Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Grizzly lathes
Dennis Taylor (Akron, Ohio)
>I currently own a Jet mini and would like to upgrade to a larger lathe, I am only a hobby/fun turner, and I was looking at a Grizzly lathe, they have one that sure looks very similar to the Jet lathe..can anyone comment on this lathe?..seems like a good price and same features for bout 1/2 the money...tks for input..Dennis
Re: Grizzly lathes
Phil Joines Krum, Texas
>I've used the Griz 14" pivot head lathe. It's alright for lite work except for the 1" x 12TPI headstock spindle. That makes it a bit of a PITA to find accessories. I'd probably go with a Jet instead.
Re: Grizzly lathes
Peter Teubel
>Just a suggestion:
You've already got a good mini lathe. Consider why you want a bigger lathe. Turn bigger stuff, right? Well, with bigger stuff, you need slower speeds to begin. The Jet/Delta/Grizzly 12/14 mechanical variable speed lathes give you a minimum speed of only 500rpm. Too fast for something at the lathe's maximum capacity to start turning safely. When you realize you need slower speeds, you'll want to upgrade your lathe AGAIN.
Consider the Nova 3000. It gives you 300RPM to start, better construction, future expandibility. In the future, you can add a larger motor with electronic variable speed. Can't do that with the Jet/Delta/Grizzly lathes.
In case you're wondering about the cost, consider the resale value. The Nova will hold its value, while the others (Jet/Delta/Grizzly) you'll be lucky to get back a small fraction of your initial investment.
Get a bed extension! (longish)
Dominic Greco in Richboro PA
>You're cheapest solution might be to get a Bed Extension for the Jet Mini. They cost about $49.99 and gave you the ability to turn 33" between centers (To all: Feel free to correct me if I'm off a bit here)
In addition, I'm not sure that the Grizzly is a real "step up" from a Jet Mini. Yes, you're going from a 1/2 HP to 3/4 HP. But that's not much. Speaking from experience (I had the Jet JWL-1236 and still have a Delta Midi Lathe), here are my reasons I'd pass on the Grizzly:
Sorry to pour so much water on your fire. But you did ask! :>)
When it became evident that I had exceeded the capacity of my old Jet 1236, I scrimped and saved for a year or so and finally bought the Jet JWL-1642EVS. At $1,899.00, I know it's a hunk of cash. But it is well worth it. I've had this lathe for a year now and absolutely love it. I can turn 42" long spindles as well as 16" diameter bowls. And the reversible variable speed drive is a joy to use!
Just my take on the matter.
See ya around,
Dominic
Re: Grizzly lathes
Richard Allen
>Hi Dennis
When I hear of someone looking to upgrade to an entry level lathe I have to think that something is going on that has little to do with wanting a more capable lathe.
If you really want a more capable lathe and you can't afford one. I know it took me 4 years to save up for my upgrade. Then get together with someone who has a more capable lathe. In addition to getting to use a nice lathe you will get to share the fun of woodturning with someone else.
While you are at it, save $20 a week. Put that $20 some place that is seperate from other money. Forget about how much money is in that saveings. Just keep putting in $20 a week. In a couple of years you will have enought to start looking at some good upgrades. And if you change your mind along the way you will have a nice nest egg. When you save up the money the lathe purchase becomes guilt free. The lathe is the reward for the little sacrafice you made each week for the past couple of years.
Thanks
Richard
Good savings strategy!
Dominic Greco in Richboro PA
>Richard,
That's pretty much what I did. I sold some old tools that I never used, and some of my turnings to colleagues here at work. All the money went into a little wooden box on my desk. It took an incredible amount of self discipline not to dip into this "slush fund". But after 6 months I was quite surprised at the amount I had saved. It made the next six months more bearable.
I also used this time to research my next purchase. I believe that trying out your prospective lathe before you buy is a very sound idea. That way you minimize the "surprise" factor.
