Although very close to each other in specification (and difficult to tell apart at a glance) Al.Pin 180 and 160 lathes were separate models in their own right with not just different centre heights (180 mm and 160 mm respectively) but with beds of different width (240 and 280 mm), removable gaps of different length (180 and 200 mm) and different electric motors (2.5 and 3 hp). In other respects however they were similar, indeed, very like the Al.Pin 200 described above with an identical drive system split between plinth-mounted motor and gearbox in combination with separate gearing inside the headstock.
Each shared the same headstock internals - hardened gears with a positive lubrication system - with the 33 mm bore spindle carrying a rather undersized L00 American long-taper nose (an L0 would have been a better choice for both machines) running in a bronze bearing at the front and a roller race at the rear. 16 spindle speeds were available from 26 to 1500 rpm with the electrical start, stop and reverse was under the control of a "third shaft" control rod exactly as on the Al.Pin 200.
The screwcutting and power-feed arrangements were of identical mechanical layout to those on the Al.Pin 200 with the leadscrew pitch remaining at 4 t.p.i. for all markets - although it was of a smaller (28 mm) diameter. The box produced the same set of 24 English, 19 metric and 13 module but, reflecting the smaller jobs they were designed to tackle, the two lathes were given different finer rates of power sliding and surfacing feeds: 0.05 to 0.5 mm and 0.025 to 0.25 mm respectively per single revolution of the spindle. Control was by three 4 levers, the lack of a sliding tumbler meaning the box could be sealed against dirt and swarf and lubricated from a sump by splash.
The apron was of conventional design and incorporated a lever-operated clutch that both selected and engaged the power sliding and surfacing feeds.
Like that on the Al.Pin 200 the tailstock barrel was swept forwards to allow its No. 3 Morse taper tailstock to centre to almost meet that in the headstock yet leave enough space for the carriage to work on very short between-centres' jobs.
The Al.Pin 160 weighed 830 Kg and the Al.Pin 180 approximately 920 Kg. Both lathes were delivered with the same equipment as the Al.Pin 200 but with a smaller 280 mm diameter combined faceplate and light-duty 4-jaw chuck with hardened jaws and a 180 mm diameter backplate intended for a 3-jaw chuck. The spindle adapter was a 5 Morse to 3 Morse and 2 ordinary hard centres were supplied as well.