Clausing Colchester 15 is available

Pratt Burnerd multisize collet chuck it is the shizz
 
Typically you use 5C to hold smaller stock that doesn't hold well in 3J chucks or 4J. I use the 5C about 50% of the time for small diameter work. The larger collet system for larger stock, a collet system like 5C and 16C is less than ideal because it only holds stock at the tip of the collet. You get more skew and run-out with these types of collets. If you want to hold bigger stock then use a 3J or 4J, if tubing then a 6J chuck. I would not waste your money on very expensive collet systems need to hold stock over 1". The only "inexpensive" collet system is an ER-40 set collet chuck sold by Shar's and you need to turn a back plate. The down side with ER systems is it does not do a good job of holding very short stock, it is cumbersome (at least for me) to wrench the collet nut. You need a 1/32" increment collet set to effectively cover clamping all size stock, the largest collet is around 1-3/16".

Not to down play this size lathe, but I would give some consideration to what you will be using the lathe for and different options given the power requirements and additional expenses for say adding a 15 HP RPC. A 1440GT will have the same size spindle with a shorter headstock, and most the features you describe. A 3 Hp VFD will run around $320 and you are good to go, other than the tooling. Buying a 15 Hp RPC panels and wiring will add up quickly. I have yet to have anybody complain that the 3 Hp stock 3 phase motor was a limiting factor. A bigger lathe is nice for rigidity, DOC and work envelope, but everything is bigger and costs more.
 
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There are collets made that are larger than the 5C. However, to double the capacity you may be quadrupling the cost. Plus doubling the diameter, at least of a solid piece, also quadruples the weight. My general opinion would be that if the 5C or the ER40 or ER50 isn't large enough to hold most of your work, you may be better off investing the money in a Buck style 3- or 6-jaw chuck.
 
All your input helps guide my decisions,
Thank you.
 
First - Congrats! My friend just found your exact lathe on Kijiji 1000 miles away and bought it sight-unseen. They are Fantastic lathes! You will be very happy with it!!

On collets, you might consider ER40 or ER50 collets. ER40 is much cheaper, and goes up up 26mm - 1". The 50 gives you larger sizes, the the collets are about 2.5 times the cost. They hold many times more securely than 5C and good ones hold the work along the whole length of the collet, ensuring concentricity and repeatability. My personal choice.
 
Janderso said:
The bore is 2 1/8".
Spindle is 4MT
D1-6 cam lock.

CORRECTION, it has a 6 Morse Taper spindle. A 4 MT Tail Stock.
It was pointed out to me an MT 5 would fall in. Correct.
Click to expand...
 
I had a D1-8 Hardinge 22J for the 17" that I sold awhile back . I believe the collets went up to 2" or so . That was nice not having to swing the 3 jaw around on smaller parts .
 
I’m impressed with the apron controls, smooth with tight tolerances.
When I took the cover off, I checked for wear, missing gear teeth, condition in general. There is no visible wear and the controls on the headstock and gear box have the same smooth as glass feel.
This is my first experience with anything of this quality.
I can’t wait to start making chips.
 
Janderso, I learned lathe operations on those 15-17 inch swing Clausing Colchesters. We had a row of them at the tech school. Also had a few smaller 13 inch swing Colchesters stuck in the corners of the shop for smaller jobs.
They are well made and smooth operating machines. Ours withstood years of student usage.
Couple things besides the obvious. The bearings (advertised as Gamet) are rare as hell now days. Any spindle issues could be a deal breaker.
Second, make sure the clutch and handle shifts smooth from start to stop. If not it probably just needs adjusting. Simple to do.
Also get a 3/4 thick piece of plywood to put on top of the lathe bed and under the chuck to protect the bed when changing out. Most folks are surprised at first at just how heavy and awkward chucks and face plates can be when you get into industrial size machines.
 
Additionally get the steady rest for it. And put it on the bed to make sure it fits. The dealer or the original seller could easily have mixed them up. The steady rests for the 15 and 17 inch swing look very similar. The students were always mixing them up between machines.
 
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