Clausing/Colchester 11" (Colchester Bantam 2000)

Outstanding job on the wipers! Have you heard of a Devcon product called Flexane? It's a 2 part urethane RTV which is available in 80 and 94 durometer densities, in addition to an additive they also sell which will make the material more flexible.

Sending PM.

Tom
 
To those Colchester owners still interested in a pair of these V wipers shoot me a PM

I made a set last weekend and they came out pretty decent. Used no mold release so as to not contaminate the cure. Seem a bit stronger but I wish they were a tad harder.
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Those turned out nicely. Cudos on a very nice job!
 
Hi Guys

I have a Clausing/Colcheter 12" (Colchester Colt) very similar in appearance to the Bantam 13" swing. I PMed Cheeseking for my way wipers, but I have another question that I'm hoping Bantam owners that have had theirs apart can help with. I can't seem to figure out any way to 0 out my crosfeed or compound dials for reference. The crosfeed has a small thumbwheel that the manual says should be loosened and retightened after adjustment but it seems not to do anything. I have removed the handwheels and can see that they both have a keyway that slides onto a key on the leadscrew, and also have a key that slides into a keyway on the dial cartridge, so everything moves together. But no way to slide the cartridge independently to zero the dial. I have corresponded with Tony Griffiths at lathes.co.uk and his response was that this type of dial normally has a friction setting with a spring and ball hidden between the inside and outside sections - but instead it might have some sort of lock that has been engaged. It should, certainly, be able to zero. What am I missing?
 
Beautiful lathe Guy,
You say you cleaned it up - that's an understatement, it looks pretty much show room condition. It'll be a lifer for sure.
Michael
 
LOL! Machine porn...
I just got done cleaning her up after a job and couldn't resist snapping a few before messing it up again.
Btw I never had a positive thing to say about chuck guards but have to say the one I added has worked out really well last couple yrs. Keeps most of the chips semi contained and more importantly oil spray off the chuck when using lube. Flips up easy and locks quick at varoius heights to avoid TP lever.
Work light was another good add. Im friggin blind so never enough light.
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Hello all. My son and I just purchased a Clausing Colchester 11 (Colchester bantam 1600 mk2). We have just set it up in the garage using a rotary converter to power the 3 phase motor. Everything appears to be working so we are trying to determine the best setup. First question is how best to mount to the floor. Our initial plan is to raise the unit 8 inches for better access using 2 Short I beams w cross support. We have not decided how best to incorporate leveling features and if we need it hard mounted to the floor. Any recommendations?

Other items while we work the installation.
1 best way to clean off all the old grime. Kerosene?
2 recommendation for lighting.
3 best way to determine if ways are in good shape and not worn.
4 best source for gear train parts. We have excess slop on thread gear bushing.

any help appreciated.
 
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Pictures of our lathe as we moved into garage. Covered in grease and dirt. The worn bushing that holds the middle gears for thread drive under the side cover.

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Congrats on the new to you machine!
Parts are still available thru Clausing but grab your ankle$

Phone: (800) 323-0972
Fax: (269) 342-7888
email: info@clausingsc.com

You could also try Frank @ FDK3
http://fdk3co.com/
If he doesnt have it I'm sure will lay out your options on where to get it.
 
As far as cleaning it up, it depends to what degree you plan to take it. I would at minimum change the headstock oil and clean up the ways and the gear train for the feed.
Fine Scotch brite pads work well but go easy. It is abrasive after all so you don't want to go overboard . Just enough to remove any light rust or tarnishing. I used LPS with the pads to aid cutting action and reduce dusting. Thoroughly clean the abrasive grit afterwards.
For me "Cleaning it up" ended up taking a good 4-6 months of painstaking work. Every part with the exception of the headstock internals worked over with chemicals ranging from wd40, LPS, simple green, wire brushes, scotch brite, soap and hot water, dental picks, stones, rags, towels you name it. In the end I feel it was worth the effort.
You may or may not want to take it to that extreme. Btw I see you got a steady rest too! Nice bonus since many seem to be missing.
 
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