For over six decades, Babin Machine Tool has been assisting machinists across the country to rebuild, retrofit, and reimagine the legendary Hardinge HLV-H lathe. Today, the company continues that tradition while offering cutting-edge CNC retrofit packages using Centroid controls and Yaskawa servos-bringing new life to the toolroom lathes.
"Our goal is to give customers a precise, dependable machine that feels like a new Hardinge, but with modern digital capabilities," said Paul Babin. "It is not all about cosmetics-it is about performance."
The rebuild process begins with a thorough mechanical overhaul:
- The machine is fully disassembled and cleaned.
- All wear surfaces are inspected and rebuilt as necessary.
- Gibs and bearing surfaces are hand-scraped to restore precision.
- The headstock, tailstock, and carriage are aligned to tight factory tolerances.
- A full Centroid CNC system is integrated with Yaskawa AC servos and digital spindle control.
- Manual mode is preserved using a "crank-by-wire" system, giving machinists the tactile feel while benefiting from modern CNC accuracy.
The retrofit-only package (no rebuilding) gives shops a cost-effective way to get a reliable, high-precision toolroom lathe with modern CNC capabilities without the expense of buying new or undergoing a full cosmetic restoration.
For customers who want the full showroom appearance, Babin Machine Tool also offers complete cosmetic restorations, including repainting, refinishing of the castings, dovetail bedplate, and much more.
In addition to rebuilds, Babin designs and builds custom CNC machines tailored for unique applications in R&D labs, small-part manufacturing, and other specialized environments. Recent builds have included machines for government labs and high-mix production environments with unusual footprint or control requirements.
"Whether you are looking to revive a tired Hardinge HLV-H, modernize your prototyping capabilities, or build a CNC lathe for a specialized application, Babin Machine Tool brings deep experience, mechanical craftsmanship, and modern control expertise to every project," said Babin.
For more information contact:
Babin Machine Tool
231 Lawn Road
Palmyra, PA 17078
617-696-5339
sales@babinmachinesales.com
www.babinmachinesales.com