See ya around,
Dominic
Re: Grizzly lathes
David Hammond, in Powder Springs GA
>I hate to just add more water to the fire here, but I've got to agree with everyone else: I bought, and still own the Grizzly 12 by 36 lathe, which is essentially the same lathe Jet and everyone else sells - I do still have that lathe, but it is in literal peices: the stand is worthless and was replaced quickly with a lot of plywood and sand (the stand is really all I have left of the lathe), the headstock is now cracked, the Reeves drive is so worn out it hardly works, the bearings are shot and full of slop, I was on my second motor when I upgraded to the lathe I have now, I busted the tool rest once, went through three belts, etc... This lathe would do fine for spindle work, but that's not what you've said you want to turn (and obviously, I wasn't turning spindles either). The best lathe out there, for the money, I think, is the lathe Dominic mentioned: the variable speed 1642 Jet - it is a chunk of change, but from what I hear it is one of the sweetest lathe's out there, except for the big iron. Keep working with that Jet mini, and save your pennies - I can't imagine anyone being satisfied with the Grizzly, for anything but spindles.
David
Re: Great advice above.
David Hammond, in Powder Springs GA
>
Re: Grizzly lathes
Diane Maluso in Ithaca, NY
>hi Dennis. I had the Grizzly 1067Z lathe for a few years. Upgraded to it from a very old, very beat Sears tube lathe. The Grizzly was a major disappointment for me. At initial use, it was wonderful to have a lather where the head and tailstock lined up, with variable speed, and some sort of stand. But after not very long, the lathe became a pain in the neck. The toolrest posts broke with my "not too bad" catches, the lockdowns for the toolrest and the tailstock were difficult, the bearings began to go, and the spindle was an oddball size.
A couple of years ago I upgraded to the Nova 3000 and have a reversible DC motor on it. I love it. Medium-sized, steady, reliable. I imagine I'll keep this lathe for quite a while.
Hope this helps.
Diane
Re: Grizzly lathes (Long Opinion)
Arch
>Hi Dennis, The Jet mini does the things it was designed to do satisfyingly well. Changing to a lathe that marginally performs things its specs. only suggest is bound to disappoint you. As a 'great depression survivor' of Scottish descent, I can't believe I'm suggesting this...but: Consider financing or borrowing to buy a really good lathe. By your mini-jet experience, you know that turning is to be a long term endeavor for you, so get a lathe that will satisfy for the long haul, and get it NOW! Let it help pay for itself. Don't waste the precious years between now and the time when you can afford better. I know you pay twice by financing, but opt for the best lathe your payments comfortably allow. Not less than a Nova3K
(I love mine). Consider working out a deal for a quality used lathe. You have a good spindle lathe that can be lengthened. so consider keeping it and buying a good shortbed. True,there are those among us who use sorry equipment to turn out excellent work. That is their thing, and they revel in it. The rest (and most) of us find that good equipment is a satisfaction and leads to better turnings. "It doesn't cost---it pays". Arch
Re: Grizzly lathes
Joe Fleming
>I too am in agreement with the others. Here are a couple of other thoughts for this:
Your current lathe has a 1" x 8 tpi spindle. At the very least, you should strive to retain the same spindle so that your accessories are transportable. Many of the Grizzly lathes use oddball spindles. Beware of this.
Generally, larger capacity lathes also have more capabilities. This isn't a hard rule, but has some truth. Here are some factor:
The next step up should have a variable speed adjustment. For under $1,000, you are probably looking at a reeves drive.
You are probably looking at a higher hp motor. I would suggest nothing less than 1 hp.
At around $1,000 you might start seeing a reversing feature. Many find this great for sanding.
Once you get beyond 12" swing, you want the low speed to go below 500 rpm. 300 rpm or even 100 rpm on the bottom is desirable.
Once the swing goes beyond 12"-14" you should demand a 1-1/4" spindle instead of a 1" spindle. Presumably, you are swinging heavier chucnks of wood. You want a strong spindle for this.
