How to Identify Your Webster & Bennett Series

In this guide

Step 1 — Find your serial number Step 2 — Read the serial number format Step 3 — Look up your series Watch out: boundary machines Why table size matters too Check for modifications Get the right parts

Step 1 — Find Your Serial Number

The serial number plate is located on the left-hand side of the cross rail, recessed above the lower way surface. It's a small metal tag stamped or engraved with the machine serial number.

Webster & Bennett serial number location — stamped plate on cross rail

If the serial number stamp on the cross rail is worn down (common on rebuilt machines), try removing the center cap on the turret — the serial number may also be stamped underneath. Some machines also have it on a plate or plaque attached to the machine.

Tip: While you're at the machine, also note the table diameter — usually stamped on the speed plate on the control panel. Common sizes are 36", 48", 60", and 72". We need both the serial number and table size to identify the correct parts.

Step 2 — Read the Serial Number Format

Every Webster & Bennett serial number follows the same format:

5416 - 3

Machine Number

Determines the series & era

Build Suffix

Identifies the batch variant

The machine number (left of the dash) is what determines which series your machine belongs to. The suffix (right of the dash) identifies the specific build batch — important for exact parts matching but not for series identification.

You may see the separator written as a dash (5416-3) or a slash (5416/3) — they mean the same thing.

Step 3 — Look Up Your Series

Find your machine number in the table below. The series determines which parts are compatible and which service manual applies.

Series	Machine # Range	Era	Key Characteristics
Pre-DH / D	Up to ~5021	Pre-1960s	Earliest series we commonly encounter. Manual or semi-hydraulic feeds. Wide variation in configurations — each machine can be unique. Always contact us with photos for parts identification.
Early DH	5022 – 5232	Late 1950s–Early 1960s	First dual-hydraulic design. Fixed cross rail with hydraulic speed and feed selection via direct-reading dials.
Series II DH	5233 – 5441	Mid 1960s	Revised DH design with internal drive improvements. Same external architecture as Early DH.
M / EM	5442 – 6561	Mid 1960s–1970s	Major redesign. M = manual speed change. EM = electronic variable-speed motor.
V / EV / R	6562 and above	1970s–1990s	Final production series. EV = electronic variable speed. R = revised late variant.

For historical photos of Webster & Bennett machines across all series, visit lathes.co.uk.

Watch Out: Boundary Machines

⚠ If your serial number is near a series boundary — for example, in the ranges 5020–5025, 5230–5235, 5440–5445, or 6560–6565 — the series assignment may be ambiguous. W&B sometimes built transitional machines that mixed features from two series. Contact us with your serial number and a photo of the machine so we can confirm which parts are correct.

This matters because parts are not interchangeable between series — even components that look similar may have different specifications.

Why Table Size Matters Too

The serial number tells us the series, but the table size determines the specific parts within that series. Many components — including drive, brake, and bearing parts — vary by table size even within the same series.

For example, a Series M machine with a 36" table uses different drive components than the same series with a 60" table.

The two things we always need: (1) Full serial number with suffix, and (2) Table diameter. With those two pieces of information, we can identify the correct parts for any W&B machine in service today.

Not sure of your table size? Check the speed plate on the control panel — the table diameter is usually listed there.

Check for Modifications

Many W&B machines have been rebuilt or modified over their decades of service — clutch upgrades, hydraulic replacements, or CNC retrofits are all common. A serial number does not guarantee that the machine still has its original components.

Always ask: "Has this machine been rebuilt or modified?" If the answer is yes (or unknown), provide photos when requesting parts — we can often identify non-standard components from photos.

Get the Right Parts

Now that you know your series, here's what to do next:

1Need clutch parts?

Use our Clutch Plate Lookup — enter your series and table size to get the exact disc and spring part numbers.

2Need other parts?

Visit our Spare Parts Catalog and submit a quote request with your serial number. We'll match the right parts from our inventory and W&B UK's records.

3Not sure? Just call us.

Give us your serial number and describe what you need — we've been working with these machines for over 30 years and can usually identify the right parts from a description and a photo. +1-847-427-9360