The SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 is a versatile CNC bed mill designed to bridge the gap between manual machining and full CNC production. Manufactured by Southwestern Industries, Inc., the SPORT B3 combines the simplicity of conversational programming with the productivity of CNC automation. Built under the TRAK product line, the SPORT B3 is widely used in toolrooms, maintenance departments, educational facilities, and small production environments where flexibility and ease of use are essential.
The SPORT B3 typically features approximately 31 inches of X-axis travel, 16 inches of Y-axis travel, and 23.75 inches of Z-axis travel, along with a large 50 x 10 inch table. Machines are commonly equipped with a 40-taper spindle, spindle speeds up to 6,000 RPM, and a spindle motor ranging from 7.5 to 10 hp depending on configuration. Many machines include the TRAK CNC control with the company’s renowned ProtoTRAK conversational programming software, allowing operators to quickly create programs without extensive CAM experience. Automatic tool changers, power drawbars, and electronic handwheels are common options.
The SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 is widely used for fixture plates, prototype components, repair parts, tooling, and low-volume production work. Its bed-mill construction provides excellent rigidity, while the conversational control significantly reduces setup and programming time. Operators can machine parts directly from dimensions, making the machine ideal for job shops and maintenance departments that handle varied, short-run work.
The SPORT B3 remains an excellent investment because it offers the flexibility of manual machining, the repeatability of CNC, and the intuitive programming environment that has made ProtoTRAK one of the most popular controls in the toolroom market.
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 SPECIFICATIONS
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – AXIS
Number of Axes
3-Axis CNC Bed Mill
Axis Configuration
X, Y, Z
Manual/CNC Operation
Yes
Positioning Accuracy
High Precision
Repeatability
Excellent
Machine Type
Toolroom CNC Bed Mill
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – AXIS TRAVELS
X-Axis Travel
Approx. 31 in (787 mm)
Y-Axis Travel
Approx. 16 in (406 mm)
Z-Axis Travel
Approx. 23.75 in (603 mm)
Knee Travel
Not Applicable
Quill Travel
Approx. 5 in (127 mm)
Guideway Type
Hardened Box Ways
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – CAPACITY
Table Size
Approx. 50 x 10 in
Maximum Table Load
Approx. 1,000 lb
Maximum Workpiece Size
Medium Precision Parts
Industrial Usage
Toolroom and Prototype Work
Supported Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel
Workholding Compatibility
Vises and Fixtures
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – SPINDLE
Spindle Taper
CAT 40
Maximum Spindle Speed
Up to 6,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power
7.5 – 10 hp
Drive Type
Variable Speed
Power Drawbar
Common Option
Rigid Tapping
Depending on Control Version
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – TOOL CHANGER
Automatic Tool Changer
Optional
Tool Changer Capacity
8 – 16 Tools
Tool Selection
Sequential or Random
Tool Management
CNC Controlled
Tool Setter
Optional
Manual Tool Changes
Standard on Basic Models
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – CONTROL SYSTEM
CNC Control Brand
ProtoTRAK
Programming Method
Conversational and G-Code
Electronic Handwheels
Standard
Program Storage
Internal Memory and USB
Networking
Optional
Manual Override
Yes
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – COOLANT & CHIP MANAGEMENT
Flood Coolant System
Standard
Chip Tray
Standard
Coolant Filtration
Standard
Washdown Hose
Optional
Mist Collection
Optional
Enclosure
Partial or Full Depending on Configuration
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – POWER & AIR REQUIREMENTS
Power Requirement
3-Phase
Voltage
220V / 440V
Air Pressure Requirement
Required for Power Drawbar and ATC
Frequency
50 / 60 Hz
Connected Load
Approx. 10 – 15 kVA
Main Breaker
Manufacturer Specified
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – DIMENSIONS
Machine Weight
Approx. 4,500 – 6,500 lb
Machine Length
Approx. 90 in
Machine Width
Approx. 85 in
Machine Height
Approx. 95 in
Floor Space Requirement
Medium Footprint
Installation Type
Standard Shop Floor
SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 – GENERAL INFORMATION
Machine Type
CNC Toolroom Bed Mill
Manufacturer
Southwestern Industries
Country of Manufacture
USA / Imported Components
Product Line
TRAK SPORT
Primary Application
Prototype and Short-Run Production
Automation Ready
Yes
INDUSTRIES THAT USE SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3
Toolrooms
Yes
Maintenance Departments
Yes
Educational Labs
Yes
Job Shops
Yes
Prototype Manufacturing
Yes
General Manufacturing
Yes
TYPICAL PARTS SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 CAN PRODUCE
Fixture Plates
Yes
Repair Parts
Yes
Brackets
Yes
Prototype Components
Yes
Tooling Components
Yes
Precision Blocks
Yes
WHY CHOOSE SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3
Easy Conversational Programming
Outstanding
Manual and CNC Flexibility
Outstanding
Proven ProtoTRAK Control
Excellent
Toolroom Versatility
Excellent
Low Training Requirements
Excellent
Strong Resale Value
Excellent
WHY BUY USED SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3
Purchasing a used SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 is an excellent way to add CNC capability to a toolroom or job shop without the complexity of a traditional production machining center. The ProtoTRAK control allows operators to program directly from dimensions, dramatically reducing setup and training time.
These machines are especially valuable for one-off parts, repair work, and short production runs. Because they can be operated manually and under CNC control, they provide exceptional flexibility for shops that handle a wide variety of jobs. Many used machines include power drawbars, automatic tool changers, and tooling packages that enhance productivity.
Buyers should inspect spindle bearings, way condition, control functionality, and software version. Machines with documented maintenance and operational demonstrations generally provide the best value.
For shops seeking an easy-to-use CNC bed mill with strong toolroom capabilities, the SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 offers outstanding performance and excellent long-term return on investment.
HOW MUCH DOES A USED SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 COST?
MACHINE AGE / CONDITION
ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE (USD)
Older Models
$8,000 – $25,000
Late-Model Machines
$20,000 – $60,000
Machines with ATC
Premium Pricing
Newer ProtoTRAK Controls
Added Value
Included Tooling
Added Value
Low Operating Hours
Premium Pricing
Excellent Mechanical Condition
Premium Pricing
Fully Operational Under Power
Higher Buyer Confidence
Complete Service Records
Higher Market Value
Dealer Refurbished Machines
10% – 20% Higher
The cost of a used SOUTHWESTERN INDUSTRIES SPORT B3 depends on machine age, control generation, tooling, and overall condition. Machines equipped with automatic tool changers and newer ProtoTRAK software command higher prices because they provide greater productivity and modern features.
For manufacturers and toolrooms seeking a user-friendly CNC milling solution, the SPORT B3 offers exceptional flexibility, proven reliability, and strong value.