In article . com,
says...

The second number is the maximum length of workpiece that can be held
between centers, one on the headstock and one on the tailstock, like on
a wood lathe.

This is actually incorrect, at least in the US.

"Swing" is max diameter able to turned over the ways.

"Bed length" is defined as the *total* length of the bed.

In the UK it's swing radius X bed length between centers.

Jim


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