and driven tools and gives up some envelope: 280 mm (11.0 in) cutting diameter and 380 mm (15.0 in) turning length. Spindle speed, power, bore and chuck are the same on both.

03 Can the Tornado SL25MC mill off-centre features?

Not with a linear Y move. The table answers No for a Y-axis and No for a sub-spindle. Features on the part centreline, or ones the C-axis can interpolate with X, are possible. For off-centre keyways and flats Colchester offers the Tornado SL25 MSY, whose table lists a Y-axis of +/- 42 mm and a sub-spindle.

04 Which CNC controls are available on the Tornado SL25MC?

The table lists Fanuc 0i-TF Plus / Siemens 828D. In the standard features Colchester describes the FANUC 0i-TF Plus with a 15 in screen and Manual Guide I, with the Siemens 828D, a 15 in screen and ShopTurn as the option. Both are conversational systems, so milling cycles can be programmed at the machine.