The Specialmatic lathe was developed in the late 50’s and early 60’s, as an alternative to the early numerical control machines on the market. It eliminated the need for formal programming and the punched tapes necessary to run a machine. Instead, the Specialmatic lathe was equipped with a sophisticated (for the time) electro-hydraulic feedback system for each of its three axes. Control of these three axes was done thru the front mounted operators panel using a series of “Positioning Dials” for each slide axis. A competent operator could basically program the machine using these dials to set feed rates and slide endpoints. No external tapes (or programming personnel) were necessary. The machine was capable of repeating slide motions within .0005″ once the final endpoints had been determined. A separate “Program Wheel” was used to set up the sequence of commands necessary for an automatic cycle, using metal “keys” inserted in the appropriate slots. The machine “read” the prepunched holes in these keys and initiated the command to the particular positioning dial.

The Specialmatic lathe was basically a J&L ATL (Automatic Turret Lathe) that had been enhanced with the necessary items to make it easier to operate, setup, and run. The slides could be programmed to allow for quicker movements between positioning and actual metal cutting, thereby increasing productivity. Setup time was reduced compared to a standard lathe, which allowed the customer more flexibility. No special tooling was needed, the machine used standard off-the-shelf  tools.

The lathe was equipped with two slides, one with a hex turret for end work (called the saddle), and a narrow cross slide with one or two square turrets (front and back). The saddle had one axis, and rode on the bed rails toward and away from the spindle. The cross slide was equipped with two axes, to allow both facing and plunging cuts and turning type cuts. So basically it was a three-axes machine.

As with any of the J&L lathes, an optional barfeed unit was available for those customers who machined their parts from barstock. In this instance, the hex end turret would be equipped with a combination stock stop and cutoff / catch fixture.

I’m not sure how many of these machines were built; the initial development involved an outside firm by the name of Specialties, Inc. based on Long Island, New York. The first prototype machines were shipped to them for fitting, and J&L personnel assisted with the hydraulic and electrical systems deemed necessary for the job. All subsequent machines were built here in Springfield. As numerical control technology evolved, these machines became obsolete.