Warco GH1440 Lathe - Part 1 - New Machine Day

[@stuartbridger5177]

Good luck with the new lathe. I have a VMC mill from them and it is perfect for my hobby use. Warco customer service is first class. I had a couple of minor issues from new and they supplied replacement parts quickly without question. They were also great when I purchased a power feed which was designed for a newer model. They supplied the parts to fit my older model FOC.

[@Thebowber]

I replaced my old Harrison 11" with a new Warco lathe, the Harrison was a better lathe, but it had bed wear in the most used area which made it impossible to turn anything accurately. The Warco has been very accurate and perfectly adequate for my hobby use.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Bowber, If I can find some extra space, I'd keep the Harrison, it's a good machine and would make a good series on rebuilding it and adding further upgrades. It has wear, but not heavy, it still has plenty of life left in it. This Warco machine under the dirt and grime looks used, but not much. I have a few projects I'd like to have a go at which I think the Warco will be better at than the Harrison. I like both machines! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@frogandspanner]

As a kid in the '50s I had a sliding number puzzle. There were 15 numbered slidable tiles within a 16-space case. One tile adjacent to the _hole_ could be moved, and the goal was to get all the numbers in ascending order. Watching the beginning of the video reminded me of that hair-tearing, annoying puzzle. The problem with my own workshop is that I have misplaced the hole.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

I wondered where we were going then..... then I laughed, that is exactly my workshop, and most likely many others home workshops. This is the best description of a workshop!! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@billdoodson4232]

Yep! Exactly the same here. I have everything small enough on castors and then move it all around as needed. If the weather is OK, I can wheel the 2 motorcycles outside, plus some other bits to give me more room.

[@julias-shed]

New tool day is always good 😀

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Julia, Always good... although I seem to have caused some conflicting comments with my purchase! 😬. I'm happy with it. All the best, Matt 👍🚂 p.s. keep up the good work on the Brit 👍

[@julias-shed]

@@MattChiversWorkshop as long as it suits your needs 😀

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

@@julias-shed Absolutely, I can butcher all the metal to my hearts content 😂😂

[@grumbum1]

Christmas has come early. You can now play with your new toy making lots of swarf for you loco's. Lovely machine. In a previous life I purchased two for use at work... Never any problems and lovely to use. Enjoy! Keep up the good work my friend. Grum

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Absolutely mate, I now can't afford Christmas 😂😂. Seems a good machine under the dirt, soon have it rewired into a VFD and in full service!! Then I can catch you up with the loco build 😂. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Very nice lathe. Hope it’s going to serve you well. It’s looking great.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Rusty, thank you, I'm sure it will once I have it running how I like, cleaned and get use to its features. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@seamusbolton215]

Brilliant !! I love "New Machine Day" and the fact that you know its history makes it all the better I would be concerned that a dual speed motor may not be dual voltage and not able to run of the cheap frequency converters, but I'm sure someone here with more knowledge the myself can help And always remember "Life is a game and the man with the most tools when he dies, wins" Thanks again for all your effort making these videos

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Seamus, I'm not concerned at all. It's not a dual voltage motor, it's a 2 speed induction motor, the speed is determined by the poles and which ones are selected. Secretly I can tell you it works fine 😉..... See you in the next, episode. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@MrFactotum]

nice one Matt hope you don't regret, i think for the hobbyist it will be fine look forward to seeing it up and running laterzzzzzzzzzzz kev

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hey Up Kev, regret it?? absolutely not, its in mint condition under the dirt! Only thing is..... it's really heavy!! Will be up and running in no time!! I'm sure of it..... maybe. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@RobertBrown-lf8yq]

Great buy Matt 👍 Love to see it with a shave & haircut 🤣 Robert

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Robert, Thank you. And I say keep it hairy, extra insulation in this cold weather 😂. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@mr.picklesworth]

Congratulations! This exciting can't wait for the next video.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks Mr.picklesworth, Me neither! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@robjaimiehickford4559]

Make sure the headstock taper sleeve is with the lathe. I seen the empty box in red tool box. You’ll need that. Check to see if it’s in headstock bore.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Rob, unfortunately its not, but its only an mt5 to mt3 reducer... easy obtained... I hope 😬. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@carlhuxford7067]

Didn't realise you had purchased this lathe. It's in pretty much the same state as my myford was when it came out of that garage. It cleaned up really well and is like brand new now. Also, i think i might have the centres that were in those boxes. I'll bring them with me on sunday

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Carl, Yep I bought it, for the price I couldn't say no really. Excellent news on the centres, thank you! It runs very nice too!! a lot more quieter than the Harrison. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@melgross]

