Brake Lathes Buying Guide

An extremely common maintenance routine for any vehicle is brake work. Every shop needs to be ready to handle this job at a moment’s notice, and having the proper equipment will go a long way to making sure you are ready to perform without worry. There are many factors to consider when looking for the right brake lathe, a machine that will help you tackle any job that drives up to your door. Read through this brake lathes buying guide and arm yourself with the information you need to make the best choice for your shop and your customers.

1. Consider usability
When it comes to machines, not every product is created equal. Some are easier to use than others, and will help you get work done more quickly and efficiently. Not only will this help you work with less stress, but it will also help you get more work done, which makes for a more successful garage. Brands such as Ammco, Kwik Way, and Snap-On have created lathes specifically targeting operation speed, able to cut automotive drums and rotors in a minute or less. If you run a shop that gets a lot of traffic and you need to turn over many customers on a daily basis, having the equipment to handle such a task is important, and choosing a brake lathe known for speed will give you performance you seek.

2. On car vs. off car
There are two main types of lathes to look at for your garage. On-car models are installed in the same position as the brake caliper, which helps them mimic the movement of the wheel and provide for a more closely calibrated and fine-tuned performance. This means that they provide reliable, high-quality work. Off-car options work by removing the brake and mounting it to the lathe, which can give them a lot more room for variability and inaccurate results if the mechanic is not careful. However, they are easy to use and can be much quicker to complete the job.

3. Cleanup
One of the reasons brake maintenance is a hassle because the lathe needs to be cleaned between each and every use. While machining the rotor, the lathe builds up debris that will throw off the consistency and performance, delivering poor results. Some options are simply easier to clean than others, and you should always consider how intuitive and accessible the lathe you are looking at is. When in doubt, check reviews and guides for a given machine to get a feel for how easy it is to keep clean and effective.

There are many factors to consider when looking for a quality brake lathe for your garage. These machines are designed to help you tackle high volumes of brake work, and the best choice for the job will depend on what your shop needs to get the job done. Consider our brake lathes buying guide to answer your questions.