Introduction
Shopping for a CNC horizontal boring mill often comes down to one letter. The FERMAT WFT 15 and WFT 15 L share the same basic architecture, spindle diameter, and control platform. The "L" designation points to a longer work envelope.
That extra travel isn't free. A longer table stroke and taller vertical head can mean more floor space, more foundation work, and a higher price tag before you cut a single chip.
This guide breaks down the verified specifications for both models, where the numbers vary depending on the specific listing or configuration, and how to match the machine to your actual parts. We'll also flag which figures come straight from manufacturer documentation and which should be confirmed on the unit you're quoting.
Key Takeaways
- WFT 15 L roughly doubles X-axis table travel and adds ~20 inches of vertical head travel.
- Spindle diameter (150 mm), spindle travel (800 mm), and 50 hp output are the same on both models.
- Pick the WFT 15 when parts fit its table and you don’t want to pay for unused capacity.
- Go with the WFT 15 L when recurring jobs exceed standard table length or vertical clearance.
- Machine condition, control setup, and included tooling matter as much as the model suffix — verify both before buying.
WFT 15 vs. WFT 15 L: Quick Comparison
Both machines are horizontal, table-type, universal CNC boring mills built by FERMAT, running FANUC controls. The core difference sits in table travel and vertical head clearance, not spindle size or horsepower.
A quick note on the numbers below: published specification sheets for the WFT 15 show X-axis travel figures ranging from 78.7 inches to 118 inches depending on the listing and configuration referenced. Always confirm exact travel figures against the specific machine's documentation before finalizing a purchase.
| Specification | WFT 15 | WFT 15 L |
|---|---|---|
| Spindle diameter | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Spindle travel | 800 mm (31.4 in) | 800.1 mm (31.5 in) |
| X-axis table travel | 78.7–118 in (varies by listing) | 157.5 in (4,000.5 mm) |
| Vertical head (Y-axis) travel | 78 in (1,981.2 mm) | 98.4 in (2,499.4 mm) |
| Table size | approx. 62.9–70.8 in W × 70.8–86.6 in L | 70.9 in W × 102.4 in L |
| Workpiece capacity | Up to 20 tons (40 tons optional) | Up to 20 tons |
| Power | 50 hp (37 kW) | 50 hp |
| Control | CNC (FANUC) | FANUC |
| Availability | Build to Order | New – In-Stock, immediate delivery |
Work Envelope, Travel, and Capacity
The WFT 15's X-axis table travel gives you enough room for most mid-sized housings, fixtures, and general boring work. The WFT 15 L earns its name with a near-doubled table stroke, useful when a part's length won't fit under the standard model's rail.
The WFT 15 L's vertical head travel (98.4 in versus 78 in) also matters for tall parts or tooling that needs extra Y-axis clearance to clear a fixture or reach a deep bore.
Both models are rated for workpieces up to 20 tons in standard configuration. The WFT 15 stands out because FERMAT lists an optional 40-ton capacity upgrade, something not documented for the WFT 15 L in current listings.
Neither model lists a formal swing or diameter rating. Capacity depends more on table size and travel than on a fixed swing figure, so match your part's footprint to the table dimensions directly.
Machine Footprint and Installation
Published data confirms overall dimensions and weight for the WFT 15 (about 186 × 41 × 52 in / 473 × 103 × 131 cm, roughly 8,200 lb / 3,700 kg net), but no equivalent footprint or weight figures are published for the WFT 15 L. Given its longer table and taller head, expect a larger footprint and heavier rigging requirements.
- Request general-arrangement drawings for the exact serial number
- Confirm crane capacity and floor clearance before committing to a delivery date
- Verify foundation and electrical requirements match your facility
Rigidity, Cutting Performance, and Tooling
Longer travel doesn't automatically mean better cutting results. As spindle or ram extension increases, tool overhang grows. Extended toolholders are less rigid, which can cause vibration and hurt finish quality on demanding cuts, as Modern Machine Shop documented in a case involving a shop machining tall, flanged couplings.
Test the actual cut at your required extension rather than assuming more stroke equals better performance. Both WFT models are compatible with a wide range of accessories and automatic milling heads, which can help offset overhang concerns when properly specified.
Cost and Ownership Considerations
Neither model lists a fixed price; both are available on request. What you can compare is availability and condition:
- WFT 15: Build to Order, with flexible travel and tooling options
- WFT 15 L: New and in-stock for immediate delivery
Optional WFT 15 upgrades include a 700 mm ram stroke, 1,500 mm W-axis extension, or 1-meter spindle travel.
Compare the complete package, not just the model name. That means control setup, included tooling, chip management, manuals, and inspection results, not the "L" alone.
What Are the WFT 15 and WFT 15 L?
WFT 15
The WFT 15 is a horizontal, table-type, universal CNC boring, milling, and drilling machine built around a 150 mm spindle. It's the standard-envelope model in FERMAT's WFT line, built to order so you can configure travel, tooling, and control options around your job mix.
Its practical value depends on the full envelope, not the model number alone:
- 800 mm spindle travel and up to 118 in of X-axis table travel (exact travel depends on configuration)
- 78 in of vertical head travel
- 20-ton standard capacity, with an optional 40-ton upgrade
- CNC control with FANUC, compatible with a wide range of milling heads and accessories
A build-to-order model like this generally means simpler foundation planning and a smaller footprint than an extended-travel unit, which helps if your shop floor is already tight. The limitation shows up when parts consistently exceed the table length or vertical clearance, forcing repeated repositioning or outsourcing of larger jobs.
