COLCHESTER MASTER 2500 MANUAL LATHE

Technical Description

The Colchester Master 2500 is a precision manual centre lathe engineered for versatile metalworking applications. This gap-bed machine features a 13-inch swing over bed with an 8.3-inch swing over cross-slide, accommodating workpieces up to 19 inches in the gap section. The 25.6-inch distance between centres provides substantial turning length capacity, with a maximum turning diameter of 330mm over the bed and 210mm over the slide. Equipped with a 1.6-inch spindle bore accepting standard 4-inch D.1 Camlock tooling, the lathe delivers professional-grade performance through its 2.9 HP motor operating at 415V three-phase supply. The spindle offers 16 selectable speeds ranging from 30 to 2,500 RPM, enabling precise control across diverse machining operations. Both longitudinal and cross feeds are available, with sliding feed rates spanning 0.001" to 0.040" per revolution. The induction-hardened and ground V-and-flat bedways ensure dimensional accuracy and repeatability. Standard features include 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks, fixed steady, quick-change toolpost, dual English/metric micrometer dials, and integrated coolant system with mechanical pump. The machine's comprehensive gearbox supports 39 metric pitches, 18 module options, 45 English threads, and 21 diametral pitches without changewheel modifications. Weighing approximately 890-1,500 kg depending on configuration, this robust lathe represents classical British precision engineering suitable for production runs, prototype development, and general-purpose turning work.