Spec or Manual for Colchester Bantam 2000 (New model)

Hi,

Could anyone help me out with full spec for a Colchester Bantam 2000 (New Model) or even a manual email. I Can see info on the 2000 VS but none on the 2000.

It looks to be a newish machine I am assuming post 2000 but although I can find a few pics when googling I can't seem to find any specs on in.

Thanks in anticipation

Gary

Edited By Absolute Beginner on 13/11/2017 23:48:14

Gary, if you have a looks at Tony's Website, it suggests that its more or less the same as a Harrison M250

Bill

Hi Bill,

Yes thanks but I need some more info if possible. The info on Tonys website is a little limited on this one. I can see one for sale and am considering it, although its pricey and similar cost to a. newish 2002 year M300.

I was trying to work out wish might be the better option? Not easy as so many variables as we all know

Gary

I guess some of it will come down to if you meed the extra centre height on the M300 and/or a gap bed.
I considered an M250, but decided that for the same footprint I could get something a bit bigger and versatile with the higher centre height and a gap bed.
As it happens I'm off to look at something entirely different tomorrow, so I'll let you know if I have a rush of blood to the head and commit to it.

Bill

p.s. I was going by this comment;

In the last years of production only Bantams with an increased centre height (6.5 inches) and a top speed of 2000 rpm were offered - but these machines should not be confused with the completely different Mk. 3 Bantam, which Colchester called the "Bantam 2000" - and which was actually a Harrison M250

Edited By peak4 on 14/11/2017 00:28:19

Edited By peak4 on 14/11/2017 00:28:56

Hi Bill,

Yes I would love to see what you might go for. I have four or five perhaps possible options on the table at the moment.

M300 - Short bed 1995 - 5k + VAT

M300 Long Bed 2002 6k + VAT

Colchester 2500 simular to M300 no price as yet but I assume similar in price

+ Bantam VS And have just seen the Bantam 2000 at 5Kish = VAT

They are all a lot of money more than I want to spend really but just keep coming back to them. None of them have DRO's which I want really so I will have to fit that whichever I choose, and all offer limited tooling....so more money. But I have been looking for ages now and think I will have to take the plunge.

Gary

I also have my eye on a short gap bed M300, for rather less than you're looking at, but apparently in good nick, though I've not seen it yet.
I'll put you in contact with the seller, If I decide not to go and view it later on in the week.

Bill

What year is it?

Gary

Not sure which model Bantam a friend has but he often comes round to use my lathe due to a woefully small spindle bore size that won't allow him to pass more than 1" through the spindle. Other than that he rates the machine as very good. My own machine is a Taiwanese copy of a M300 14"x40" capacity.

If that £5k Bantum is the one I think it is then it will be smaller than the other options you are looking at as it is a rebadged Harrison M250 so will only swing 11" dia.

If you want M300 size machines then the Mk2 2000 has 13" swing same as a Harrison M300 and you can also find that with a gap bed if you want to swing even more.

If you read through Tony's site that will give you just about the full spec for the Mk2 and also look at Harrison M250 lathes on the same site for the spec of the Mk3

If those are the two from the same dealer, I had my on the long bed one some while ago!

You can download Colchester/Harrison brochure info from the 600 Group site, you do have to register though.

David,

Thank You. You can indeed download the Colchester/Harrison brochure info from the 600 Group site but it makes no mention of the Colchester Bantam 2000 - Hence still looking if anyone can help please

Gary

Gary, the Bantam 2000 is more than likely to be the same as the 1800. It is my belief that the number (2000) refers to the maximum revs. 600 group started upping the speeds when carbide tooling became popular and numbered the models by revs.

Well I didn't get it so the search continues; it was a Willson Slant bed, with no discernible wear anywhere.
I was in serious negotiations with the vendor, having driven for 3 hours to view it yesterday, but for various reasons didn't manage to get a formal bid in on ebay before the auction closing time.
I'd even arranged a lifting party to collect it. Went for £600 with one bid

Bill

Hi Bill,

Sorry to hear that. 3 hour drive, you must of been keen. I can imagine your disappointment.

Well I have left messages for people who have items to sell but they are very slow at coming back to me. Perhaps they don't really want to sell the lathes.

I have left 5 messages for a guy who is advertising a Colchester student 2500, can't even get a price out of him yet.

Like you ,the search for the lathe ....continues......

Gary