grizzly lathes

[byron constantine]

Any take on the go584 and the g0462 lathes? Anyone own one of these?
They look pretty good for the money, but that is not always the case.
Thanks, Byron

[Frank Fusco]

My Grizzly lathe is the G1067Z. There are some issues I don't care for, particularly the non-standard 1"X12tpi shaft. But, still comparing with others on the market, at the time (five years ago) it was the best value around. The newer models you mention are improved versions at less money. Last time I visited the Springfield, Missouri store I asked about that. I was told that Grizzly has gone from Tiawan manufacturers to mainland China factories and has been able to improve quality at lower prices with the move. As much as I decry losing American jobs to Chinese manufacturers, we cannot avoid the simple fact that many things, like Grizzly tools are excellent quality at great prices. If you buy one of those you should be very pleased. I do suggest you carefully compare features with price. You will probably end up with one of the Grizzlys.

[Stephen Hibbs]

I got a Central Machinery Lathe (the 12 or 14" I believe) for about $200 on sale and I am pretty pleased with it. You can get a service warranty of two or four years, I forget which one I got, but that pays for service and all parts, but I haven't had any issue with it yet. I like some things about it better that the Delta 14" we have at school, and it's pretty heavy so you don't have to worry too much about it shaking until you get to bigger pieces. I think the biggest thing I've made with it was about 7" diameter, but I had no issue with it, and I have bigger blanks to try later. I recommend it if you are looking for a cheap lathe; it definitely doesn't stack up to my neighbor's stubby, but it was also less than a 10th the price. It also uses 1X8tpi and #2 morse tapers, so it's pretty standard.

[Tony Sizemore]

I have to agree about the Central Machine Lathe. If you find it on sale at Harbor freight you can get it for about $200, and it is very standard. It has almost all the stuff the Grizzly lathes do but for a much lower price. I have turned some pretty big stuff on my lathe and have not really had much trouble. I wish it go slower, and I wish it had a bigger motor but it gets done what I need it to.
Here is a link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34706

[Frank Fusco]

Originally Posted by Tony Sizemore

I have to agree about the Central Machine Lathe. If you find it on sale at Harbor freight you can get it for about $200, and it is very standard. It has almost all the stuff the Grizzly lathes do but for a much lower price. I have turned some pretty big stuff on my lathe and have not really had much trouble. I wish it go slower, and I wish it had a bigger motor but it gets done what I need it to.
Here is a link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34706

Won't go slow enough. Motor not very powerful. IMHO, those are major-major considerations and enough to chase me away as a potential customer.
Frank

[Stephen Hibbs]

Originally Posted by Frank Fusco

Won't go slow enough. Motor not very powerful. IMHO, those are major-major considerations and enough to chase me away as a potential customer.
Frank

actually, the go462 has a slightly higher minimum speed than the central machinery. It does have more horsepower, but the 14" model has less horse power and a 600 rpm minimum. And both have strange threadings and cost more. However, if you do get a grizzly, order their 4 jaw chuck for ~$50 while you're at it, it's a great value.