I am not trying to stir the pot up! I am going to up-grade from my Delta midi to a larger Lathe. I was saving towards a Jet 1642 2 hp but this new Grizzly has me perplexed. Has anyone one here turned on both? This is like asking a Chevy guy what he thinks of the new Ford F-150. It looks to me the main difference is the price ?!? Both look tons beefier than my little Delta. I have never seen the new grizzly face to face, but I lust over the Jet with every trip to my local WoodCraft. The Grizzly being so new I an find any comparisons on-line. Are any of y'all owners near Birmingham Al? Thanks Tom Ala
Here's a comparison on Youtube of the G0733 and the Jet1642. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gtgKssFdE4 The person making the comparison is Kerry Harrison from Harrison tools. Some of the criticisms on the video are specific to the 0733 and some have been fixed on the newer 0766. Some still exist. You'll see that the two lathes are actually quite similar. I recently bought the G0766, which is very similar to the 0733 but a bit bigger. It is also a bit cheaper. I think that value per dollar is very high. But some new owners have had some issues with the G0766. Many of the problems are probably related to the initial start-up of production and some tolerancing/quality control issues. I have had some problems but most have been overcome. So, if you have the time and patience to deal with those problems you'll probably be happy.
I have turned and demo'd on several Jet 1642 EVS models including the 2hp unit. I own the G0766 Grizzly in my shop. Hands down, the Grizzly 0766 is a more substantial machine, more horsepower, better inverter, and heavier. If someone gave me enough money to buy a brand new 1642- 2hp EVS, then I would get the Grizz and have money for extras like chucks & gouges. The only plus with the Jet is the longer warranty period, but Jet units have their issues just like any other brand!
Tom, I've turned on the 1642 EVS, and I own both a G0733 and G0766. I've had the G0733 for 3-1/2 ys, and the G0766 for a couple of months. The 1642 EVS is a well-regarded lathe, but IMO a closer comparison would be between it and the Grizzly G0632, with an additional 1/2 hp. The G0733 is more lathe for less money. The G0766 is way more lathe, for even less money, given its introductory pricing. The Harrison video Brice links to is worth watching, but the few shortcomings he mentions (e.g., the spindle boss fitment issue for some aftermarket chucks, the lack of a handwheel) are easily remedied, and the roughness on the inner edges of the ways may have been an isolated case. Mine are quite smooth. Don't recall if Harrison mentioned the banjo hole being 25 mm, rather than 1", but that is a five minute fix with a 1" Silver and Deming bit and some sandpaper to remove the slight difference. (cont)
Grizzly has a customer reference program. Give customer service a call and ask if they can connect you with a recent purchaser of the G0766 in your area so you can kick the tires in person. Also, lots of discussion of the G0766 in this Group, as you may already have investigated.
Tom: Where are you located? There's probably at least 20 G0766 owners on this forum, and maybe one of us is near enough to you for you to visit. I've had mine for a few months, and only get to turn on weekends, but I am loving the mass the versatility, and the overall performance. It is my first real lathe, and I am progressing in courage to larger bowls and platters (slowly). It is a rock steady machine, and I also compare it to the PM 3520B, which I used for a week solid at JC Campbell Folkschool last year. I have also turned on Jet 1642's and this G0766 beats that hands down. The few minor issues some have experienced have been addressed by Grizzly solidly. I would expect the price to bump next year by several hundred dollars to line up with competition without being overpriced.
Mark I am between Atlanta and Birmingham on I-20 willing to drive a ways Does Grizzly have sales occasionally like Jet/PM ? Thanks Tom
They had a store close out sale, but that was pretty far a way from you. The price now is a great deal, and you'll appreciate the savings over a Jet or PM, and that extra cash left over will buy some good tools. Mine came to $1735 delivered with the lift gate option.
