INSTALLATION Installation & Location To obtain the full accuracy, which has been built into the Clausing-Colchester Lathe, it is essential that it should be placed on a solid level foundation, which is free from vibration. The best practice is to place the machine on a reinforced concrete base. A wooden floor is not recommended because the swelling and shrinking of the wood, due to atmospheric conditions, causes distortion of the alignment of the machine. If a wooden floor site cannot be avoided, a section of flooring should be removed, and a concrete base built up to the wooden floor level.
Holding down bolts should be inserted in this base at proper intervals to fit the drilled holes in the machine legs. If setting the machine above ground floor level, or on a balcony, cannot be avoided, a reinforced concrete floor is necessary to obtain best results and it is recommended that the Headstock be set as close to supporting -walls and pillars as possible. The machine weighs about 2,000 pounds and proper equipment for handling this weight should be available. After your machine has been unloaded, it should be left on its shipping skids while it is moved to its location in the machine shop.
In certain cases an eyebolt is supplied ready fixed on the bed of the machine, and this should then be used for lifting purposes. When the eyebolt is not supplied, it is recommended that the machine be lifted by means of an adequately strong rope sling inserted through the bed openings. The machine should never be lifted by means of a sling round the outside of the lathe bed; otherwise the lead screw and feed shaft may be distorted. Cleaning Before moving any of the slides of your lathe, all machined surfaces should be thoroughly washed with kerosene to clean off the slushing compound used to protect these surfaces, together with any dust or dirt that may have accumulated in transit.
This operation is very important as it prevents dirt from working under the sliding members and avoids subsequent undue wear. Care must be taken to ensure that the kerosene is not allowed to remain on the slides and all surfaces must be thoroughly covered with a good grade of machine oil to prevent the formation of rust. After the machine has been thoroughly cleaned, surfaces lubricated and installed on its foundation, it is ready for leveling and wiring. Technical Department Our Technical Department is at your disposal, and always pleased to discuss your particular problem. Our aim is to ensure maximum satisfaction with your Clausing Colchester Lathe.