Tsugami BW129Z-II
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Tool Capacity
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
max machining diameter
sub spindle speed
How much does the Tsugami BW129Z-II cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from Tsugami. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
Nine axes and 28 standard tools make the Tsugami BW129Z-II one of the two best-equipped 12 mm (0.47 in) BW lathes. Its twin, the BW129Z-I, shares every listed figure but one, and that one is the Z3 stroke: 5 mm (0.20 in) here, 60 mm (2.36 in) there.
So the case for this model rests on the Y2 axis and the tool count more than on the third Z. Y2, listed at 15 m/min, gives the second tool group a Y stroke for off-centre milling, flats and cross holes. The 5 mm Z3 is a positioning and short-cut axis; a part that needs a deep axial hole from the third group belongs on the BW129Z-I instead.
Against the eight-axis BW128-II, which also has Y2 and 28 tools, the BW129Z-II adds the short Z3 and keeps the same 2,900 kg (6,393 lb) weight. Floor space is unchanged across the range at 2,010 × 1,505 × 1,750 mm (79.1 × 59.3 × 68.9 in).
The spindles are the 12 mm family's: a main spindle to 12,000 rpm (rated 10,000 rpm) and a back spindle to 12,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm), both 1.5/2.2 kW. Rapids are 32 m/min on Z1, X2 and Z2, 24 m/min on Y1 and Y3, and 12 m/min on X1, X3 and Z3.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Machining Diameter | 12 mm (0.47 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm (rated 10,000 rpm) |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm) |
| Tool Capacity | 28 (standard) |
| Z3 Stroke | 5 mm (0.20 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min (Z1, X2, Z2), 24 m/min (Y1, Y3), 15 m/min (Y2), 12 m/min (X1, X3, Z3) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 1.5/2.2 kW |
| Sub Spindle Power | 1.5/2.2 kW |
| Floor Space Required | 2,010 × 1,505 × 1,750 mm (79.1 × 59.3 × 68.9 in) |
| Machine Weight | 2,900 kg (6,393 lb) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Y2 axis at 15 m/min for off-centre work from the second tool group
- 28 tools as standard, against 24 on the BW127-II and both BW128Z models
- Nine listed axes in a 2,010 × 1,505 × 1,750 mm (79.1 × 59.3 × 68.9 in) footprint
- 12,000 rpm main and back spindles for bar up to 12 mm (0.47 in), each rated 1.5/2.2 kW
Limitations
- Z3 stroke is only 5 mm (0.20 in); the BW129Z-I has 60 mm (2.36 in)
- 12 mm (0.47 in) bar limit
- Spindles rated 1.5/2.2 kW limit heavy cuts
- X1, X3 and Z3 rapid at 12 m/min, well under the 32 m/min of Z1, X2 and Z2
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Decide by the axial work on the third tool group. The BW129Z-I gives 60 mm (2.36 in) of Z3 stroke, enough for drilling along the axis. The BW129Z-II gives 5 mm (0.20 in), enough to position a tool and take a shallow cut. Nothing else in the two tables differs.
02
A Z3 axis with 5 mm (0.20 in) of stroke, moving at 12 m/min. Both have the Y2 axis at 15 m/min, 28 tools as standard and a weight of 2,900 kg (6,393 lb), so the choice comes down to whether the third group needs any Z motion.
03
X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, X3, Y3 and Z3. The rapid traverse row gives 32 m/min for Z1, X2 and Z2, 24 m/min for Y1 and Y3, 15 m/min for Y2 and 12 m/min for X1, X3 and Z3.
04
Main spindle: 12,000 rpm maximum, 10,000 rpm rated, 1.5/2.2 kW. Back spindle: 12,000 rpm maximum, 8,000 rpm rated, 1.5/2.2 kW. With equal power front and back, the cut-off end can be machined about as hard as the front.
