Colchester Tornado SL40 / SL40L

Q: How much does the Colchester Tornado SL40 / SL40L cost?

The price estimate for the Colchester Tornado SL40 / SL40L 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-sl40-sl40l#price; the request is passed to Colchester or an authorised dealer.

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

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

2,500 rpm

Spindle Power

37 kW (49.6 hp)

Max Turn Length

950 / 1,500 mm (37.4 / 59.1 in)

Accuracy

0.010 mm (0.0004 in)

Repeatability

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

spindle bore

103 mm (4.1 in)

How much does the Colchester Tornado SL40 / SL40L cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Colchester Tornado SL40 / SL40L 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

37 kW (49.6 hp) and a 103 mm (4.1 in) spindle bore put the Colchester Tornado SL40 / SL40L in a different class from the rest of the Tornado line. It is the largest 2-axis model: an A2-11 spindle nose, a chuck listed as 15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm), and turning lengths of 950 / 1,500 mm (37.4 / 59.1 in) across its two bed lengths.

Speed is traded for size. The spindle tops out at 2,500 rpm, which suits the diameters involved. Maximum cutting diameter is 550 mm (21.7 in) under a 750 mm (29.5 in) swing over the bed.

One row of the table sets this model apart from its smaller siblings. Tooling type is given as 25 x 25 mm (1.0 x 1.0 in), a square-shank size, where the smaller 2-axis Tornados list VDI tooling. The turret still has 12 stations. Anyone moving holders between machines should take note, because a VDI 40 holder from the Tornado SL35 / SL35L will not fit a turret that clamps square shanks directly.

At this size the options list matters more. A hydraulic steady rest is close to essential for slender work near 1,500 mm (59.1 in), and chips from a 37 kW (49.6 hp) cut need the standard swarf conveyor. A 20 bar coolant system, parts catcher and Renishaw tool setting probe are also standard. There is no C-axis, Y-axis or sub-spindle. Positioning accuracy is quoted at 0.010 mm (0.0004 in), the same as on the smallest machine in the range.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Bore	103 mm (4.1 in)
Chuck Size	15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm)
Swing Over Bed	750 mm (29.5 in)
Max Turning Length	950 / 1,500 mm (37.4 / 59.1 in)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus / Siemens 828D
C Axis Driven Tools	No
Y Axis	No
Sub Spindle	No
Max Spindle Speed	2,500 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	37 kW (49.6 hp)
Spindle Nose	A2-11
Turret Stations	12
Turret Tooling	25 x 25 mm (1.0 x 1.0 in)
Swing Over Cross Slide	550 mm (21.7 in)
Max Turning Diameter	550 mm (21.7 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

37 kW (49.6 hp) spindle on an A2-11 nose
103 mm (4.1 in) spindle bore, the largest in the Tornado range
Turning lengths of 950 / 1,500 mm (37.4 / 59.1 in) across two bed lengths
Cuts up to 550 mm (21.7 in) in diameter with a 750 mm (29.5 in) swing over the bed
Chuck size listed as 15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm)

Limitations

Maximum spindle speed is 2,500 rpm
Turret tooling is 25 x 25 mm (1.0 x 1.0 in) square shank, so VDI holders from the smaller models do not carry over
No C-axis or driven tools on this version
No weight or floor-space figures are published on the page, and both matter for a machine of this size

Best For

Large shafts up to 1,500 mm (59.1 in) on the longer bed Heavy roughing in steel with 37 kW (49.6 hp) available Bar and tube up to the 103 mm (4.1 in) bore Flanges, rings and housings up to 550 mm (21.7 in) cutting diameter

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How big is the Tornado SL40 / SL40L?

Swing over the bed is 750 mm (29.5 in), swing over the cross slide and maximum cutting diameter are both 550 mm (21.7 in), and turning length is listed as 950 / 1,500 mm (37.4 / 59.1 in). The spindle bore is 103 mm (4.1 in). Colchester does not publish the machine's weight or footprint on the product page.

02 What tooling does the turret use?

The table lists the tooling type as 25 x 25 mm (1.0 x 1.0 in) with 12 tool stations. The Tornado SL35 / SL35L and the other smaller 2-axis models list VDI 40 or VDI 30 instead. The standard features text, which is shared across the range, still mentions a VDI auto indexing turret, so confirm the turret type with Colchester when ordering.

03 What spindle speed and power does it have?

Maximum spindle speed is 2,500 rpm and spindle power is 37 kW (49.6 hp), on an A2-11 nose. The page gives no torque curve or gearbox details. The chuck is listed as 15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm).

04 Is there a version with driven tools?

Yes. Colchester lists the Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC with a C-axis, BMT 65 tooling and driven tools rated 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) at up to 4,000 rpm, and a turning length given as 830 / 1,380 mm (32.7 / 54.3 in).