SEO Link List

automotive & industrial

Brake Tools

Bumper Stickers, Decals & Magnets

Bumpers & Bumper Accessories

Cleaning & Maintenance

Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools

Engine Tools

Exterior

Exterior Care

Finishing

Gaskets

Glass Care

Hood Scoops & Vents

Horns & Accessories

Ignition & Electrical

Interior

Interior Care

Jump Starters, Battery Chargers & Portable Power

Lighting & Electrical

Mirrors & Parts

Plumbing

Pullers

Running Boards & Steps

Safety

Shocks, Struts & Suspension

Snow & Ice

Steering & Suspension Tools

Thread Repair Kits

Tires

Tools & Equipment

Towing Products & Winches

Trailer Accessories

Truck Bed & Tailgate Accessories

baby products

Activity & Entertainment

Apparel & Accessories

Baby & Toddler Toys

Baby Care

Car Seats & Accessories

Diapering

Feeding

Gifts

Nursery

Potty Training

Safety

Strollers & Accessories

Travel Gear

beauty & personal care

Foot, Hand & Nail Care

Hair Care

Makeup

Personal Care

electronics

Camera & Photo

Car & Vehicle Electronics

Cell Phones & Accessories

Computers & Accessories

Home Audio

Household Batteries, Chargers & Accessories

Television & Video

Video Game Consoles & Accessories

Wearable Technology

health & household

Baby & Child Care

Health Care

House Supplies

Oral Care

Personal Care

Sexual Wellness

Sports Nutrition

Wellness & Relaxation

home & kitchen

Bath

Bedding

Heating, Cooling & Air Quality

Kitchen & Dining

Lighting & Ceiling Fans

Seasonal Decor

Storage & Organization

Vacuums & Floor Care

office products

Educational Supplies

Office & School Supplies

patio, lawn & garden

Gardening & Lawn Care

Outdoor Decor

Outdoor Heating & Cooling

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Power Tools

Patio Furniture & Accessories

Pest Control

pet supplies

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish & Aquatic Pets

Horses

Reptiles & Amphibians

toys & games

Arts & Crafts

Collectible Toys

Dolls & Accessories

Dress Up & Pretend Play

Games & Accessories

Kids' Electronics

Puppets & Puppet Theaters

Puzzles

Remote & App Controlled Vehicles & Parts

Sports & Outdoor Play

Stuffed Animals & Plush Toys

Tricycles, Scooters & Wagons

Vehicles

Ammco 3101 1" Brake Lathe Arbor

Curated from 52 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 24, 2025

Ammco 3101 1" Brake Lathe Arbor

Brand: Ammco
Price: $342
Snoop Score:
3.9
Sentiment
8.6
Popularity
8.5
Technical
0.8

Snoop's Take

The Ammco 3101 1" Brake Lathe Arbor is a specialized tool designed to replace arbors on various Ammco model lathes, allowing for effective rotor and drum turning. This product is made in the USA and boasts a 100 lb. capacity, providing users with the ability to achieve quality machining results efficiently. Consumer feedback highlights several strengths of the Ammco 3101, emphasizing its adjustable features that enhance the rotor turning experience. Users have remarked, "Being able to adjust a ton of different aspects makes turning rotors fun for me," showcasing a sense of enjoyment in using the tool. Additionally, many appreciate the quality cutting tips that improve performance, leading to an efficient rotor cutting process that takes less than 10 minutes per rotor. However, some users have pointed out the high cost of rotor replacement as a drawback, noting that it can be similar to lathe labor costs. Overall, the Ammco 3101 1" Brake Lathe Arbor is recommended for those in need of a reliable tool for brake jobs, especially given the positive sentiments regarding its performance and usability. While the initial investment may be high, the potential for cost savings on brake jobs and the enjoyment of using the tool make it a worthwhile addition for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Brake Lathes

Being able to adjust a ton of different aspects makes turning rotors fun for me.

Positive Feedback

Just not worth it anymore. Most shops charge you almost the same price to replace rotors as they do in labor to turn them.

Negative Feedback
Product
3.9
Ammco 3101 1" Brake Lathe Arbor
Brake Drum and Disc Refinishing
1 / 10
Automotive Repair Shops
1 / 10
Quick Conversion Between Tasks
1 / 10
High Efficiency Turnaround
1 / 10
See how this compares to all Brake Lathes

