At Buell Automatics, we’ve heard it all before. “Aren’t Davenport screw machines just relics of the past?” “Isn’t everything CNC now?” While it’s true that newer technologies dominate headlines, dismissing Davenport multi-spindle screw machines as outdated would be a mistake, especially if you need high-volume production done quickly, consistently and cost-effectively.
Since 1966, we’ve specialized in these mechanical workhorses, and here’s the reality: Davenport screw machines still outperform many modern alternatives for specific applications. Let’s break down why manufacturers continue to rely on them and how Buell Automatics keeps them running better than ever.
The Speed You Can’t Beat
One of the biggest advantages of Davenport screw machines? Raw production speed. These machines were built to churn out parts at a pace that still makes single-spindle CNCs struggle to keep up.
Five spindles working at once means five parts are being machined simultaneously. Cycle times can drop to one second per part in high-volume runs.
No programming delays once set up, Davenports run the same job for weeks or even months without needing adjustments. That’s efficiency you won’t get from machines requiring constant reprogramming.
Minimal downtime: Our machines are paired with modern monitoring systems to track tool wear and performance, keeping them humming along with little intervention.
For industries needing thousands of identical parts fast (think automotive fittings, electrical connectors or hydraulic components), Davenports are often the most practical choice.
Built to Last and Upgraded to Compete
Yes, some of our Davenport machines date back to the 1940s. But here’s the twist: age doesn’t mean obsolete.
Meticulously maintained and rebuilt: Every machine in our shop is restored to meet or exceed original specs, with reinforced components for durability.
Modern integrations: While the mechanical core remains unchanged, we’ve added computerized tracking for tool wear, cycle times and production data. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds: vintage reliability with real-time oversight.
Tooling versatility: With attachments for threading, knurling, cross-drilling and more, these machines handle complex geometries without needing secondary operations.
The result? A production line that’s both time-tested and fully capable of meeting today’s demands.
Cost Efficiency That Matters
Let’s talk numbers. For high-volume orders, Davenport screw machines offer incomparable cost savings:
Lower per-part costs: Fewer machine hours and less labor mean hefty savings over single-spindle alternatives.
Reduced scrap rates: Tight tolerances (±0.0005”) and consistent performance reduce waste.
Long-term setups: While initial setup can take from 4 up to 28 hours, once running, these machines produce months’ worth of parts without needing reconfiguration.
For manufacturers who need large batches of parts at a competitive price, Davenports are hard to top.
What We Make and Why It Matters
Walk through Buell’s shop, and you’ll see parts that keep critical industries running:
Bushings and hydraulic fittings that seal perfectly every time.
Electrical connectors with flawless conductivity.
Fasteners that meet exact specs, batch after batch.
These aren’t just widgets. They’re components where consistency is non-negotiable. And because our machines run with minimal variation, our customers get parts that fit, function and perform as expected.
Davenport vs. CNC: The Right Tool for the Job
We’re not saying Davenport screw machines replace CNC lathes. Each has its place:
CNC excels at low-volume, high-complexity jobs requiring frequent design changes.
Davenports dominate high-volume runs where speed and cost efficiency are key.
The takeaway? Legacy doesn’t mean outdated. It means proven. And when paired with Buell’s expertise, these machines deliver results that modern alternatives still can’t match for certain applications.
Ready to See the Difference?
If you need high-volume parts made fast, consistently and without breaking the bank, let’s talk. Buell Automatics has:
45 Davenport machines ready for production, with decades of expertise behind every run.
Material mastery: From aluminum to stainless steel, brass and specialty alloys.
End-to-end support, from prototyping to full-scale production.
Send us your prints or samples and we’ll show you how a machine from the 1930s, fine-tuned for 2025, can give your bottom line a boost.
Call us at (800) 435-0330 or visit our shop in Rochester, NY. Let’s make something great the old-school way.
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