WFT 15 L
The "L" in WFT 15 L reflects a larger work envelope, not a marketing label. Compared to the standard model, it extends X-axis table travel to 157.5 in and adds about 20 inches of vertical head clearance (98.4 in), while keeping the same 150 mm spindle and 50 hp power rating.
That extra reach:
- Lets a longer workpiece stay mounted through more operations
- Reduces the need to reposition or refixture oversized parts
- Improves access for taller fixtures or deeper features
The trade-offs are real. A larger table and taller head generally mean a bigger footprint, heavier shipping weight, and more demanding rigging. Those figures are not published for the WFT 15 L in current listings, so confirm them before you commit floor space.
Important: extra travel doesn't automatically improve accuracy, cycle time, or finish. Those outcomes depend on the machine's condition, tooling setup, and how well the cut is planned at the required extension.
Use Cases of the WFT 15 and WFT 15 L
The standard WFT 15 fits general machining shops, mold and die work, and precision manufacturing where parts sit comfortably within its table and travel limits. Its optional 40-ton capacity also makes it a candidate for heavier single-part jobs that don't require the extended table length.
The WFT 15 L suits operations that regularly handle longer housings, extended shafts, or large fabricated assemblies, including aerospace and heavy manufacturing. The longer envelope can keep oversized work on one setup and open jobs that would otherwise need repositioning or outsourcing.
WFT 15 vs. WFT 15 L: What Is Better?
Neither model wins outright. The right answer depends on your largest realistic part, tolerance and finish needs, production mix, and floor-space budget.
Choose the WFT 15 when:
- Current and near-term jobs fit within its table and travel limits
- You want a build-to-order machine you can configure precisely
- Simpler installation and a smaller footprint matter more than maximum capacity
Choose the WFT 15 L when:
- Recurring parts exceed the WFT 15's table length or vertical clearance
- You need to cut down on repositioning, refixturing, or outsourcing oversized work
- Immediate availability outweighs the flexibility of a build-to-order spec
Compare total cost of ownership, not just the quoted price. Include transport, foundation work, tooling, controls setup, training, and expected maintenance.
Before deciding, build a representative job list: largest length, tallest feature, heaviest part, deepest bore, tool access needs, and expected annual volume. Then run a verification checklist on any used unit under consideration:
- Verify nameplate data and serial number against OEM documentation
- Inspect table condition, way wear, and spindle runout
- Check backlash and axis alignment under power
- Confirm control operation and software version
- Review the lubrication system and included tooling
- Request service records and rebuild history
If you're comparing FERMAT WFT machines or need help reviewing configuration, OEM parts, or installation scope, T.R. Wigglesworth Machinery Company can walk through the specifics with you. Confirm availability of either exact model directly before you commit.
Real-World Buying Scenarios
Three common shop situations show when the standard WFT 15 is enough, and when the L earns its footprint.
Scenario 1: General machining shop with mid-sized parts. If your typical housings and fixtures fit inside the WFT 15's table, the standard model likely reduces installation complexity and avoids paying for travel you won't use.
Scenario 2: Heavy manufacturing or aerospace supplier with long or tall parts. A shop repeatedly handling oversized housings or shafts may find the WFT 15 L's extra table length and vertical clearance justify the added footprint, particularly if it cuts down on refixturing.
Scenario 3: Used-machine purchase where capacity looks appealing. A WFT 15 L with unclear rebuild history, worn ways, or missing tooling can carry more risk than a well-inspected WFT 15, even with less headroom.
KD Auctions' guidance on buying used vertical turning equipment recommends checking table wear, hydraulic condition, and control history before bidding. That same checklist applies just as well to boring mills.
Match the model to measured requirements, not the appeal of extra capacity on paper. If you'd like a configuration review or want to discuss FERMAT parts and support, reach out to T.R. Wigglesworth Machinery Company to talk through your specific job list.
Conclusion
The WFT 15 is the more efficient choice when its verified table and travel limits cover your real production needs: you get a build-to-order machine without paying for reach you won't use.
The WFT 15 L earns its premium when recurring parts genuinely exceed the standard model's envelope, cutting down on repositioning, refixturing, or outsourced work.
Base the final call on:
- Documented specifications
- Complete machine condition
- Installation requirements
- Total cost of ownership
The "L" suffix tells you there's more travel available; it doesn't tell you whether you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the WFT 15 and WFT 15 L?
The WFT 15 L offers more X-axis table travel (157.5 in versus up to 118 in) and about 20 more inches of vertical head clearance. Spindle size, spindle travel, and power output are the same on both models.
Is the WFT 15 L always better than the WFT 15?
No. It's only worth the added footprint and cost when your parts genuinely need the extra table length or vertical clearance. Otherwise, the standard WFT 15 is typically easier to install and better matched to budget.
What should I inspect before buying a used WFT 15 or WFT 15 L?
Check table and way condition, spindle runout, backlash, control operation, lubrication systems, included tooling, and service or rebuild history. Confirm the serial number matches the OEM documentation you're relying on.
How much extra floor space does the WFT 15 L require?
Exact footprint and weight figures aren't published for the WFT 15 L, so this depends on the specific configuration and delivery package. Request general-arrangement drawings and rigging plans before finalizing floor layout.
Can I add extended travel to a standard WFT 15 instead of buying the L model?
FERMAT lists optional configurations for the WFT 15, including a 700 mm (27.6 in) ram stroke and 1,500 mm (59 in) W-axis extension. Confirm with the seller whether these options meet your reach requirements before comparing them to the WFT 15 L.
