Nakamura-Tome SC-300II
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Weight
Spindle Power
Overview
The Nakamura-Tome SC-300II is a multi-axis CNC turning center built for shops that need to complete complex parts in a single setup. With a 12-inch main chuck, 8-inch sub-spindle, Y-axis milling capability, and a 24-position turret, this machine is engineered to eliminate second-op work on parts that would otherwise bounce between a lathe and a mill. Nakamura-Tome has built a reputation for precision and reliability in the Japanese machine tool market, and the SC-300II represents their mid-range multi-tasking platform.
The main spindle delivers 22.4 kW (30 hp) with a maximum speed of 6,000 RPM, while the sub-spindle handles part pickup and back-end machining at comparable speeds. The milling spindle reaches 6,000 RPM with 7.5 kW of power — enough for cross-drilling, milling flats, and cutting keyways without moving the part to a second machine. Y-axis travel of ±60 mm (±2.36 in) enables off-center milling operations that would be impossible on a standard 2-axis lathe.
X-axis stroke is 232.5 mm (9.15 in) and Z-axis stroke is 635 mm (25 in), with a maximum turning diameter of 360 mm (14.17 in). Bar capacity through the spindle is 89 mm (3.5 in), which handles common bar stock sizes for production turning. The 24-position turret (12-station with half-indexing) provides ample tool capacity for complex multi-operation parts. Massive box-way slides on all axes deliver the rigidity needed for interrupted cuts and heavy stock removal.
At approximately 9,000 kg (19,842 lb), the SC-300II is a substantial machine. Nakamura-Tome is distributed in North America through Methods Machine Tools, which provides sales, service, and applications support. The SC-300II competes with machines like the Mazak Quick Turn 250MSY and DMG Mori NLX 2500/700 in the sub-spindle multi-tasking lathe category. New machines typically price in the $250,000-$350,000 range, with used 2018-2020 models trading around $150,000-$200,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 360 mm (14.17 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 635 mm (25 in) |
| Main Chuck Size | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Sub Spindle Chuck Size | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22.4 kW (30 hp) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-8 |
| Bar Capacity | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| X-Axis Travel | 232.5 mm (9.15 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 635 mm (25 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | ±60 mm (±2.36 in) |
| Milling Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Milling Spindle Power | 7.5 kW (10 hp) |
| Turret Stations | 24 positions / 12 stations (half-indexing) |
| Machine Weight | 9,000 kg (19,842 lb) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
Specifications sourced from nakamura-tome.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Sub-spindle and Y-axis milling capability eliminates second-op work, reducing total cycle time and handling on complex parts
- 12-inch main chuck and 89 mm bar capacity handle a wide range of work including larger bar stock and chucked parts
- Box-way construction on all axes provides superior rigidity for interrupted cuts and heavy stock removal
- 24-position turret (12-station half-indexing) provides ample tool capacity for complex multi-operation parts
- Nakamura-Tome's reputation for long-term precision and reliability — these machines hold tolerances for years
- 9,000 kg machine weight delivers vibration damping that lighter linear-way competitors can't match
Limitations
- Price point of $250K-$350K is significantly higher than simpler 2-axis lathes — requires multi-tasking workload to justify
- 6,000 RPM main spindle is adequate but not class-leading; competitors like the Mazak QT-250MSY offer higher speeds
- Nakamura-Tome parts and service through Methods Machine Tools may have longer lead times than Haas or Mazak direct networks
- Milling spindle at 7.5 kW is adequate for secondary operations but not a replacement for a full VMC on heavy milling work
- Complex multi-axis programming requires skilled operators and capable CAM software — not a beginner's machine
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New SC-300II machines typically price between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on configuration and options. Used 2018-2020 models trade in the $150,000-$200,000 range. The price reflects the multi-axis capability with sub-spindle, Y-axis, and live tooling.
02
Both are multi-axis turning centers with sub-spindle and Y-axis milling. The Nakamura-Tome is known for box-way rigidity and long-term precision retention, while the Mazak offers the SmoothG control and a broader dealer network. The SC-300II has a larger 12-inch chuck versus the Mazak's 10-inch, giving it more capacity for larger workpieces.
03
The SC-300II runs on a Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control, which is industry-standard and widely supported. Most CAM software generates code for Fanuc controls without issue, and most operators have Fanuc experience.
04
For many parts, yes. The sub-spindle, Y-axis, and live tooling let you complete complex parts in a single setup. However, the 7.5 kW milling spindle has limits — if your parts require heavy milling operations, you may still need a dedicated VMC for those jobs.
Videos
Nakamura-Tome Global
The Engineering Technology Group Limited
PRIMEMACHINERY
Insinööritoimisto Ismo Lindberg Oy
MTDCNC
Community Discussions
Community discussion — Nakamura Tome SC-300 1996 - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — Nakamura SC-300 Turret only manually indexes at X-home position
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — turret crash Nakamura lathe | Page 2 ...
Community discussion — Nakamura-TOME Chip breaking - Practical Machinist
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.




