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Hardinge Quest 8/51 SP

Est. $150,000 - $225,000 Possible older model Updated 2026-10-03

This model was not found in Hardinge's current lineup when we checked on 2026-10-03 . It may be a superseded or older model; the specifications below are as we last recorded them.

01

Key Specifications

X Travel

200 mm (7.87 in)

Z Travel

500 mm (19.69 in)

chuck size

8 in (203 mm)

maximum bar capacity

51 mm (2.0 in)

maximum turning diameter

280 mm (11.02 in)

maximum turning length

500 mm (19.69 in)

02

How much does the Hardinge Quest 8/51 SP cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$150,000 - $225,000

Our best estimate for a cnc lathes / turning center in this class — not a quote from Hardinge. Configuration moves it a long way.

Hardinge Quest 8/51 SP — price

Est.$150,000 - $225,000

This is our best estimate for a machine of this type and class, built from published prices of comparable cnc lathes / turning centers and typical dealer pricing. Hardinge has not published a list price for the Hardinge Quest 8/51 SP that we can cite. Treat it as a planning number, not a quote.

What moves the final price

  • Spindle, control and probing options
  • Tool changer capacity and tooling package
  • Automation — pallet changers, bar feeders, robot cells
  • Freight, rigging, installation and training
  • Region, dealer and time of year

Want a specific price for the Hardinge Quest 8/51 SP?

Tell us who you are and we'll pass your request to Hardinge or an authorised dealer.

03

Overview

An 8 in (203 mm) chuck, 51 mm (2.0 in) of bar capacity and a sub-spindle define the Hardinge Quest 8/51 SP. In the listed figures it turns up to 280 mm (11.02 in) in diameter and 500 mm (19.69 in) in length, and it has a C-axis on both the main and the sub-spindle.

Most of the cutting capacity is on the main side: 15 kW (20 hp), 200 Nm (148 ft-lb) and a 5,000 RPM ceiling. The sub-spindle is rated 7.5 kW (10 hp), half the main spindle's power, and runs faster, to 6,000 RPM. That split says how to divide a part. Roughing and the large diameters belong in the first operation; the second side should be the lighter one. Because the two speeds differ, a synchronised transfer or a cut-off supported by both spindles happens at 5,000 RPM or below.

X travel is 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z travel is 500 mm (19.69 in), equal to the maximum turning length. The 12-station turret is listed as VDI/BMT and live tooling capable. With a C-axis at each end, driven tools can put cross holes, flats and keyways on either side of the part, provided the machine in question has the driven holders.

Spindle concentricity is listed as 2.5 microns TIR at the collet face. The slides are hardened and ground box ways, rapids are 20 m/min (787 ipm) in X and 24 m/min (945 ipm) in Z, the control is a Fanuc 0i-TF Plus and the weight is 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). No Y-axis or tailstock is listed.

04

Full Specifications

Parameter Value
Chuck Size 8 in (203 mm)
Maximum Bar Capacity 51 mm (2.0 in)
Maximum Turning Diameter 280 mm (11.02 in)
Maximum Turning Length 500 mm (19.69 in)
Main Spindle Speed Max 5,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power 15 kW (20 hp)
Main Spindle Torque 200 Nm (148 ft-lb)
Sub Spindle Speed Max 6,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Power 7.5 kW (10 hp)
Spindle Concentricity 2.5 microns TIR at collet face
X-Axis Travel 200 mm (7.87 in)
Z-Axis Travel 500 mm (19.69 in)
Turret Stations 12 (VDI/BMT, live tooling capable)
C Axis Main and sub-spindle
Guideway Type Hardened and ground box ways
Rapid Traverse X 20 m/min (787 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z 24 m/min (945 ipm)
CNC Control Fanuc 0i-TF Plus
Machine Weight 4,200 kg (9,259 lb)

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

05

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • Main spindle with 15 kW (20 hp) and 200 Nm (148 ft-lb) behind an 8 in (203 mm) chuck
  • Sub-spindle to 6,000 RPM with its own C-axis for second-side work
  • 500 mm (19.69 in) of Z travel, equal to the maximum turning length
  • 51 mm (2.0 in) bar capacity with 2.5 microns TIR listed at the collet face

Limitations

  • The sub-spindle has 7.5 kW (10 hp), half the power of the main spindle
  • The main spindle stops at 5,000 RPM, below the sub-spindle's 6,000 RPM
  • No Y-axis or tailstock appears in the listed figures
  • The turret is live tooling capable, which does not confirm that driven holders are fitted
06

Best For

Chucked or bar-fed parts that need machining on both ends Bar work up to 51 mm (2.0 in) Parts up to 280 mm (11.02 in) in diameter in an 8 in (203 mm) chuck Turned parts with C-axis drilled or milled features on either side
07

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How do the two spindles of the Quest 8/51 SP compare?

The main spindle is listed at 5,000 RPM, 15 kW (20 hp) and 200 Nm (148 ft-lb). The sub-spindle is listed at 6,000 RPM and 7.5 kW (10 hp), with no torque figure. Both have a C-axis. The heavier cuts belong on the main spindle.

02 What bar and chuck sizes does the Quest 8/51 SP use?

The listed chuck size is 8 in (203 mm) and the maximum bar capacity is 51 mm (2.0 in). Maximum turning diameter is 280 mm (11.02 in). Spindle concentricity is given as 2.5 microns TIR at the collet face, which applies to collet work.

03 Does the Quest 8/51 SP have a Y-axis?

No Y-axis is listed. The table gives X travel of 200 mm (7.87 in) and Z travel of 500 mm (19.69 in), plus a C-axis on the main and sub-spindle. Milled features therefore rely on C-axis positioning with tools on the spindle centreline.

04 Is live tooling included on the Quest 8/51 SP?

The 12-station turret is listed as VDI/BMT and live tooling capable. That describes what the turret accepts. The table gives no driven-tool speed or power, so check which interface and which driven holders a particular machine has.

08

Videos

Hardinge Quest 8/51 CNC (2-Axis) Lathe w/Tailstock and Live Tooling - Liberty #48169

Hardinge Quest 8/51 CNC (2-Axis) Lathe w/Tailstock and Live Tooling - Liberty #48169

Liberty Machinery Company

HARDINGE QUEST 8/51 SP CNC Lathe “SUPER PRECISION” 2005’ #GMT-3276

HARDINGE QUEST 8/51 SP CNC Lathe “SUPER PRECISION” 2005’ #GMT-3276

GENERATION MACHINE TOOLS

2007 Hardinge Quest 8/51 CNC lathe

2007 Hardinge Quest 8/51 CNC lathe

Machinery Source LLC Used Equipment Division

09

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