Nakamura-Tome SC-300L
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
Accuracy
max chuck diameter
max turning diameter
Overview
The Nakamura-Tome SC-300L is a large-capacity slant-bed CNC turning center designed for precision turning of medium-to-large diameter workpieces in demanding industrial applications. The SC series represents Nakamura-Tome's conventional turning center lineup — single-spindle machines optimized for accuracy, thermal stability, and surface finish rather than the multi-tasking complexity of the NTJ and NTX series. The SC-300L is the larger variant in the SC range, accommodating chuck work up to 380 mm (15 in) diameter and shaft work to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) between centers.
The 45-degree slant-bed construction provides excellent chip fall and coolant drainage while keeping the operator interface close and ergonomic. The spindle is rated at 22 kW (30 hp) with a maximum speed of 3,500 RPM and an A2-8 spindle nose, suitable for 12-inch chucks and large face drivers. A 12-station turret with live tooling options allows milling, drilling, and tapping operations to be performed without dedicated live-tool setups, making the SC-300L capable of done-in-one machining for parts that don't require Y-axis or B-axis capability.
Nakamura-Tome's build quality emphasis is evident in the SC-300L's Meehanite cast iron base with extensive ribbing, hand-scraped mating surfaces on critical joints, and high-precision ballscrews with C3-grade preloaded bearings. These construction details translate to long-term accuracy retention that helps justify the SC-300L's premium over Korean and Taiwanese alternatives. Thermal compensation corrects for spindle and structural heat expansion throughout the production shift.
The SC-300L competes against the DMG Mori NLX 3000, Okuma LB4000 EX II, and Mazak Quick Turn Nexus 450-II in the large-diameter precision lathe category. It is typically priced between $200,000 and $320,000 depending on live tooling package, bar capacity, and accessory options. Methods Machine Tools supports the SC-300L across North America with applications engineering and service.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Chuck Diameter | 380 mm (15 in) — 12-inch chuck standard |
| Max Turning Diameter | 620 mm (24.4 in) over cross slide |
| Max Turning Length | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) between centers |
| Max Bar Capacity | 91 mm (3.58 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,500 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22 kW (30 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 1,432 Nm (1,056 ft-lb) peak |
| Spindle Nose | A2-8 |
| Turret Stations | 12 stations (live tooling optional) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 32i-B |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.004 mm |
| Machine Weight | 9,000 kg (19,842 lb) approx. |
Specifications sourced from nakamura-tome.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Large 620 mm swing over cross slide handles substantial chuck work including flanges, hubs, bearing housings, and pump bodies that smaller lathes cannot accommodate
- 22 kW spindle with 1,432 Nm peak torque delivers aggressive roughing capability in steel, cast iron, and stainless steel at heavy depths of cut
- Meehanite cast iron base with hand-scraped joints and C3-grade ballscrews provides long-term geometric accuracy retention well beyond the warranty period
- Thermal displacement compensation maintains dimensional accuracy throughout shifts without requiring warm-up cuts or manual offset adjustments
Limitations
- No Y-axis travel means eccentric milling and off-center drilling require a separate machining center setup — the SC-300L is a turning specialist, not a mill-turn machine
- $200,000-$320,000 pricing positions it significantly above Korean and Taiwanese large lathes that offer similar capacity at lower initial cost
- 3,500 RPM maximum spindle speed limits finishing feed rates on smaller diameter features that would benefit from higher surface speeds
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Yes, live tooling is available as an option on the SC-300L turret, enabling milling, drilling, and tapping at programmed positions around the part. C-axis indexing and contouring are supported with the live-tool option, allowing cross-drilling, keyway milling, and angular drilling. However, without Y-axis travel, all milling must be on or through the spindle centerline.
02
The SC-300L is the long-bed variant of the SC-300, extending turning length from roughly 600 mm to 1,000 mm between centers. This makes the SC-300L suitable for shaft work — long shafts, spindles, and hydraulic cylinder rods — in addition to the chuck work that the standard SC-300 handles. The L suffix is Nakamura-Tome's designation for extended-bed machines.
03
Both are precision large-diameter slant-bed lathes targeting similar applications. The Okuma LB4000 EX II benefits from Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept thermal compensation and the extensive Okuma service network across North America. The Nakamura-Tome SC-300L counters with comparable build quality, Nakamura-Tome's turning-specialist heritage, and competitive pricing through Methods Machine Tools. For shops with existing Okuma relationships, the LB4000 EX II is a natural choice; new buyers should compare total cost of ownership including service access.
04
The SC-300L accommodates remnant-length manual bar loaders as well as full-length (3 m and 3.5 m) magazine bar feeders from LNS, IEMCA, and Hyper stock. With a 91 mm bar passage, the SC-300L can run a wider range of bar diameters than most mid-size lathes, making it practical for both small-batch and medium-volume bar production.
05
Methods Machine Tools provides warranty service for Nakamura-Tome machines in North America, typically a 1-year parts and labor warranty with service from Methods technology centers. Extended service agreements are available. Methods stocks common wear parts and consumables for the SC series and provides phone-based applications support for programming and setup questions.
Videos
The Engineering Technology Group Limited
MTDCNC
Insinööritoimisto Ismo Lindberg Oy
The Engineering Technology Group Limited
Mach4Metal
Community Discussions
Community discussion — Nakamura Tome SC-300 1996 - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — Nakamura SC-300 Turret only manually indexes at X-home position
Community discussion — Nakamura-TOME Chip breaking - Practical Machinist
Community discussion — Turret Realignment - Practical Machinist
Owner experience and review — New machine choices : r/Machinists - Reddit
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — First time running a program/cutting air on my “new” ‘96 ...what mini mills do you guys recommend? : r/Machinists - Reddit304 Stainless, what the hell am I doing wrong? - RedditNakamura Mill/Turn issues : r/Machinists - Reddit
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Nakamura Mill/Turn issues : r/Machinists - Reddit
Options and configuration advice — Small Twin Spindle Lathe : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
