Schaublin 70 Plain Toolmakers Lathe From the 1974 general catalogue   For most horologists the Schaublin 70 is the ultimate machine tool. The Schaublin 70 was supplied in three basic versions: tool-room lathe (TO 70) second operation machine with lever carriage and tailstock (TL70) turret lathe (TR70) All machines feature a centre height of 70mm with a distance between centres varying between 210mm and 315mm. The tool-room version (TO70) is the machine required by the horologist or instrument maker since it employs draw back W12 collets and has a screw operated carriage and tailstock (this employs Schaublin's own 2 degree taper). The other two versions of the lathe are production machines and more than often employ an F type push to close collet system which isn't really suitable for tool-room type work. The tool-room version of the Schaublin 70 is an extremely versatile machine with an enormous number of accessories available. The carriage and tailstock have a silky smooth feel when in good condition due to very accurate machining and ball bearing pillow blocks for the feed screws. The Schaublin 70 can easily be turned into a small sensitive milling machine, wheel and pinion cutter or cylindrical grinder (see accessories). These machines are quite difficult to come by and command high prices on the second hand market especially when well equipped. Like the 102, the Schaublin 70 is available in bench or cabinet mounted versions. The one piece cast iron cabinet is very heavy and cabinet mounted 70s weigh in at 320 Kg compared to 27Kg for bench mounted machines. I personally find the 70 a little small for clock work and prefer the 102. Photograph of a bench mounted Schaublin 70 refurbished by AST   I am always interested in purchasing Schaublin 70s