Johnford SL-20
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
swing over bed
swing over cross slide
chuck size
bar capacity
How much does the Johnford SL-20 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Johnford SL-20 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 Johnford SL-20 is the smallest horizontal turning center in the SL range: a 6 in chuck, Ø42 mm (Ø1.7 in) bar capacity and a 6,000 rpm spindle on an A2-5 nose. It is the only SL model that reaches 6,000 rpm, and the only one with a 5.5 / 7.5 kW (7.4 / 10.1 hp) motor.
Those two figures place it clearly. Small-diameter bar work needs spindle speed to reach a sensible cutting speed, and it does not need much power. A shop turning pins, bushes, fittings and small shafts from bar up to Ø42 mm gets more from 6,000 rpm than from the larger motor of the SL-30, which stops at 4,500 rpm.
The frame is not small in proportion. Swing over the bed is Ø400 mm (Ø15.7 in), swing over the cross slide Ø330 mm (Ø13 in), and Z travel is 600 mm (23.6 in), all the same as on the SL-30. The slideways are box ways on all axes and the machine weighs 3,800 kg (8,360 lb). X and Z rapid at 24 m/min (945 ipm).
As delivered it is a two-axis lathe. The turret is a 12-position direct-mount non-driven type and the tailstock has a hydraulic quill of Ø60 mm (Ø2.4 in) with 60 mm (2.4 in) of travel and an MT#4 centre. A live tool turret in BMT or VDI, a C-axis, a C+Y axis and a 2-speed belt-type gearbox are all options, as are a programmable hydraulic tailstock, a bar feeder interface and a parts catcher.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Swing Over Bed | Ø400 mm (Ø15.7 in) |
| Swing Over Cross Slide | Ø330 mm (Ø13 in) |
| Chuck Size | 6 in (152 mm) |
| Bar Capacity | Ø42 mm (Ø1.7 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-5 |
| Spindle Bore | Ø55 mm (Ø2.2 in) |
| Spindle Transmission | One step |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 5.5 / 7.5 kW (7.4 / 10.1 hp) |
| Spindle Bearing Diameter | Ø90 mm (Ø3.5 in) |
| Turret Stations | 12 |
| X Axis Travel | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 600 mm (23.6 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Xz | 24 / 24 m/min (945 / 945 ipm) |
| Tailstock Travel | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Tailstock Quill Travel | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Tailstock Quill Diameter | Ø60 mm (Ø2.4 in) |
| Tailstock Taper Fixed | MT#4 |
| Tailstock Taper Rotary | MT#3 (Opt.) |
| Servo Motor X | 1.6 kW |
| Servo Motor Z | 1.6 kW |
| Saddle Inclination | 30° |
| Machine Weight | 3,800 kg (8,360 lb) |
| Machine Width Height | 1,851 x 1,862 mm (72.9 x 73.3 in) |
| Machine Length | 3,525 mm (138.8 in) |
Specifications sourced from johnford.com.tw — verified 2026-10-04
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 6,000 rpm spindle, the fastest in the SL series
- Ø400 mm (Ø15.7 in) swing over the bed and 600 mm (23.6 in) of Z travel in the smallest model
- Rapid traverse of 24 / 24 m/min (945 / 945 ipm) in X and Z
- Heavy box ways on all axes and a full enclosure with interlocks
- Hydraulic tailstock quill included as standard
Limitations
- 5.5 / 7.5 kW (7.4 / 10.1 hp) spindle motor with a one step transmission
- Bar capacity limited to Ø42 mm (Ø1.7 in) and chuck size to 6 in
- Driven tools, C-axis and Y-axis are options; the standard turret is non-driven
- Programmable tailstock body movement is an option on this size
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Bar capacity is Ø42 mm (Ø1.7 in) through a spindle bore of Ø55 mm (Ø2.2 in). The chuck size is 6 in, and a through hole 3-jaw chuck with one set of hard and soft jaws is a standard accessory.
02
The SL-30 has an 8 in chuck, Ø51 mm (Ø2 in) bar capacity, an A2-6 nose and an 11 / 15 kW (14.8 / 20.1 hp) motor at 4,500 rpm. The SL-20 has a 6 in chuck, an A2-5 nose and 5.5 / 7.5 kW (7.4 / 10.1 hp) at 6,000 rpm. Travels, swing and outer dimensions are the same.
03
Not as standard. The standard turret is a 12-position direct-mount non-driven turret with one set of turning tool holders. A live tool turret in BMT or VDI and a C-axis are optional accessories.
04
Width and height are 1,851 x 1,862 mm (72.9 x 73.3 in), length is 3,525 mm (138.8 in) and weight is 3,800 kg (8,360 lb). The chain type chip conveyor with trolley adds to the floor space needed.
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