We see newer turners, or some turners who want to upgrade lathes, or those who want to skip under performing lathes, but cannot afford some of the premium brands out there like the Robust or Oneway. I was wondering how many of the Grizzly G0766 owners have stepped up to recommend the 0766? My reason for asking is to find out if you are comfortable recommending the unit, or feel that you have enough experience with numerous lathes to be able to give a pretty good comparison and review? I have no affiliation with Grizzly whatsoever, other than being a customer who has bought two lathes and one bandsaw from them. I see from time to time that most reviews simply give a turners personal experience with their own lathe, so they recommend it, which is pretty much expected. I wonder how many have experience with many makes and sizes of lathes, and have that experience to draw from and can honestly recommend the G0766 to inquirers who are considering a new lathe?
Crickets......geez!
Hi Roger, During the period of time when I was working closely with Grizzly on some lingering warranty spindle issues, I didn't go out of my way recommending the G0766. I wasn't bad mouthing the lathe but I wasn't giving it an unconditional stamp of approval. But, the spindle issues are behind me. I'm satisfied with my lathe. I think that the G0766 is a good lathe and a VERY good product considering its low price point. I am surprised though when I read posts from people who are struggling with justifying the $3500 price (or whatever it is) for a Powermatic or perhaps even more for a One way or Robust. They are great lathes - - but then again they cost a bunch more. There are a bunch of people out there who are using a 12" Craftsman single tube length who agonize over spending $3500 or more but seem to not consider the Griz. I don't understand it.
I agree with Brice- after I got my spindle problems corrected, I am very satisfied with my 766. Best lathe on the market for the price.
Thanks for the replies.....glad your issue was corrected. I think the spindle issue was on a very small number of units. If I recall correctly, maybe less than 5 units.....I have not heard of but 3, since the 0766 debuted.
I have and would again recommend the Grizzly G0766 lathe to prospective woodturners. It is my first dedicated lathe, and I feel it is my lifetime lathe. I have turned on a few PM3520B's and lots of demos on Delta and Jet mini lathes. The G0766 has been a reliable piece of equipment (having logged perhaps 150 hours in a 1.5 year span). The minor speed potentiometer failure was a nuisance, but easily repaired and quickly handled by Grizzly CSR. They even sent free touchup paint. I hope to put it through a tougher regimen in the near future, as soon as I complete my homemade hollowing rig, and process about 30 bowls. Thanks Roger for the intuitive faith in the product that was not even on shore yet. Well done.
Mark.....thanks! It was not "blind" faith, but based upon my experience with my former G0698. I was just at our club meeting last week, and that lathe is still going strong in club use. Lots of turners have used it, and still with ZERO problems! That thing is over 7 years old, and no telling how many hours on it now. My G0766 is quite a machine for sure, and it performs as you have personally seen, as well as any 3520b!
