Member postings for Dan the Brass Man

Yes it certainly would effect the speed and torque range. I've read up on the common problems and will keep that in mind when buying one as I'd hope to find one with an OK variator.

As my hobby became business I decided to buy new as my TS was a little tired. Still a great mill and ideal for hobby work. I do like the Warco though, nearly the same working capacity as the TS but takes up a little less room in the workshop. Has it's flaws as you'd expect for a cheaper import machine but all the important bits seem well made/finished.

Either would be great for the home shop. My TS had the S-type vertical head, but the Warco can work harder.

Good to hear. As nice as it would be to have a good condition variator I don't mind a VFD setup if needs be.

The main problem currently is the 200miles+ distance between me and any Chipmasters currently for sale (that I can find) so delivery costs are about a 3rd of the machine cost at the moment.

Yes you're quite right. Should be in the tool room with plenty of space all around.

My workshop is business use but at home so It's always a struggle finding suitable machines that are big enough to get the job done yet small enough to fit. Thankfully most of my work is smaller stock under 2" diameter.

Hi All,

I really do need the Chipmaster model as the others don't quite suit my needs including max RPM which is a deciding factor.

Agreed the footprint is large, and is about as large as I can fit in my workshop (partly due to narrow access) although I welcome the extra weight and rigitity.

With regards to Variator, I have a spare duel voltage motor here that could be setup with VFD if I come across one with a worn variator so I'm not worried about that particularly, just a little extra work.

As for moving, It's unlikely I'd be on the pick-up end so a competent mover is needed. So far haven't had a quote less than £850 but that's partly due to the only current options on the market being so far away.

I have a hydraulic profiler attachment for the machine which would be in frequent use so I'm looking forward to having a very capable and versatile machine if I can source one that isn't too costly including moving it.

-Dan

Hello All,

I've been having a shift in workshop equipment having recently sold my Tom Senior mill for a brand new Warco and currently in the process of selling my Myford ML7 which is being removed this coming week.

I'm looking for a Colchester Chipmaster 5x20 to become my main workhorse lathe, along side my lovely Schaublin 102 plain turning & production capstan machine.

Keeping my eyes peeled for one with at least a few chucks/tool holders/tooling as a starting point & preferably somewhere near to Somerset UK as the only ones I've seen so far and hundreds of miles away so paying a machine mover would be extra costly!

On a side note, happy to hear any suggestions for machine movers or even if anyone happens to be selling their Chipmaster or has handy advice/tips for moving one!

All the best,

Dan.