Hardinge Talent 51

New Hardinge Talent 51 machines price between $120,000 and $180,000 depending on options. A base 2-axis turning machine starts around $120,000. Adding live tooling ($15,000-$25,000), C-axis ($10,000-$15,000), Y-axis ($20,000-$30,000), and bar feeder ($15,000-$25,000) pushes toward $180,000. Used Talent 51 units from 2015-2022 trade between $55,000 and $100,000, offering excellent precision turning value on the secondary market.

The Haas ST-20Y offers more spindle power (15.7 kW vs 11 kW), larger bar capacity (57 mm vs 51 mm), and a lower starting price. However, the Hardinge Talent 51 delivers superior spindle precision with TIR under 0.003 mm and tighter positioning repeatability. For parts requiring ±0.005 mm tolerances, the Talent 51 can often hold tolerance without secondary operations that the Haas may require. Choose the Haas for general-purpose turning with more power; choose the Hardinge for precision work where spindle accuracy matters most.

The Talent 51 offers both VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) and BMT (Base Mount Tooling) turret options. BMT is the preferred option for precision work as it provides a flat-bottom bolted mounting that is inherently more rigid than VDI's serrated clamping. BMT tools are also faster to set up and more repeatable when removed and reinstalled. Both systems support static and live tooling with driven tools for milling, drilling, and tapping operations.

Yes, with the optional C-axis and live tooling, the Talent 51 can perform milling, cross-drilling, hexagon machining, and polar interpolation. Adding the optional Y-axis enables true off-center milling and drilling for features like flats, keyways, and eccentric holes. While not a full mill-turn machining center, these capabilities eliminate many secondary milling operations for parts that are primarily turned with minor milled features.

Hardinge's cartridge spindle bearing design uses matched, precision-ground angular contact bearings in a thermally stable preloaded assembly that delivers TIR under 0.003 mm at the spindle nose. This is significantly better than economy CNC lathes (which may have 0.008-0.015 mm TIR) and competitive with premium Japanese turning centers. The practical impact is that parts turned on the Talent 51 have better roundness, concentricity, and surface finish without requiring the operator skill and process optimization needed on less precise machines.

A bar feeder is strongly recommended for production work. The 51 mm bar capacity matches standard bar stock sizes for medical, aerospace, and hydraulic components. Magazine-type bar feeders from LNS, IEMCA, or FMB integrate seamlessly with the FANUC control for unattended bar-fed production. The bar feeder investment ($15,000-$25,000) typically pays for itself within 6-12 months through increased machine utilization and reduced operator intervention for bar loading.