Tornos CT 20
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Tool Capacity
Spindle Power
number of linear axes
number of independent tool systems
bar capacity
How much does the Tornos CT 20 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from Tornos. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Tornos CT 20 is a Swiss-type lathe for 20 mm bar, built around 5 linear axes and 2 independent tool systems, with a 10,000 rpm main spindle and 27 tool positions. Main spindle power is listed as 2.2 (3.7) kW. The table does not say what the bracketed figure refers to, so ask Tornos before sizing cuts on the higher number.
On the main side there is room for 6 turning tools of 12 x 12 section and 5 front tools. Cross work is done by rotating tools, 4 at most in the base machine, at up to 8,000 rpm with 1 kW of drive power. Radial drilling is limited to Ø7. Read together, those figures describe light cross drilling and slotting, not heavy milling.
The counter spindle accepts the same 20 mm bar diameter and runs to 8,000 rpm with 1.5 (2.2) kW. Counter-operation has 5 tool positions and all 5 can be rotating, though those run at 4,000 rpm on a 0.75 kW drive. The back slide's rotating tools reach 8,000 rpm and take their drive from the counter spindle motor. The ejector stroke is 80 mm.
Installation is undemanding. The machine is 2,050 mm long, 1,270 mm wide and 1,670 mm high, weighs 2,400 kg and needs a 15 kVA supply at 50 or 60 Hz. The coolant tank holds 210 L and the standard pump is 250 W. The control has 2 channels, one for each tool system.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Linear Axes | 5 |
| Number of Independent Tool Systems | 2 |
| Bar Capacity | 20 mm |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 2.2 (3.7) kW |
| Max Number of Turning Tools | 6 |
| Turning Tool Section | 12 x 12 |
| Max Radial Drilling Diameter | Ø7 |
| Max Number of Front Tools Op Cop | 5 / (5) |
| Cross Rotating Tools | 4 max. (in base) |
| Cross Rotating Tool Speed | 8,000 rpm |
| Cross Drive Power Capacity | 1 kW |
| Counter Spindle Max Bar Diameter | 20 mm |
| Ejector Stroke | 80 mm |
| Counter Spindle Speed Max | 8,000 rpm |
| Counter Spindle Power | 1.5 (2.2) kW |
| Counter Operation Max Number of Tools | 5 |
| Counter Operation Rotating Tools | 5 |
| Counter Operation Rotating Tool Speed | 4,000 rpm |
| Counter Operation Drive Power Capacity | 0.75 kW |
| Back Slide Rotating Tool Speed | 8,000 rpm |
| Back Slide Drive Power Capacity | Counter spindle motor |
| Tool Capacity | 27 |
| Max Length | 2,050 mm |
| Max Width | 1,270 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm |
| Machine Weight | 2,400 kg |
| Electrical Mains | 50 / 60 HZ |
| Power Supply | 15 kVA |
| Coolant Tank Capacity | 210 L |
| Standard Coolant Pump Power | 250 W |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TD, 2 channels |
Specifications sourced from tornos.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 10,000 rpm main spindle and 8,000 rpm counter spindle, both for 20 mm bar
- 27 tool positions across 2 independent tool systems
- Up to 5 rotating tools for counter-operation, plus up to 4 cross rotating tools at 8,000 rpm on the main side
- Small on the floor at 2,050 mm by 1,270 mm, and 2,400 kg
- Light services: a 15 kVA supply and a 210 L coolant tank
Limitations
- Cross drive power is 1 kW and radial drilling stops at Ø7, so cross work is light
- Counter-operation rotating tools run at 4,000 rpm on 0.75 kW, half the speed of the cross tools on the main side
- Main spindle power is listed as 2.2 (3.7) kW, against 8.2 (10.5) kW on the Swiss GT 26
- 27 tool positions, where the Swiss GT 26 has 40
- Bar capacity ends at 20 mm
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Bar capacity is 20 mm on the main spindle, and the counter spindle takes the same 20 mm bar diameter. The main spindle runs to 10,000 rpm with 2.2 (3.7) kW and the counter spindle to 8,000 rpm with 1.5 (2.2) kW.
02
Tool capacity is 27. That includes up to 6 turning tools of 12 x 12 section, up to 4 cross rotating tools in the base machine, 5 front tools for main operation and 5 tools for counter-operation, all of which can be rotating.
03
The cross rotating tools run at up to 8,000 rpm with 1 kW of drive power, and maximum radial drilling is listed as Ø7. Counter-operation rotating tools run at 4,000 rpm with 0.75 kW. Back slide rotating tools reach 8,000 rpm, driven by the counter spindle motor. This is equipment for small holes, slots and flats.
04
The Swiss GT 26 is the larger machine: 23 (25.4) mm bar capacity, 8.2 (10.5) kW and 26 Nm at the spindle, 40 tools and 3550 kg. The CT 20 takes 20 mm bar with 2.2 (3.7) kW, holds 27 tools and weighs 2,400 kg. Both main spindles reach 10,000 rpm.
05
It is 2,050 mm long, 1,270 mm wide and 1,670 mm high, and weighs 2,400 kg. The power supply is 15 kVA at 50 or 60 Hz. The coolant tank holds 210 L, and the standard coolant pump is rated 250 W.
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