Clausing Colchester 15 is available

[Janderso]

Hello,
I just checked this lathe out.
Serial number is— 6/0015/05751, I am trying to determine the year of production.
Everything works great! I love the features of this lathe. The ways are clean and the saddle, compound are smooth and have little free play.
The brake works well, auto reverse, vari-speed is noisy but not overly so.
I like this old lathe.
Spindle taper is spotless.
What are the common issues to watch for?

 

[Janderso]

I am struggling between good old iron or a new Taiwan lathe.
When I stand next to a 14” Taiwan lathe, I am surprised at how little mass they have.
Not so with a Monarch, Clausing, LeBlond etc.

 

[Bob Korves]

That one looks good, Jeff. My guess would be 1960's, maybe '70's. It looks well taken care of from the pics.

 

[samthedog]

That lathe follows the lines of the Colchester Triumph 2000 due to it's 2000 rpm top speed. Hard to know the exact date of manufacture but I would take a stab at late 60's based on the color. The belt cover can also give an idea of date as earlier models used cast aluminium whereas later models used fiber glass. The lathes are pretty robust and reliable so there is little to go bad with them. The clutch may need adjusting from time to time but that is about it. The clutches were made by Matrix and Ortlinghaus and were bullet-proof. The lathes are not quiet but they are workhorses and have a decent spindle hole which allows turning larger stock. I nearly bought a Triumph 2000 before I found my immaculate Chipmaster. If the price is right jump on it. They are decent lathes with a hardened bed and should last a lifetime of hobby use.

Paul.

 

[Janderso]

I needed to hear your comments. I am coming from a 1941 13" South Bend. This lathe is so much more capable, tight and robust.
The spindle bore is huge and 2,000 RPM is a game changer for sure.
I have seen videos on the oiling system for the head, the designers engineered these to last a long time if properly maintained.
I am looking forward to getting to know this lathe.
It is wired for 440 but that should not be a problem.
I am a bit concerned about the electrical requirements though.
The plate says 230 volts, 23 amps. 7.5HP.
It can be done, just need to plan accordingly.

 

[BROCKWOOD]

15HP American Rotary setup for 240V should be about right!

 

[Janderso]

I was hoping to power the lathe with the same VFD I had planned for the mill.
The mill is a 3HP and the lathe is 7.5.
Oh well, i'm thrilled to have the Clausing!! I'll work something out.
The 92 year old machinist I bought the B&S Micromaster from had a Rotary Phase Converter that powered his whole shop.

 

[Bob Korves]

If you are using a VFD, it is far better to get one for each machine. The parameters that suit one machine are not necessarily the same for a second machine, and any switches or disconnects between VFD and machine motor can cause failures.

 

[john.k]

Judging by requests for spares,the feed gears would be something I would give close attention to........Incidentally ,I bought one new in 1978.....it cost $10,000....that one looks a little older........it has 75 in the number ,so that might be guess.....They are an excellent machine,vastly improved on the "roundheads" that went before..........virtually the same machine is still made both in Taiwan/China ,and by 600 Machinery.......last I heard 600 had moved production to Poland....but the Asian version is still in production.

 

[Janderso]

$10,000 in 1978 was a lot of money. Sounds cheap now.
Bob, I don't know why I was thinking the way I was regarding the single VFD.
You are right, it wouldn't work.
I think when the time comes I'll get a Rotary Phase Converter and be done with it.
The machines are adding up. I best make a decision soon where I will set them up.
I'm still looking for commercial space closer to home. I may end up at a friend's shop.
Thank you four ideas.