Equipment/Colchester Master Lathe

Metal Lathe (Colchester Master)
Sub-category	Metalworking
Status	Good working order
Last updated	2 September 2024 08:21:39
Training requirement	yes
Training link	Lathe Training
ACnode	yes
Owner	LHS
Origin	Donation
Location	Metalworking Shop
Maintainers	Machine Shop Team - lead is Toby

This is a Colchester Master 3250 metal lathe, used for many kinds of turning operations on (mostly round) metal parts

The lathe is ACNode controlled and requires training. For information on the training process see Lathe Training

For some information on the current range of tooling and accessories, see Metal Lathe Accessories

A few house rules for using the lathe:

• No wood (sawdust gets into all the moving parts, soaks up moisture and oil and then becomes quite abrasive)
• No use of compressed air for cleaning (it sometimes drives chips past the chip guards and into the moving parts)

When you are finished with the lathe please ensure all chips are removed from the ways and carriage - first by brushing down with a brush, then hoovering using the nearby wet & dry vacuum, then finally wiping down with a rag

Metal Group - https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en-GB#!forum/london-hackspace-metal-working-group

Useful Specs

Toolholder: Dickson S2 (Tool holding slot 25 x 17mm)

Headstock Taper: MT5

Parts List - https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/File:2021_10_28_Colchester_3250_MASTER_-_NEW_LOOK_PARTS_LIST.pdf

Maintenance

Check coolant levels preferably before the coolant pump stops pumping. If it reaches that point, the reservoir can take a little over ~20L of 5% coolant diluted down with tap water: measuring jug & funnel can be found atop the big blue plastic jerry can of concentrate under the bench in the toolstore. There's a white 5L jerry can nearby for premixing (and may contain leftover) 5% coolant.

Risk Assessment - Metal Lathes

This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.

Activity

Turning metal or suitable plastics on the metal lathe

Signage

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Understanding Risk Rating

LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity

MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended

HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists

Risk Assessment

Identify Hazards	Who May be Harmed and How	Severity	Control Measures	Likelihood	Risk Rating
Incompetent user	User, Bystander	HIGH	Users must not use tools that they are not competent to use.   Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous. Users should read the user manual where applicable.   Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool.  Users will be advised during induction which tools they will need supervision or an induction to use.	LOW	MED
Entanglement	User	HIGH	User must not wear gloves User must remove all jewellery. User must tie back hair User must not wear flowing clothes User must not touch the workpiece whilst the lathe is switched on.	Medium	Medium
Ejection of workpiece	User, Bystander	HIGH	User will test the workpiece is in the chuck/ centres/ faceplate securely. User will test the integrity and suitability of the workpiece for turning before use. Use of potentially less secure work-holding methods (faceplate, between centres) restricted to advanced users.	Low	Medium
Noise	User of the tool, users of the room.	LOW	Ear protection is advised for heavy cutting.	LOW	LOW
Flying swarf	User of the tool, users of the room.	LOW	Eye protection must be worn whilst using the metal lathe   Eye protection must be worn by all users of the workshop.	LOW	LOW