Variable speed centre lathes for training and toolroom applications.
The Colchester Student VS and Harrison V300 centre lathes are industry-proven machines designed to support high-quality turning in both educational and professional workshop environments. Combining robust mechanical construction with a variable speed spindle drive, this machine range delivers smooth, precise control across a wide variety of materials and machining operations.
Widely recognised as a benchmark training lathe, the Student VS / V300 provides a reliable platform for developing real-world machining skills while offering the durability and accuracy required for toolroom and light production work.
Variable speed spindle drive for precision turning
The integrated variable speed spindle system allows operators to adjust spindle speed quickly and accurately to suit material type, tooling geometry, and cutting conditions. This flexibility enables:
- Optimised surface finish across roughing and finishing operations
- Improved tool life through correct cutting speed control
- Faster setup and reduced downtime between jobs
- Greater consistency for repeat machining tasks
The variable speed control makes the Student VS / V300 particularly well suited to environments where multiple users, materials, or job types are common.
Optional Constant Surface Speed (CSS) functionality
For enhanced control during facing and diameter-changing operations, the Student VS / V300 is available with optional Constant Surface Speed (CSS) functionality. When enabled, CSS automatically adjusts spindle speed relative to the changing workpiece diameter, helping maintain a consistent cutting speed throughout the operation.
This optional feature supports:
- Improved surface finish
- Reduced risk of tool wear
- More consistent machining results
- Better teaching outcomes in training environments
CSS is especially valuable in educational settings, reinforcing best-practice machining principles while improving overall process stability.
Designed for education, training, and industrial workshops
The Student VS / V300 is ideally suited to a wide range of applications, including:
- Engineering colleges and universities
- Apprentice and operator training centres
- Toolrooms and maintenance workshops
- General engineering and light industrial environments
Its intuitive control layout makes it accessible to new users, while its rigid construction and dependable performance meet the expectations of experienced machinists.
Intuitive operation with industrial build quality
As a long-established Colchester & Harrison design, the Student VS / V300 combines straightforward operation with industrial-grade construction. Controls are logically arranged to support safe learning and efficient workflow, while the machine’s mechanical integrity ensures long service life under regular use.
Skills developed on the Student VS / V300 translate directly to larger industrial lathes, making it a practical and effective training solution.
Accessories and configuration options
A comprehensive range of optional accessories and tooling allows the Student VS / V300 to be configured to suit specific training requirements or workshop applications. This flexibility ensures the machine can evolve with changing needs, protecting long-term investment value.
A trusted centre lathe for long-term capability
Whether specified for vocational education or professional workshop use, the Colchester Student VS / Harrison V300 delivers a proven balance of accuracy, usability, and durability. With optional features such as Constant Surface Speed, it offers modern machining capability while retaining the simplicity and reliability for which the range is known.
