Lathe Repair in Minneapolis, MN

Person using calipers to measure a metal part on a lathe. Workshop setting.
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Precision Lathe Repair and Rebuild Services

A lathe is the backbone of most machine shops—essential for turning, threading, and finishing. When accuracy starts to drift or a critical component fails, production slows and quality suffers. That’s where C & C Machine Tool Inc. steps in.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we specialize in manual lathe repair, maintenance, and alignment for a wide range of models and brands. Our technicians combine decades of hands-on experience with precise metrology tools to restore machines to original or better-than-factory condition.

From headstock bearing replacements to complete rebuilds, we ensure your lathe runs smoothly, safely, and accurately—so you can maintain productivity without compromise.

Why Professional Lathe Repair Matters

Lathes operate under constant stress. Over time, vibration, heat, and wear can create small misalignments or internal damage that lead to poor finishes, chatter, tapering, or uneven cuts. Unaddressed, these issues cause premature part failure, wasted material, and operator frustration.

Professional lathe service ensures:

  • Consistent accuracy and surface finish

  • Longer spindle and bearing life

  • Reduced vibration and noise

  • Improved safety and reliability

  • Lower maintenance costs over time

Every lathe we service undergoes a systematic inspection and precision realignment to restore factory geometry and spindle performance.

Common Lathe Problems We Repair

Our technicians have successfully repaired thousands of lathes across Minnesota, resolving a wide range of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues, including:

  • Headstock bearing and spindle wear

  • Gearbox and feed gearbox failures

  • Cross slide, carriage, and bed way wear

  • Tailstock misalignment and quill issues

  • Electrical control faults

  • Power feed malfunctions

  • Lead screw, nut, and clutch wear

  • Coolant system leaks or failures

  • Threading or feed gear problems

  • Chatter, taper, or finish inconsistencies

We service both standard and precision engine lathes, toolroom lathes, and specialized manual turning machines.

Our Lathe Repair Process

Inspection & Evaluation

We begin with a complete mechanical and electrical evaluation, measuring runout, backlash, and alignment to determine the extent of wear or failure.

Quotation & Recommendation

After identifying the cause, we provide a detailed quote outlining repair options, timelines, and any replacement parts required.

Repair & Restoration

Our technicians replace bearings, gears, shafts, and bushings as needed. Bedways are inspected for wear, and we correct geometric alignment through scraping, shimming, or regrinding as necessary.

Electrical & Control Testing

 For machines with power feeds or electronic components, we test wiring, motors, and DRO systems to ensure full operational safety.

Testing & Verification

After repairs, we conduct full test cuts to confirm proper performance and tolerance. The machine is cleaned, lubricated, and ready for return to production.

Lathe Brands We Service and Support

C & C Machine Tool Inc. works with many major and legacy brands, including:

  • Sharp

  • Acer

  • Kent USA

  • Hardinge

  • Clausing

  • LeBlond Ltd

  • Acra

  • Scotchman

  • Kent International

  • Other legacy manual models

Whether you’re maintaining an older LeBlond lathe or a newer Sharp manual model, our technicians have the experience and resources to restore it to optimal condition.

Additional Services for Lathe Performance

Beyond standard repair work, we provide additional services designed to maximize your machine’s life and productivity:

Services include:

  • Precision alignment and leveling

  • DRO installation and calibration

  • Spindle balancing and vibration correction

  • Lubrication system upgrades

  • Coolant management and pump replacement

  • Preventative maintenance scheduling

  • Operator training and maintenance instruction

These value-added services help customers improve machine performance and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime.

 Industries We Serve

  • Job and tool shops

  • Custom fabrication companies

  • Automotive and aerospace maintenance

  • Metal component production

  • Industrial maintenance facilities

  • Technical schools and training centers

We understand the needs of high-precision operations and tailor our services accordingly to meet each client’s production standards.

Our lathe repair services support manufacturers and machine shops across multiple sectors:

FAQs

  • Do you repair both manual and semi-automatic lathes?

    Yes. We primarily specialize in manual and conventional lathes but also service semi-automatic units with electrical feed and control systems.

  • Can you rebuild worn bedways?

    Yes. We can regrind, rescrape, or realign ways to restore proper geometry and eliminate taper.

  • How often should a lathe be serviced?

    That depends on usage. Heavy production machines should be inspected quarterly, while low-volume units typically benefit from annual alignment and lubrication checks.

  • Can you install digital readouts on existing lathes?

    Absolutely. We offer Acu-Rite DRO installations and calibration for all major manual lathe brands.

  • Do you offer on-site repairs?

    Yes. We perform both in-shop and on-site repairs depending on machine size and job complexity.

Contact Us

Keep your lathe running at peak precision with C & C Machine Tool Inc. Contact us today to schedule inspection or service:

Whether your machine needs a quick bearing replacement or a full mechanical rebuild, our team provides expert lathe repair services in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota—delivering performance you can measure and reliability you can trust.