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Adjustable features enhance rotor turning experience
Being able to adjust a ton of different aspects makes turning rotors fun for me.
Quality cutting tips improve performance
Lookin sharp, well done.
Efficient rotor cutting process
All it takes is a couple measurements and less than 10 minutes per rotor.
Can turn rotors and drums effectively
You can turn rotors and drums with it and if you have or can find the grinder attachment, you can reface flywheels.
I'd definitely buy it just to have it around.
Saves money on brake jobs
save yourself money on brake jobs.
Enjoyable to use after getting accustomed
They take some getting used to but I enjoy using it.
Sturdy equipment that can produce quality outputs
Stout piece of equipment. And with good bits can still machine a beautiful brake rotor.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Cost of replacing rotors is similar to lathe labor
Just not worth it anymore. Most shops charge you almost the same price to replace rotors as they do in labor to turn them.
High cost of rotor replacement
Not worth the aggravation. If the customer comes back, you end up fixing it for free.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
HPDMC Combination Disc/Drum Brake LatheHPDMC Combination Disc/Drum Brake Lathe$5699
9.3
DetailsBuy
HayWHNKN Brake Disc Drum LatheHayWHNKN Brake Disc Drum Lathe$1935
9.1
DetailsBuy
A2Z Tire Supplies Brake Lathe 1" Double Quick Chuck AdapterA2Z Tire Supplies Brake Lathe 1" Double Quick Chuck Adapter$948
7.8
DetailsBuy
KATOOL C9270 Brake LatheKATOOL C9270 Brake Lathe$4999
7.4
DetailsBuy
Ammco AMM6854 Brake Lathe AccessoriesAmmco AMM6854 Brake Lathe Accessories$7
7.0
DetailsBuy
Generic 3 Piece Hubless Quick Chuck Adapter SetGeneric 3 Piece Hubless Quick Chuck Adapter Set$299
6.5
DetailsBuy
Generic Twin Cutter Brake Lathe Extension Plate KitGeneric Twin Cutter Brake Lathe Extension Plate Kit$199
5.6
DetailsBuy
Generic Right Angle Gear Box Drive Assembly for Ammco Brake LathesGeneric Right Angle Gear Box Drive Assembly for Ammco Brake Lathes$376
5.5
DetailsBuy
Generic Replacement Dial Assembly for Ammco Brake LathesGeneric Replacement Dial Assembly for Ammco Brake Lathes$128
4.0
DetailsBuy
Ammco 3101 1" Brake Lathe ArborAmmco 3101 1" Brake Lathe Arbor$342
3.9
DetailsBuy
The Main Resource - Standard 1 Arbor for Ammco Brake LathesThe Main Resource - Standard 1 Arbor for Ammco Brake Lathes$389
1.0
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about the lathe's similarities to automotive brakes
That’s why the lathe wasn’t stopping when I pressed the brake
I don’t know why I’m surprised that it looks so much like an automotive brake but I was
It literally is an automotive brake.
Suggestions for specific brake pads
Lol get a track racing pads for it ! Some hawk dtc60 pads bruh!
Historical significance of brake lathes in automotive work
And dammit, they made drums and later on rotors with enough meat to get maybe even two turns on them.
History of on-car brake lathes
My grandpa used to machine the rotors while on the vehicle and he died in 1981.
I thought that was odd.
Discussion on the types of chucks used in brake lathes
I’m assuming it was for a brake rotor lathe since I work in a vehicle repair shop but my manager says they haven’t cut rotors there since he’s been working there for 10+years.
That’s a Bison 3-jaw scroll, a good chuck.
Either way, that's a bison, and in my experience they've been good.
Curiosity about rotor material on newer models
There is so little material on the newer hat rotors, it not worth cutting.
Insight into lathe bit types and upgrades
Because that's basically what it is an accuturn that's been upgraded.
Discussion on the effectiveness of different bit types for machining drums
I just got this brake lathe and I want to get some bits for it.
Indexable inserts are much faster and easier to get a clean edge - just rotate and/or flip.
Those cutters you have likely will work fine.
Toolsteel wont work for a brake lathe?
Curiosity about AMMCO and AAMCO relationship
Wonder if and how AMMCO and AAMCO are related.
AMMCO is still in business making brake lathes and I don't think they share any affiliation with the company OP keeps persistently and erroneously referencing.
AAMCO doesn't manufacture any equipment.
Advice on reducing chatter during cutting
Don’t forget to put the rubber band around the disc circumference to reduce chatter !

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on performing additional brake services
I just really like using the brake lathe. I lose literally nothing but time.
Yes, brakes, fluids, battery and a car wash. We do premium service.
Brake lathe doesn't get much use
Finally cleaned out the brake lathe after a year. Coworker didn’t exactly understand the internet po
Looks like that brake lathe doesn't get much use...
Discussion about converting a brake lathe to a normal lathe
Can I convert this break lathe to a normal lathe?

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Curiosity about different types of lathes
I wonder if it’s the same sort of lathe that I have.
Difficulty in finding services for drum turning
Couldn't find anywhere to do it.
Curiosity about the definition of 'recently'
So what's your definition of recently? Not trolling.
Thoughts on alternative brake lathe brands
Their bits are so overpriced, don't last long, and just dont cut very well to begin with.
Curiosity about model identification of older lathes
Good luck finding parts for it since they've been out of production for at least 30 plus years.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Brake lathes are still commonly used in Mexico
In México It Is still the way to go, we don't change rotors if they're not broke or cracked.
Discussion on the obsolescence of brake lathes
Didn’t realize they were kinda obsolete until I saw a post once about it.
Discussion about the longevity of brake lathes
They’ve also been the standard recommendation on most OEMs since the 2000s... 20 years ago.
Discussion on the decline of brake lathe usage
Personally, I miss it. I got paid more but every rotor here is so rusty it just doesn't make sense for us.
Nobody turns rotors anymore and it frustrates me.
Historical usage and decline of brake lathes
Used to run one of these back in the day. Did drums on it too.

You May Also Like

Explore more Brake Lathes
Brake Lathes
HPDMC Combination Disc/Drum Brake Lathe
HPDMC Combination Disc/Drum Brake Lathe
Brake Lathes
Generic Replacement Dial Assembly for Ammco Brake Lathes
Generic Replacement Dial Assembly for Ammco Brake Lathes
Brake Lathes
HayWHNKN Brake Disc Drum Lathe
HayWHNKN Brake Disc Drum Lathe
Explore more Categories
Bumper Covers
Top Bumper Covers for Automotive Exterior Protection
Top Bumper Covers for Automotive Exterior Protection
Magnets
Top Magnets for DIY & Everyday Applications
Top Magnets for DIY & Everyday Applications
Toilets
Top Toilets and Toilet Accessories for Bathrooms
Top Toilets and Toilet Accessories for Bathrooms