Colchester student lathe

[God mode restorations]

I think the clutch/brake lever on my lathe has a dribble of oil under it, it's never been a problem.

I expect there to be a little leak somewhere but this was just to much to leave..now I found the leak I will have to fix it.

 

[God mode restorations]

Just wondering about the porosity. It must have been there from the start so must have leaked from the start. My Mk1.5 always seeped oil from some levers but it was tiny and oil level never really dropped over years between changes but yours may be worse.
It looks like the casting is reasonable for quite a bit from the face inwards so I was thinking it may be possible to groove the lever and fit an O Ring.

Regarding Devcon, it should be fine with oil, have used it on shafts that were submerged in oil after refitting.

I think so to as the casting there is thick. Just a bad bit of cast..

 

[God mode restorations]

Had an early day today so started the strip down of the headstock. And I got a manual..what else could a chap ask for.

 

[Hood]

And here is Machine No 13

 

[slim_boy_fat]

And here is Machine No 13

See, that's just greedy

 

[Hood]

See, that's just greedy

Ha ha sadly it was Aberdeen Uni's numbers, I got machine no 13 my Step Dad got No 12.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Ha ha sadly it was Aberdeen Uni's numbers, I got machine no 13 my Step Dad got No 12.

Ah, OK - I envisaged you fitting concertina walls to the workshop......

 

[Hood]

Ah, OK - I envisaged you fitting concertina walls to the workshop......

If only that were an option. Then again I think the Tardis would be a better option as even concertina walls would soon be full to bursting point

 

[God mode restorations]

Well. I got the big main shaft out all all it's fittings..easy enough...but problems. Mainly down some dipwad who has had it apart before has just faffed it right up...grub screws missing.. They have totally wrecked the bearings and broke the bearing seats..absolute faffing tossers.

 

[Hood]

Is that the spindle bearings? If so then I have heard they are huge money so best check before you spend any more time or money as it may not be economical to fix

 

[ronan]

Is that the spindle bearings? If so then I have heard they are huge money so best check before you spend any more time or money as it may not be economical to fix

Any parts for a colchester are crazy money, but nip out and buy a euromillions ticket quick, if you win it, might just cover the costs of the rebuild.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Looks like someone took it apart with a jemmy. Might be time to sell for spares.

 

[Hood]

Looks like someone took it apart with a jemmy. Might be time to sell for spares.

Or keep for spares if you have room and are getting another.

If possible it is always best to try before you buy, I know it is not always possible though if not buying locally.

 

[God mode restorations]

Is that the spindle bearings? If so then I have heard they are huge money so best check before you spend any more time or money as it may not be economical to fix

Yes. Main spindle bearings...

 

[Hood]

 

[God mode restorations]

I no...lots of swear words. But will make some enquiries and see if the bearings are available. I did read they are huge money and even if available....but I will try

 

[ronan]

Being an older model you might get lucky with the parts prices. I priced parts for my square head colchester and i got a nose bleed

 

[God mode restorations]

Being an older model you might get lucky with the parts prices. I priced parts for my square head colchester and i got a nose bleed

Yes bits are very expensive. But I would sooner have something that's cost a lot of money to fix that a pile of scrap that has still cost me.

 

[rory1]

Was it running before you started stripping it down?

I know it's some people's idea of nice to have a fully restored to as new condition machine but.... if you've stripped a working machine down for a rebuild and it becomes a pile of unusable parts due to cost and/or availibility of spares then surely your as much of an "absolutely faffing tosser" as the man who damaged the bearings originally

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Yes bits are very expensive. But I would sooner have something that's cost a lot of money to fix that a pile of scrap that has still cost me.

It's the old cost:benefit connundrum - good luck whatever you decide, not a decision I envy you.