Use the wedge post. The piston just pushes against the dovetail. The wedge does exactly that, it moves the wedge up and locks the holder much more securely. Also by moving the wedge, the holder is pushed against the adjusting nut securely. That ensures the holder will always be at the same height. The piston will tighten even if the holder isn’t where it’s supposed to be, so the tool height could be off. It’s cheaper for a reason. Good luck with the VFD. I advise only using it with the high speed setting of the motor. The problem is that the characteristics of the motor is too different at each speed to work with a VFD which wants to see the same thing as you get it set up for that particular motor. Fortunately, VFDs have low speed torque control. But maybe you should give Warco a call before you do anything. Older 3 phase motors are not made to be used with VFDs. If it’s not wound for that, it could burn up. Most newer motors, say about 15 years or less can handle it, or get a motor rated as “inverter ready”.

[@StuartsShed]

Excellent points sir.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks for your reply. Regarding the VFD, I was told the same about my 1964 Bridgeport with its original motor... and its running on a VFD, I was told the same about my 1960's Harrison Lathe.... also running on a VFD, Both with zero issues! Warco has a 2 speed induction motor wired in Delta, which you need for VFD, the two speeds are dictated by switching between 4 and 8 poles. Induction motors are suitable for variable speed from a VFD. Yes there are more dedicated VFD designed motors, but there are also dedicated VFD cables, and yes some motors will not work like those that are in the star config. The trick with VFD's is in the setup of the parameters, get them right and it will work. I've done several install's of VFD's all with success. This machine has already run on a VFD since I got it, my only issue I have currently is EMF (common with VFD's), I only know that because its effected the sound on the next video, but I think I have the cause!! It's all good fun... unless you electrocute yourself which is a bit shocking. All the best, Matt 👍 Disclaimer - I have knowledge and experience with electrical circuits in machines, and I have a qualified electrician checking my work on final install.

[@howardosborne8647]

Definitely choose a wedge locking type over a piston type tool post every time and for all the better location and locking reasons you raise here👌

[@melgross]

@@MattChiversWorkshop being lucky isn’t the same as being correct. Failure can occur at any time. Do one thing incorrectly and you find yourself doing other things incorrectly. Dedicated VFD cables are only required when long runs (over 50 feet, or 16 meters) are being used, particularly in noisy environments. In a home shop you don’t need it. Well, I wish you luck with this. I’ve designed machinery and control circuits as well, and installed my first VFD back in 2002. I’ve converted more than a few machines since then.

[@stuartbridger5177]

I have been running a VFD on my 1963 Colchester Chipmaster with the original motor for over 10 years. No issues af all. It only has hobby us3, so not under heavy load.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks for watching as always Craig, all the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@wadkin1973]

would it not be easier to get a cheap static converter or even better a rotary.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

All down to cost, Static converters and Rotary's are considerably more expensive than a Variable frequency drive. My other machines run on VFD's so I'm familiar with them. All the best, Matt

[@geoffreykail9129]

Matt, I have a three phase converter and am really pleased with it. It will run my 1440 Nardini lathe (10hp) and my Bridgeport clone (3hp) at the same time.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Geoffrey, 10ph motor? good lord what are you machining 😂?? That's a mighty motor. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@ukhotrods]

severe machine envy here awsome piece of kit, metric or imperial you ought to look at phase converters ive one ready to go on my boxford.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks UKhotrods, I'm going down the VFD route having had success with all my other machines in the workshop running on them. Just I'm going to do a full install on this lathe so I can use all the buttons. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@jbhtrams]

It looks about the same size as a Colchester student or the Triumph 2000. I used to work on a Sideways Grinder in Vauxhalls, E.Port, and take it from me, those slides look brilliant for it's age. It should last you for years!!! I don't know what it cost you, but it looks like a bargain anyway!!! It's a shame that the HARRISON had to go (my namesake!) but I've used them and the gear ratios on them are a bit limited.. Again you have got a good bargain!!!!

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi John, Yes I'd say similar size, it's 6inch longer than the Harrison, and the bed is higher so hopefully it will save my back a bit on long jobs. This one can turn 18inch on diameter and 40" between centres, so not a small hobby machine. I've not decided if I'm going to reveal the price.... but this was unbelievably cheap...I got lucky. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@jean-louisfigureau6364]

WARCO WAS A VALUABLE enterprise !

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

They still have there place in the world. Still good machines.

