Grizzly, Springfield, MO

[Steve Mawson]

Stopped by on my way home Monday, they have a lot of stuff. The new Grizzly lathe G0800 looks like a nice machine. Talked to one of the employees that does classes and he, of course, gave it high marks. Looks like a pretty nice machine for about the same price as a Powermatic 3520. I did look at the drive belt and it's only about 1/2" wide, hope it does the job.

[Roger Chandler]

Stopped by on my way home Monday, they have a lot of stuff. The new Grizzly lathe G0800 looks like a nice machine. Talked to one of the employees that does classes and he, of course, gave it high marks. Looks like a pretty nice machine for about the same price as a Powermatic 3520. I did look at the drive belt and it's only about 1/2" wide, hope it does the job.

My G0766 has a 1/2" drive belt on the pulleys.......I have turned heavy blanks that weighed 100 lbs.........no issues at all. My former 18/47 had the same width belt, no issues with it either. My G0766 is 3 hp, 3 phase, with inverter, so yes, it does the job.

[Scott Hackler]

Steve, was that the black one sitting by itself? (I was just there a few weeks ago)

[Steve Doerr]

I was there on Thursday and it is the black one setting by itself. It is a very good looking machine. Like Steve, I too was surprised and a little concerned about the size of the belt. I would have thought it would have had a larger belt myself.

Roger, glad to hear you have not had any problems with it.

[Steve Mawson]

Steve, was that the black one sitting by itself? (I was just there a few weeks ago)

Yep Scott, that's the one. They also had one in the demo or class room. If I had a piece of timber with me I would have asked to give it a go, it was dusty so I know it was being used. Only used a One Way with 24" swing once and that Grizzly would have been fun to give a spin. Not sure I need a 24" swing lathe but who knows.

Perhaps I should clarify, it was not my intention to criticise any Grizzly lathe belts. It's just smaller than what I have seen before. Since it seems to work fine-great. So lets not get excited about the belts.

[carl mesaros]

I have owned the Laguna 2436 ( identical to the Grizzly GO-800) for two years now and have done some fairly heavy turning with it. The drive belt has never offered to slip once. I read somewhere that the belt is from the auto industry. Used to drive A/C or the power steering pump.
What I like about the lathe the most is the wide stance and 850 lbs. of cast iron.

[Ted Baxter]

I Have had the G0800 for about six for about six months. I have never sliped the belt the lathe is very nice I like the weight and the ability to slide the head down to the end so I can stand in front of the wood no twisting or reaching way out. Much easier on my back. I bought the bed extension I have it on the lower setting so I could turn a 36" item. I will do that one day just so I can say I did.

[Steve Mawson]

I Have had the G0800 for about six for about six months. I have never sliped the belt the lathe is very nice I like the weight and the ability to slide the head down to the end so I can stand in front of the wood no twisting or reaching way out. Much easier on my back. I bought the bed extension I have it on the lower setting so I could turn a 36" item. I will do that one day just so I can say I did.

Do you think the bed extension is a good add on?

[Steve Mawson]

I have owned the Laguna 2436 ( identical to the Grizzly GO-800) for two years now and have done some fairly heavy turning with it. The drive belt has never offered to slip once. I read somewhere that the belt is from the auto industry. Used to drive A/C or the power steering pump.
What I like about the lathe the most is the wide stance and 850 lbs. of cast iron.

Did you order from Laguna or pick up at a dealer?

[carl mesaros]

Did you order from Laguna or pick up at a dealer?

Steve I purchased mine from a dealer, Woodwerks in Columbus, Ohio.
I also puchased the bed extension at the same time. The 2436 came with the tailstock swing away which is really nice.

[Ted Baxter]

Yes i am glad I bought the extension it stays on the lathe in the lower position all the time. Anytime I am turning a bowl that is going to take a while I slide the head stock to the end put the banjo on the bed extension and stand in front of my work easier on the back plus it adds almost a 100lbs to the lathe.