A Boxford Lathe with More Than 50 Years of History

29 Jun '26

One of the most rewarding things about the Boxford story is hearing from customers whose machines have truly stood the test of time. Recently, a conversation in the SLM Model Engineers provided a wonderful reminder of what makes Boxford machines so special.

The engineer said:

“Still use my Boxford lathe…. No idea how old it is 😂”

A simple comment, but one that speaks volumes. Many Boxford owners know exactly what that means, a machine that has been part of the workshop for so long that its age becomes almost impossible to track, yet it continues to perform reliably whenever it’s needed.

The conversation didn’t stop there. Reflecting on their experience with Boxford, the same engineer added:

“My lathe was the first machine I ever used…. I still have the first part I made on it over 50 years ago 😂

That single sentence captures something truly special. A Boxford lathe wasn’t just another machine in the workshop; it was the starting point of a lifelong engineering journey. Even more remarkable is the fact that both the lathe and the very first component produced on it are still around more than half a century later.

Stories like these are exactly why Boxford has earned such a loyal following over the generations.

More recently, same the engineer shared:

“Used the little Boxford last evening… on wire brushing duties on a plumbing job!”

While it may seem like an everyday workshop task, it perfectly highlights something we’ve always been proud of, Boxford machines are built to be used, relied upon, and kept working for decades. Whether they’re producing precision-engineered components, supporting restoration projects, helping model engineers bring ideas to life, or simply lending a hand with a practical job around the workshop, these machines continue to prove their versatility.

We’d love to hear your Boxford story. Do you still own a classic Boxford machine? What was the first project you completed on it, and is it still in use today?

Contact us to discuss how a Boxford machine could improve your workshop!