Colchester Student CNC

Q: How much does the Colchester Student CNC cost?

The price estimate for the Colchester Student CNC is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/colchester-student-cnc#price; the request is passed to Colchester or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-04 · colchester.co.uk Updated 2026-10-04

Image: colchester.co.uk, Colchester

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

3,000 rpm

Spindle Power

5.5 kW (7.4 hp)

swing over bed

330 mm (13.0 in)

distance between centres

1,000 mm (39.4 in)

spindle bore

40 mm (1.6 in)

chuck size

6 in (152 mm)

How much does the Colchester Student CNC cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Colchester Student CNC that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.

Overview

The Colchester Student CNC is a compact flat-bed CNC lathe that Colchester says is designed and engineered in the UK using the same construction as its manual Student centre lathe. It swings 330 mm (13.0 in) over the bed, takes 1,000 mm (39.4 in) between centres and carries a 6 in (152 mm) chuck on a D1-4 camlock nose. The spindle is rated 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) with a top speed of 3,000 rpm.

Those are training-lathe dimensions, and the maker pitches the machine at education first and industry second. What makes it useful in a college workshop is the control. The Fanuc 0i-TF Plus with a 10.4 in colour screen can be programmed three ways: in ISO code, conversationally through Manual Guide i, or from a CAD/CAM system. A student can therefore learn G-code on the same machine that later runs a posted program.

A centre-lathe layout brings centre-lathe habits with it. The tailstock is manual. The standard tool carrier is a Dickson quick change tool post, so each tool change in a program is a manual swap unless the buyer specifies something else; no turret appears in the features for this model. A gap in the bed raises the swing to 480 mm (18.9 in) for short, large-diameter jobs, while swing over the cross slide is 210 mm (8.3 in).

Bar capacity through the spindle is 40 mm (1.6 in). The chuck supplied to UK specification is a PBI Super Precision 3-jaw scroll chuck, with a 4-jaw independent chuck as an option. Travelling and stationary steady rests and Alpha Link offline programming software are also optional.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Swing Over Bed	330 mm (13.0 in)
Distance Between Centres	1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Spindle Bore	40 mm (1.6 in)
Chuck Size	6 in (152 mm)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus
C Axis Driven Tools	No
Max Spindle Speed	3,000 rpm
Spindle Nose	D1-4 (Camlock)
Spindle Motor Power	5.5 kW (7.4 hp)
Swing in Gap	480 mm (18.9 in)
Swing Over Cross Slide	210 mm (8.3 in)

Specifications sourced from colchester.co.uk — verified 2026-10-04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Three programming routes on one Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control: ISO, conversational Manual Guide i, or CAD/CAM
1,000 mm (39.4 in) between centres on a compact footprint
Gap bed raises the swing from 330 mm (13.0 in) to 480 mm (18.9 in)
Built to DIN 8605 toolroom accuracy standards, according to Colchester
PBI Super Precision 3-jaw chuck and Dickson quick change tool post are standard on UK-specification machines

Limitations

Quick change tool post rather than a turret, so tool changes within a program are made by hand
5.5 kW (7.4 hp) and 3,000 rpm limit metal removal and small-diameter surface speed
40 mm (1.6 in) spindle bore restricts bar work
No C-axis or driven tools, and the tailstock is manual

Best For

Colleges and training centres teaching ISO and conversational CNC turning One-off and prototype parts up to 210 mm (8.3 in) over the cross slide Shaft work up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) between centres Toolrooms that want CNC cycles on a familiar centre-lathe layout

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What capacity does the Colchester Student CNC have?

Swing over the bed is 330 mm (13.0 in), swing in the gap 480 mm (18.9 in) and swing over the cross slide 210 mm (8.3 in). Distance between centres is 1,000 mm (39.4 in). The spindle bore is 40 mm (1.6 in) and the chuck is 6 in (152 mm).

02 How is the Student CNC programmed?

Through a Fanuc 0i-TF Plus CNC with a 10.4 in colour screen. Colchester lists three methods: ISO programming, the conversational Manual Guide i system, which is standard, and CAD/CAM. Alpha Link CAD/CAM offline programming software is offered as an option.

03 Does the Student CNC have a tool turret?

The standard features list a Dickson quick change tool post and tool holders on UK-specification machines, and the options list for this model does not include a turret. The table also answers No for C-axis and driven tools. Expect to change tools by hand at each programmed stop.

04 How does the Student CNC compare with the Harrison Alpha 1350XS?

The Harrison Alpha 1350XS is the nearest machine in size, with a 350 mm (13.8 in) swing and an 8 in (203 mm) chuck, but it is shorter at 650 mm (25.6 in) between centres and has more power at 7.5 kW (10.1 hp). It also adds manual and semi-automatic operating modes. The Student CNC is a pure CNC lathe with 1,000 mm (39.4 in) between centres.