I was using the Colchester today, and broke two tips. I turned them around, so that they are still usable, but I thought I’d let someone know. I’m not exactly positive what the difference is between the silver tips and the brass colored ones. I did find a few tips in the cabinet, but did not feel comfortable replacing without knowing the difference.
Also, the three jaw chuck was significantly off, and I unmounted it. It will likely need each of the jaws removed and reset. The 4 jaw is in place right now. Nick wanted me to send a note to remind him.
Lastly, I managed the break a cutoff bit as well. I put it in the broken bits bin. I will pay for any parts that I need to replace. I’m not sure how I managed to break this one. I ran a slow cut straight in to the middle. There was plenty of fluid. It just sheared.
Lastly the lathe was bone dry on cutting fluid, so I put some of the premixed fluid from under the drill press.
I was passing thru on the way to my HAAS class. One of the 3 jaws is definately tilted and would not hold a workpiece. It may simply need to be backed out all the way and then reseated. I won’t have time to do it tonight.
Hmmm. Is this something that I managed to do, or is this wear over time? If I need to pay for something please let me know. I was turning a piece of 2" steel, and at some point, the bit caught and knocked the piece off balance. I’m not sure if the jaws were already not holding well, and that is what caused it to be displaced, or if I did something stupid. I don’t feel like I did, and I was running at pretty low speeds < 120 ft/s per the specs.
IMO this is a cumulative fatigue failure. You just drew the lucky straw to break its back. To do this in “one event” I would expect pretty heavy damage to the tool post/insert holder.
Speaking to my work mate, he suggested there is the possibility it bent the spindle shaft and could have cracked a gear. On the first if it is tapering when not expected is a clue and we can visually just check the gears
Good news is the taper & bearings are in excellent condition. Bad news is the jaws just look like they got fatigued and started coming apart. Additionally the replacement jaws are proving difficult to find. I read that they could be imperial or metric scroll. Also bad news, you guys will have to now run the 4 jaw for the time being.
It’s a good skill to have, but since this is a production piece might want to wait if we can or find someone else. I have less experience with that jaw.
If you still want to do that chamfered groove I can still help with that
