Tornos Swiss GT 26

$200,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

Max Turn Length

220 mm (8.66 in) with guide bush

max bar capacity

25.4 mm (1.0 in)

main spindle speed

0 - 10,000 RPM

main spindle power

8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak

counter spindle speed

0 - 10,000 RPM

counter spindle power

8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak

Overview

The Tornos Swiss GT 26 is a high-performance Swiss-type automatic lathe built for shops that need to produce complex turned parts in the 1-26 mm diameter range with tight tolerances and short cycle times. With up to 40 tool positions including 14 driven tools, a programmable B-axis option, and both main and counter spindles running at 10,000 RPM, the GT 26 handles everything from simple screw machine work to multi-featured parts with milling, cross-drilling, and thread whirling in a single setup.

The kinematic design is one of the GT 26's strongest selling points. Tornos uses a modular tooling system that lets shops configure the machine for their specific part mix — you can set up for pure turning production with maximum tool count, or go heavy on driven tools and B-axis work for complex geometries. The B-axis version (GT 26B) adds a true interpolating rotary axis that opens up freeform milling, angled features, and gear-cutting operations that would otherwise require secondary operations.

Both the main and counter spindle share the same 25.4 mm (1 inch) bar capacity, 10,000 RPM speed, and 8.2 kW (11 HP) power rating. The counter spindle handles backworking operations with a 120 mm insertion depth, which is enough for most secondary features. Standard workpiece length with the guide bush is 220 mm (8.66 inches), giving you good reach for longer shaft-type parts.

The Fanuc 31i control is industry-standard and well-supported. Tornos adds their own TISIS connectivity platform on top, which provides real-time process monitoring, remote diagnostics, and production analytics. For shops moving toward Industry 4.0, TISIS is a meaningful differentiator — it lets you track OEE, monitor tool life, and troubleshoot remotely without being tied to the machine.

Pricing for a new Tornos GT 26 typically falls in the $200,000-$350,000 range depending on axis configuration, B-axis option, and tooling package. The B-axis version commands a premium of roughly $30,000-$50,000 over the standard configuration. Used machines from 2015-2021 vintages trade between $75,000 and $175,000 depending on hours and options. The GT 26 competes directly with the Citizen L20, Star SR-20J, and Tsugami SS20 in the 20-26 mm Swiss lathe segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	25.4 mm (1.0 in)
Max Turning Length	220 mm (8.66 in) with guide bush
Main Spindle Speed	0 - 10,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak
Counter Spindle Speed	0 - 10,000 RPM
Counter Spindle Power	8.2 kW (11 HP) / 10.5 kW peak
Counter Spindle Insertion	120 mm (4.72 in)
Number Of Axes	6 linear axes + 2 C-axes (B-axis optional)
Tool Positions	Up to 40 (14 driven tools)
Driven Tool Speed	Up to 12,000 RPM
B Axis	Optional (GT 26B variant)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B with TISIS connectivity
Guide Bush	Standard (guide bush-less operation available)
Bar Feed Compatibility	LNS, FMB, IEMCA standard interfaces

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Up to 40 tool positions with 14 driven tools provides exceptional flexibility for complex multi-feature parts in a single setup
Optional B-axis enables true interpolating freeform milling, angled features, and thread whirling — eliminating secondary operations on complex geometries
Both main and counter spindles deliver 10,000 RPM and 8.2 kW power, ensuring consistent performance for front and back machining operations
TISIS connectivity platform provides real-time OEE tracking, remote diagnostics, and production analytics for Industry 4.0 integration
Modular kinematic design lets shops reconfigure tooling layouts to match changing part mixes without major mechanical changes
220 mm turning length with guide bush handles longer shaft-type parts that many competing Swiss lathes in this class struggle with

Limitations

Price premium of $30,000-$50,000 for the B-axis option adds significant cost — shops doing mostly simple turning may not recoup the investment
Tornos service network in North America is thinner than Star or Citizen, which can mean longer lead times for field service in some regions
At 25.4 mm max bar capacity, the GT 26 tops out where some competitors like the Star SR-32 extend to 32 mm, limiting large-diameter work
Tooling and fixturing costs for the modular system can add up quickly when configuring for complex B-axis applications

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing bone screws, implants, and surgical instruments requiring complex multi-feature machining in a single setup Aerospace shops turning tight-tolerance connectors, fittings, and small shaft components from titanium and exotic alloys High-volume production of complex turned parts in the 1-26 mm diameter range where cycle time and setup flexibility drive profitability Contract manufacturers and job shops needing a versatile Swiss lathe that adapts to varying part complexity with modular tooling configurations Watch and precision instrument manufacturers requiring B-axis milling capability for freeform surfaces and angled features

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What's the difference between the Tornos GT 26 and GT 26B?

The GT 26B adds a true programmable B-axis (interpolating rotary axis) that enables freeform milling, angled drilling, and thread whirling operations. The standard GT 26 uses fixed tool positions. The B-axis version typically costs $30,000-$50,000 more and is worth the investment if your parts require complex angular features or freeform surfaces that would otherwise need secondary operations.

02 How does the Tornos GT 26 compare to the Citizen L20?

Both are top-tier Swiss lathes in the 20-26 mm class. The GT 26 offers more total tool positions (up to 40 vs. typically 30+ on the L20) and the optional B-axis for freeform work. The Citizen L20 has a stronger North American service network and the LFV chip-breaking technology advantage. For pure turning throughput, they're closely matched — the choice often comes down to your dealer relationship and specific tooling requirements.

03 Can the GT 26 run without a guide bush?

Yes. Tornos offers guide bush-less operation on the GT 26, which is useful for shorter parts where the guide bush isn't needed and you want to reduce bar remnant waste. Running without the guide bush also simplifies setup for certain part geometries. Most shops keep the guide bush installed for the majority of work and switch to bush-less mode selectively.

04 What does a used Tornos GT 26 cost?

Used GT 26 machines from 2015-2021 typically trade between $75,000 and $175,000, depending on hours, condition, B-axis option, and included tooling. Machines with the B-axis and low hours command the higher end. A 2014 model with around 1,000 production hours was recently listed at approximately 75,000 EUR. Always verify the guide bush condition and spindle hours when evaluating used Swiss lathes.

05 What control does the Tornos GT 26 use?

The GT 26 runs on a Fanuc 31i-B CNC control, which is the industry standard for high-end Swiss lathes. Tornos layers their proprietary TISIS connectivity platform on top, adding real-time process monitoring, remote diagnostics, and production data analytics. Programmers familiar with Fanuc conversational or G-code programming will feel at home immediately.