Member postings for Chris Hembry

+1 for the Chester SuperLux as the better version of the same machine. I have had one for 5 years + and 1HP is more than adequate for this size of machine. You'll also get the stand and DRO thrown in. Power downfeed on spindle sounds interesting, but not as handy as the Chester's powered head elevation. You will want to move the head rather more than just the spindle, and winding the handle is a chore.

Warco vs Chester

Many years ago I bought a 220 lathe new from Warco with most of the accessories. Made sense at the time as it offered Myford capacity at a fraction of the cost. Over the years, the topslide feednut has worn out, so I emailed Warco regarding the availability of spares. Not just once, but about 5 times over the space of 4 years (at the time I had the use of other lathes, so not urgent). Not one single reply to any email, not even the expected 'sorry, but we don't carry spares for this machine any more'.

When the time came to expand and buy a mill, I compared the pricing from Warco and Chester, and went for the Chester Super Lux. Machine turned up exactly as specified, when expected and was positioned in the workshop in 10 mins by the truck driver. This was 5 years ago, and no fault has been found so far, even so much as the tram was within limits straight out of the box. This machine has not been used lightly either, for about 6 months it was being used for 8 hours a day.

I'd still look at the pricing from both companies in future, but those are my experiences.

PTFE Tape was banned on railway air brake systems due to the fact that loose strands could easily block small orifices. Loctite 572 was preferred alternative. Other cheaper alternatives available for less demanding applications - try Tru-Loc range

Not really, a production capstan lathe has the capstan pivoted vertically at 90 degrees. The bores are finish machined once fitted on the lathe to guarantee absolute axiality. If your capstan attachment is putting the tools out of alignment with the tailstock, it is at fault.

Regards, Chris

A genuine Dickson post should have a second hole through the post fitted with a close fitting dowel post mating into a hole in the topslide. This, combined with close-fitting centre stud bushes should prevent turning enough for manual lathes. Since I'm using CNC, I can't allow any turning whatsoever, so I've fitted a piece of square bar to the topslide as an extra backstop against the tool post...no more problems so far.

The Imperial info came direct from Bison as I was needing a pair of new cam bolts. The spares currently supplied nearly fitted, but just needed a skim off the diameter to be able to fit into the toolpost holes. The hex size is also different from original.

Edited By Chris Hembry on 17/12/2016 19:01:41

There are indeed two sizes of T1 post, sharing the holders. Data can be found here :

http://www.rotagriponline.com/datasheets/toolposts.pdf

These are as supplied by Bison, also available from Cutwel, no connection, just a satisfied customer of both.

There are also Imperial Dickson toolposts about...almost identical dimensions, but spares are not interchangeable without modification.

Santon Switchgear ? If they didn't make it, they'll have something similar still in production.

Join the Harrison Lathe Yahoo group where you will find several other owners, some of whom will have exactly the answer. All Harrison gears are available in some form, maybe someone there will have the ones you need.

Regards, Chris, a slightly more recent Harrison owner

25 is programmed which would have given 2.5 inch/min. However, that program is now fully converted to metric so is actually 25mm/min. My mistake. Previous software version only permitted feed rates in inch/min regardless of whether rest of program was in metric or imperial, hence the confusion.

I'll check, been a while since I wrote the program and had no reason to look at it again

Hi Nick,

Not tried the MGMN system, but do use the very similar Korloy KGT system. Having a need to part off 1" Hex 303 in large quantities, I could not find another system rigid enough. I use the 2mm width, speed 730 rpm, feed 25"/min and have no issues.

Regards, Chris

Not sure what ^^^ has to do with 316L Stainless !!!

However, try Paul at millstainless.co.uk in Wisbech. I used to use steelexpress, but delivery got excessive, so changed to these guys. Just a satisfied customer.

Hi Kevin,

I find the cross-slide remarkably accurate for the quality of lathe once backlash is taken up. There is no provision for adjustment of the nuts, however the double nut within the handle allows play to be removed between screw and slide.

Don't forget the cross-slide indicates the radial increment, so 4mm will advance the slide 2mm and remove 4mm from the diameter. The top-slide is direct as would be expected.

Remember the lathe is metric, so inch measurements on the dials are an approximation.

Regards, Chris

Hi Kevin,

If you go the Dickson route, the T0 will fit, but a T00 may be better. Depends on the size of tools you intend using.

Cutwel supply the full range of Bison copies, and supply a datasheet with dimensions. A & R Precision supply good copies of the T00 size.

Regards, Chris

I'll knock up a little drawing of all the parts so you can identify those you have, and those you need.

Chris

Kevin,

Happy to make a list of items needed, had to make a few extras to cover shortages over the years. Also happy to supply any bits you find you need.

Chris

Hi Kevin,

In short, yes you do. Warco 220s do not have an indicator dial as the leadscrew is permanently engaged on the carriage handwheel. For all threading, the lathe must be reversed to run back. If the engagement lever is lifted, you stand no chance of picking up the thread again.

I have the wiring diagram for the lathe and it is fairly simple to arrange the motor to run in reverse if it is the same type as the original.

Regards, Chris

Hi Kevin,

Warco used to do a very nice, solid vertical slide for the 220 lathe. They may have some still in stock, but in my experience they tend to ignore the fact that they ever sold them.

Mashtroy may well still be producing them, so that may also be a possible source.

Other than that, it may be better to consider adapting an angle plate along with the slide from another make.

Feel free to make contact if you need dimensions of the original.

Regards,Chris

Yes Kevin, still up and running here, but only as a back-up lathe. Did some screw-cutting couple of weeks ago without any difficulty.

Chris

Dave,

Having replaced the feed nut I slackened off the gib strips, then tightened the toolpost fully. Having done that, the gibs were then adjusted to give a smooth movement. Not an ideal solution as you are now running with a bent topslide, however, since you will not be attempting to use the lathe with a loose toolpost, it does make it workable.

Like Peter I rarely use the topslide these days, since the lathe is only rarely used while others are set up on long jobs

Chris