I have never seen a Colchester Chipmaster rebadged as Harrison before. You have some great machines. Very impressive. It is always nice to see Harrison or Colchester machines outside of the UK.
Looks like a nice example of a Chipmaster lathe. Doing the VFD controls the way you have makes it much easier if someone in the future wants to return the machine to run on 3 phase power, all the electrical gear is still present, because its been in use it will work, just putting wires back to match the factory wiring diagram.
Thanks, indeed I generally do whatever I can to avoid permanent modifications, and even if rewiring I prioritize using the original components if possible (repairing or repurposing as-needed), before replacing them. Another example is my Bridgeport had a bad 6f drive, and I could not find the issue with the board - so I replaced just the controller instead of putting a cheap new power feed on altogether
I used an identical Harrison lathe at a community college back in the late '70s. Very nice lathe that was a pleasure to run. Would love to have one in my shop.
Like what you did with the Vfd utilising the original controls. I put a Vfd on my Harrison M250 and I rebuilt the control panel using buttons and switches in keeping with the design and era of the machine. Incidentally, the 240 - 120 or 110 control transformer is common in the UK in both three phase and factory single phase machines. The contactors and interlock microswitches are fed from 110 and the transformer is centre tapped. The tap is earthed to the machine frame so that if the operator inadvertently touches a live cable or terminal then they can only receive a maximum shock voltage of 55 - 60 volts.
I have subscribed to your channel. I am in the UK, I have a workshop with tig gear, a Harrison M250 lathe and round column mill drill. Currently restoring a Harrison mill. I invite you to take a look at my content. I really enjoyed yours.
I have never seen a Colchester Chipmaster rebadged as Harrison before. You have some great machines. Very impressive. It is always nice to see Harrison or Colchester machines outside of the UK.
Looks like a nice example of a Chipmaster lathe.
Doing the VFD controls the way you have makes it much easier if someone in the future wants to return the machine to run on 3 phase power, all the electrical gear is still present, because its been in use it will work, just putting wires back to match the factory wiring diagram.
Thanks, indeed I generally do whatever I can to avoid permanent modifications, and even if rewiring I prioritize using the original components if possible (repairing or repurposing as-needed), before replacing them. Another example is my Bridgeport had a bad 6f drive, and I could not find the issue with the board - so I replaced just the controller instead of putting a cheap new power feed on altogether
I used an identical Harrison lathe at a community college back in the late '70s. Very nice lathe that was a pleasure to run. Would love to have one in my shop.
Very cool setup. I wish I could get my hands on a Chipmaster!
Like what you did with the Vfd utilising the original controls. I put a Vfd on my Harrison M250 and I rebuilt the control panel using buttons and switches in keeping with the design and era of the machine. Incidentally, the 240 - 120 or 110 control transformer is common in the UK in both three phase and factory single phase machines. The contactors and interlock microswitches are fed from 110 and the transformer is centre tapped. The tap is earthed to the machine frame so that if the operator inadvertently touches a live cable or terminal then they can only receive a maximum shock voltage of 55 - 60 volts.
It always makes me chuckle when people think VFDs can do better than the good old mechanical variator.
Yeah, I wish they didn't rip it out - it would he nice to have it intact even if it needed repairs, and to get better low speed torque
Once the variator starts to wear they are very expensive to repair, that's if you can still get the parts.
Like what ou have done keeping the original switches. I have done exactly the same on my Hardinge. Not easy but well worth it.
It's had the variable speed unit removed.
I have subscribed to your channel. I am in the UK, I have a workshop with tig gear, a Harrison M250 lathe and round column mill drill. Currently restoring a Harrison mill. I invite you to take a look at my content. I really enjoyed yours.