[@dinsdalepiranah1189]

Would definately keep the wedge tool post on the Harrison.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Only time will tell, but I don't think there will be much difference tbh. All the best, Matt

[@Paul-FrancisB]

I went down the route of building a rotary phase converter (from scratch) rather than rewire my Harrison M300, similar situation to you wanting to retain the controls and 415V coolant pump. You can pick up a Clarke phase converter for the price of a couple of inverters and that is plug and play. Unfortunately it meant it was less of a problem for me to accumulate other 3 phase machinery like a shaper etc 😂

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Paul, I've never had issues on any of the 3 phase machines I have all running on variable frequency drives, so I wouldn't switch to rotary which are more expensive to run. I don't mind wiring, I find it rather interesting, I've already researched every electrical component in the machine and I know what it does, how it works and if it will work with the VfD. Unfortunately the coolant pump will have to be swapped out for a 240v version, but that is not an issue. All the best, Matt, 👍🚂

[@Paul-FrancisB]

@@MattChiversWorkshop mine is a hobby shop so small power consumption difference doesn't bother me (it's only about 100W), and I enjoyed the challenge of building mine. The lathe looks like a good machine for you, especially coming with a decent amount of accessories, having a gap bed is really handy even if you end up with a face plate the size of a coffee table.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Funny you should mention the coffee table idea, if you watch Matty's Workshop his table is an old faceplate!! All the best, Matt 👍

[@Paul-FrancisB]

@@MattChiversWorkshop 🤣 you got me, I've been subscribed to Matty for a long time

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

@@Paul-FrancisB Me too!! His machine is what inspired me to buy this one. As they most likely came from the same factory. All the best, Matt 👍

[@jeff1176]

Could that rock hard substance be a protective coating to stop rust?

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

It's a very slim possibility, but I don't know of any that go that hard. I shall be using duck oil in the future... much nicer stuff to work with. All the best, Matt

[@richardboucher6904]

Sad to see the Harrison go but with all home shop machinist we bootstrap ourselves to nicer machines all the time. Dick B. USA

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Dick, hope you're well, Id love to keep the Harrison but I'm restricted for space! if I wasn't building such a large steam engine I'd keep it. Some silly person decided to build a huge loco!! opps. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@paulstephenson5220]

Check the camlocks for the chucks too. Mine were handing on by the skin of their teeth, dangerous. Just needed debur and adjusting. Ive a harrison like yours too that i wouldnt sell. I keep it for the real heavy work were a lot needs to come off. Compare the view inside the two headstocks before you part with the harrison, youll see what i mean. Warco can do it but id not push it very hard.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

I'd love to keep both lathes, but space is a premium!! All the best, Matt

[@paulstephenson5220]

@@MattChiversWorkshop totally get that. Ive too many of them, always dreaming up reasoning for keeping them all and cant move now.

[@dermotkelly2289]

Will the torque on 240v be ok for the lathe?

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Dermot, absolutely, the Harrison and the Bridgeport are both 3 phase motors running on 240v Variable frequency drives, with no trouble at all. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@rallymax2]

What Have You Done!

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

😂 Spent the Christmas fund on one item!! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@pilottnwc8534]

Hey matt seems like you need a bigger shop😂

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Pilot....... yes I do.... I can dream!! 😂. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Use it in good health. Go make something. Laterz 😁

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Alan, Oh I will don't you worry... plans!! All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@russelltaylor7779]

I would not buy another Warco product after buying a WM 18 mill from them! I had to totally strip and hand scrape in all the ways and rebuild the spindle with new European bearings and make proper spacers as the bearings were loaded with old circlips. The accuracy report that came with the machine was meaningless because it bore no resemblance to the actual errors in every axis. I am a retired machine tool fitter and have worked on and rebuilt a lot of German and English machine tools so I know what is correct and what is rubbish. The mill I have is the only Warco I ever purchased and it will be the last .

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Hi Russell, I'm not sure what to reply to this comment... I'm happy with my purchase, it will do the job I need it to do. If something is wrong with it, I'll either fix it or move onto the next machine. All the best, Matt.

[@paulstephenson5220]

Warning. My warco1224 20 year old was full of a mixture of oil and black fat grease as used in steel industry fabric/water chock bearings. I know the smell having worked in the industry thats how i know. So someone in china had got free grease and oil, mixed it and used it as the oil fill rather than use new oil . I know it was done in the factory because i know the history from new. Next serious issue.... Oil level glass in the headstock positioned far too low to splash lube the head unless used at top rpm. One little gear only picking up the oil at the bottom. Needed another inch of oil only to make it right. Groove for lube around top of headstock blocked with paint and stuff too. Hope yours isnt the same but pull off the headsock cover n check. Motor pulley not properly secured to motor shaft also.

[@MattChiversWorkshop]

Thanks Paul, I shall definitely investigate these on mine. All the best, Matt 👍🚂

[@melgross]

A number of lathes have the problem of not splashing the top gears at low speeds. It seems to be a more common design error than you’d think. I’m speaking about top manufacturers here too.