How CNC Lathes Help Small Workshops Reduce Labor Costs

Last week, our engineer visited a customer’s workshop in Chile to install and commission a TopMade CK6180 CNC lathe. This was the customer’s second purchase from us. He bought a conventional lathe the first time, but as his business grew, he decided to upgrade to CNC equipment. During the installation, he shared with us that it had become increasingly difficult to find skilled operators, and his existing staff were becoming exhausted from repetitive manual machining. That pushed him to consider whether replacing conventional machines with CNC machines could improve the situation.

Below, we break down how CNC lathes can help small workshops effectively lower labor costs and increase output.

Why Are Labor Costs Rising?

• Skilled operators are limited and production can’t keep up

Although the customer had more orders coming in, only three workers were capable of operating conventional lathes. Daily output was too low, deadlines were often delayed, and some jobs were even lost due to long lead times.

• Manual operations increase workload and waste time

Traditional turning requires frequent manual loading/unloading, measurement, and adjustments. Repeated handling and waiting time not only slow down production but also add unnecessary strain on workers.

• Overtime pay increases, but productivity doesn’t

Even with overtime, the production efficiency of conventional lathes doesn’t improve much. Labor expenses rise, while the output remains limited by the machine’s capabilities.

• Fatigue leads to more defects and rework

Continuous overtime affects machining quality. Defective parts require rework, further delaying deliveries and increasing hidden costs.

What Improvements Come After Switching to a CNC Lathe?

• One operator can handle multiple machines

CNC lathes are easier to learn and operate than conventional lathes. Once the machining program and parameters are set, the machine runs automatically with consistent accuracy.A single CNC operator can manage 2–4 machines at the same time, significantly boosting productivity.

• Less manual intervention and better use of manpower

CNC turning features automatic tool movement, automatic cycles, and stable repeatability. No frequent stops or manual adjustments are required.
Workers can focus on higher-value tasks instead of constant machine handling.

• Lower defect rate and fewer reworks

CNC machines offer stable positioning and repeatability, which greatly reduce defect rates.
Fewer reworks mean fewer delays—and fewer hidden costs.

• Continuous operation reduces overtime expenses

One of the biggest advantages of CNC equipment is the ability to run continuously, including overnight runs.
This allows workshops to maintain steady production without paying additional overtime or night-shift labor.

• Easy to integrate with automation for further improvement

Many customers upgrade their CNC machines with bar feeders, robots, and other automation accessories.
Traditional lathes lack this scalability, so efficiency improvement remains limited.

The Key Question for Small Workshops: Investment vs. Return

The Chilean customer estimated that his CNC lathe would pay for itself within six months, based on his workload and labor savings.
A customer in the Philippines faced local weather and political disruptions, yet still achieved ROI in about 15 months.

Compared with rising labor costs, the cost of a CNC machine is predictable and easier to control.
For small workshops, having fewer workers also makes management more straightforward and efficient.

As the industry moves toward smarter manufacturing, CNC machines have become a trend—even for small and medium-sized factories.

Why Choose TopMade?

TopMade provides a full range of CNC equipment, including:

• Flat-bed CNC lathes: CK6150, CK6180
• Vertical machining centers: VMC850L, VMC1580L
• Slant-bed CNC lathes: TCK series

These machines are designed with stable structures, suitable for long-hour operation. Programming is easy to learn, and operators typically master the basics within about one week. We also offer remote commissioning and after-sales support.

For customers planning to automate, we can design customized automation solutions, including robotic loading/unloading and bar-feeding systems.

For small workshops, CNC machines are one of the most effective ways to:

• Reduce labor costs
• Increase output
• Improve quality and consistency
• Shorten delivery times

If you’re facing challenges such as limited manpower, high labor expenses, or increasing workloads, feel free to contact TopMade for machine recommendations and machining evaluations tailored to your factory.