I have had the thought a number of times since I have owned Grizzly lathes .......just pondering the possibilities, so perhaps some things to consider.......... Over the years since I owned both my former G0698, and now my G0766, I have not had issues related to either of the lathes performance. I have had wonderful performance from both machines. I have used a number of PM3520b's and Jet 1642 evs lathes an on more than one occasion used a Robust American Beauty. Been around the block a few times!
[Cont.]Both with the G0698, and the G0766, I heard from some folks who had issues with them, then after discovery process find out that it was the way they were doing things, like not using the speed pot to ramp down the speed before switching off, etc, and some reported spindle runout, when all the time it was the chuck insert that was not seated properly that made their chuck wobble. Grizzly lathes got a lot of blame in some circles, and come to find out it was user error that created the great majority of issues people had! I am not sure that everyone who buys a lathe understands proper usage, and probably does not read the full manuals. [cont.]
Things like proper bed leveling, proper chuck insert installation, proper sequence ramping down the speed, especially with a large and heavy blank on the lathe, all make for a fine performing unit. I have had zero issues with either my G0698 or my G0766. I did have the one thin thread on the back of the spindle, but filed that down, and it is now just fine. I turned on a friends Robust American Beauty two weeks ago, and paid attention to how his spindle looks.......almost identical to my G0766, although I know the RAB has a hardened spindle. Food for thought! More than likely most issues stem from user error!
Some of the G0766 users' complaints have actually stemmed from defective or inadequately manufactured components (i.e., my own speed pot had a dead short on the filament after maybe 20 hours of use); while others may be user error induced or perceived. I have have very good experiences with this machine and I can honestly thank you for steering me into this purchase before the units were even available to touch in the States. Your experiences and trust in the brand have aided me to own a quality lathe, that I enjoy every time I get a chance to turn.
Thanks Mark for your remarks. Any and all makes do have a mechanical issue or component failure from time to time.......the forums have seen numerous stories from 3520b owners and Jet owners of motor/vfd issues, switch issues, etc, and even Oneway's have had component failures. Manufacturers know components fail, so they make spare parts! Just so no one misunderstands... I have tried to get factual information out there, for the benefit of others. I created this GGMG group to help with that, and have no affiliation whatsoever with Grizzly, but as a woodworker, I value good tools/performance/value. Grizzly seems to give all in this G0766 lathe. It will run with the big boys for sure! If I can facilitate a genuine understanding in the turning community for what this lathe represents in features/performance/value, then the effort is not in vain.
