Tsugami BW208-II
Key Specifications
max machinable diameter
axes
main spindle speed
back spindle speed
main spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami BW208-II is an 8-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe from the Generation II BW series, machining parts up to 20 mm (0.79 in) diameter. It's the mid-range option in the BW20x-II family, adding one more axis over the 7-axis BW207-II for enhanced simultaneous machining without the full 9-axis configuration of the BW208Z-II.
The 8-axis layout on the BW208-II gives you more overlapping capability than the 7-axis BW207-II. Both the main and back spindles hit 12,000 RPM with a 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) motor — plenty of speed and torque for the materials typically run at 20 mm diameters, including carbon steel, stainless, brass, and aluminum alloys. The machine carries 28 tool positions and runs rapid traverse rates matching the rest of the BW-II family: 24 m/min on Y1/Y3, 15 m/min on Y2, and 12 m/min on X1/X3/Z3.
The Generation II platform includes automatic programming software as standard, which is a genuine workflow improvement for shops running mixed part production. The guide bushing system supports both Swiss-mode and guide-bushless operation, letting you optimize for each part's length-to-diameter ratio.
At 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm and 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs), the BW208-II matches the footprint of the entire BW-II lineup. It's the practical choice for shops that need more than 7 axes for their 20 mm parts but don't want to jump to the full 9-axis programming complexity and cost of the BW208Z-II. The 8-axis sweet spot works well for parts with moderate complexity that benefit from enhanced simultaneous operations.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Machinable Diameter | 3-20 mm (0.12-0.79 in) |
| Axes | 8 axes |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-12,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle Speed | 200-12,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) |
| Tool Positions | 28 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 24 m/min (Y1, Y3); 15 m/min (Y2); 12 m/min (X1, X3, Z3) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (selectable) |
| Machine Weight | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm (79.1 x 59.3 x 68.9 in) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 8-axis configuration adds simultaneous machining capability over the 7-axis BW207-II without 9-axis complexity
- 20 mm bar capacity handles a broad range of medium-diameter turned parts
- 28 tool positions provide more stations than the 24-position BW208Z-II for greater tool variety
- 12,000 RPM dual spindles with 2.2/3.7 kW motor deliver strong performance across common materials
- Generation II automatic programming software reduces setup and programming time
- Compact footprint identical to all BW-II variants simplifies shop layout
Limitations
- No Z-axis on rear tool post limits some simultaneous machining flexibility vs the BW208Z-II
- No live tooling in the base configuration — milled features need the BW209Z-II or secondary operations
- 8-axis programming is still complex compared to traditional 2 or 3-axis Swiss machines
- Premium pricing over the 7-axis BW207-II requires parts complex enough to justify the extra axis
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The BW208-II has 8 axes with 28 tool positions but no Z-axis travel on the rear tool post. The BW208Z-II has 9 axes with 24 tool positions and Z-axis rear post movement. Choose the BW208-II if you need more tool variety and moderate simultaneous capability. Choose the BW208Z-II if maximum 3-path simultaneous control is more important than tool count.
02
For many 20 mm parts, yes. The 8-axis BW208-II covers the vast majority of turning operations with good simultaneous capability. The 9th axis (Z-axis rear post) primarily benefits parts where a third simultaneous path significantly reduces cycle time. Most shops find that 8 axes with 28 tool positions handles their part mix well.
03
The extra axis enables additional overlapping of machining operations. On a 7-axis machine, some operations must wait for another to complete. The 8th axis adds flexibility to schedule more operations in parallel. On complex parts, this can reduce cycle time by 10-20%. On simple parts, the benefit is minimal.
04
Yes, Generation II machines include Tsugami's automatic programming software as standard. This software helps generate programs for common part geometries without requiring full CAM software, particularly useful for simpler parts and quick prototyping.
