Colchester Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC

Q: How much does the Colchester Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC cost?

The price estimate for the Colchester Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC 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-sl35mc-sl35lmc#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 SL35MC / SL35LMC (Tornado series)

Image: colchester.co.uk, Colchester

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

3,500 rpm

Spindle Power

18.5 kW (24.8 hp)

Max Turn Length

540 / 940 mm (21.3 / 37.0 in)

Accuracy

0.010 mm (0.0004 in)

Repeatability

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

spindle bore

78 mm (3.1 in)

How much does the Colchester Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Colchester Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC 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 Colchester Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC puts a C-axis and driven tools on the 78 mm (3.1 in) bore Tornado. Its main spindle is the heavy one of the mid-range, with 18.5 kW (24.8 hp), an A2-8 nose and 3,500 rpm, and the driven tools add 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) at up to 4,000 rpm. Two bed lengths share one table.

There is an imbalance here that a buyer should understand. The turning side of the machine is strong, but the milling side has the same 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) as the Tornado SL25MC, a machine with a much smaller spindle. So this is a lathe that can also drill, tap and mill light features on large parts. It is not sized for heavy milling. Work that needs more driven-tool power points to the Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC, which lists 5.5 kW (7.4 hp).

Maximum cutting diameter is 360 mm (14.2 in), compared with a 450 mm (17.7 in) swing over the cross slide and a 650 mm (25.6 in) swing over the bed. Turning length is listed as 540 / 940 mm (21.3 / 37.0 in). The turret carries 12 stations of VDI 40 tooling.

Typical parts are flanges with bolt circles, hubs with cross-drilled oil holes and shafts with a keyway, all of them turned from stock that needs the larger bore or the 10 / 12 in (254 / 305 mm) chuck. There is no Y-axis, so a keyway must sit on the centreline. Standard items include the parts catcher, swarf conveyor, Renishaw tool setting probe and 20 bar coolant system.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Bore	78 mm (3.1 in)
Chuck Size	10 / 12 in (254 / 305 mm)
Swing Over Bed	650 mm (25.6 in)
Max Turning Length	540 / 940 mm (21.3 / 37.0 in)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus / Siemens 828D
C Axis Driven Tools	Yes
Y Axis	No
Sub Spindle	No
Max Spindle Speed	3,500 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	18.5 kW (24.8 hp)
Spindle Nose	A2-8
Turret Stations	12
Turret Tooling	VDI 40
Driven Tool Speed	4,000 rpm
Driven Tool Power	3.5 kW (4.7 hp)
Swing Over Cross Slide	450 mm (17.7 in)
Max Turning Diameter	360 mm (14.2 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

Driven tools and C-axis on a spindle with a 78 mm (3.1 in) bore and 18.5 kW (24.8 hp)
Chuck size listed as 10 / 12 in (254 / 305 mm) for larger flanges and hubs
Up to 940 mm (37.0 in) of turning length on the longer bed
12 stations of VDI 40 tooling
Fanuc 0i-TF Plus or Siemens 828D, both with conversational programming

Limitations

Driven-tool power is 3.5 kW (4.7 hp), light for a machine with an 18.5 kW (24.8 hp) main spindle
Maximum cutting diameter is 360 mm (14.2 in), well inside the 450 mm (17.7 in) swing over the cross slide
No Y-axis: milled features must lie on the centreline or be interpolated with the C-axis
Main spindle speed is limited to 3,500 rpm

Best For

Flanges and hubs with bolt-hole patterns up to 360 mm (14.2 in) cutting diameter Bar-fed parts up to the 78 mm (3.1 in) bore with drilled or tapped features Shafts with centreline keyways within 940 mm (37.0 in) Heavy turning combined with light milling in one setup

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How powerful are the driven tools on the Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC?

They are rated 3.5 kW (4.7 hp) with a maximum speed of 4,000 rpm. The main spindle is far stronger at 18.5 kW (24.8 hp). Plan milling cuts round the driven-tool figure: drilling, tapping and light slotting fit, heavy face milling does not.

02 What is the largest part it can machine?

Maximum cutting diameter is 360 mm (14.2 in) and turning length is listed as 540 / 940 mm (21.3 / 37.0 in) for the two bed lengths. Swing over the bed is 650 mm (25.6 in) and over the cross slide 450 mm (17.7 in). Bar passes through a 78 mm (3.1 in) bore.

03 How does it compare with the Tornado SL35 / SL35L?

The Tornado SL35 / SL35L is the same spindle without driven tools, and it turns up to 450 mm (17.7 in) in diameter and lists 600 / 1,000 mm (23.6 / 39.4 in) of turning length. The MC version trades that envelope for milling capability, at 360 mm (14.2 in) and 540 / 940 mm (21.3 / 37.0 in).

04 What automation options does Colchester list?

A barfeeder, a parts conveyor and a robot interface are optional, and a parts catcher is standard. Colchester describes the machine as automation ready and Industry 4.0 ready. A hydraulic quick change collet chuck and a hydraulic steady rest are also on the options list.