As for specific recommendations, at a minimum, I would look at the Jet 1236. Ideally, you should consider some of the new 14" lathes (Jet and Delta). If you can go past $1,000, consider any number of 16" lathes on the market with a range of features: Vicmarc, Woodfast, Nova, Delta, Jet. Oneway also makes excellent lathes in all these ranges, but they are a step up on price.
Joe Fleming - San Diego
Re: Grizzly lathes
Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner
>Dennis
I too agree with the others. If the dollars are limiting consider a Vic 200 if you dont want to weight for the 300. I turn on a Oneway 2436 and a Vic 200. For sure the Oneway has it all but for the money and usability there is nothing wrong with the Vic. It does need more weight and to be bolted down. Hey, sand or old wheel weights are cheap.
No matter what you buy, buy quality. Buy the best you want to afford and you will not regret spending the dollars.
Look around in your area and turn on some of the mentioned lathes.
Good turning and be safe
Bill
Re: Grizzly lathes (Long Opinion)
Dennis Taylor (Akron, Ohio)
>tks to one and all for the advise..I think after reading all of your comments, maybe the Grizzly isn't really a step forward, just a larger lathe, without much advance in quality..think I will continue saving my pennies and then look around at the lathes mentioned, I am in no rush, so time is on my side...once again tks all for allowing me to waste my money and limited hair on a poor quality lathe...Dennis
Some Grizzly is fine, but...
Joe Pack
>I am not a Grizzly basher; I own a new, super 17" bandsaw and a belt/disc sanding unit that is, dollar for dollar - and then some, as good or better than the white and the gray. That said, I was NOT impressed with their lathes.
When I was looking to grow from the Jet mini, I looked at Grizzly, Jet, Delta, Nova, General...you name it. Like you, I wanted to do more than the mini could do, but could not see the sense in taking just a "little" step up. At the same time, money was an issue. To make a long story shorter, after talking with folks here and elsewhere, and after visiting several places to kick the tires in person, I ended up with the Jet 1442. I can see it doing anything I want it to do, now and down the road. It is massive, substantially powered, variable speed (by lever, not electronic, but that was a WHOLE lot more money) and has all the capacity someone who is not a pro will ever need.
The Jet 1442 is slightly cheaper than the competing Delta model and the Nova 3000, and is backed up by superior service, especially since I bought it from my local Woodcraft. With the Jet warranty and the Woodcraft guarantee, I think I am well covered.
Take a good look at the Jet 1442. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Woodcraft in Strongsville
Joe Pack
>Dennis, you can see the Jet 1442 at the Woodcraft store on rt. 42 (Pearl Rd.) just north of the center of Strongsville (in a little strip shopping center beside of Staples).
Talk with John Timberlake, the owner, about price. He is very good to deal with. I think you can get the 10% off, or some freebies, if you talk directly with him. Some of the other guys there can be asses when they feel like it, but John is first class to deal with. Talk with him only.
If you do contact him, tell him I recommended them. It won't be worth anything, but I'm curious to know if he still remembers me. :-)
Re: Grizzly lathes
Guy
>I checked out Grizzly's a few years ago when I started, bought a Craftsman instead. It was junk also, lasted about a month before the motor died. I got a Nova 3000 and never regretted it. Good quality, capabilties, and expandability in the future. Woodcraft are decent to work with and the relationship has been good. I am selling my Nova because of room problems (I now have a monster Vicmarc). My wife got me the Vic for Christmas and it is much, much bigger. 24 inch swing, 50 inch between centers, three times the horsepower and three times the weight before you set up a stand for it, but also more than double the price. I live near Louisville, Kentucky. If your interested or just have questions about the Nova in general, e-mail me. Guy
Gotta disagree with Dom and Pete...
BubbaBob
>...about dangers of turning larger pieces without low electronic speed control.
I have a Jet 1442 which has a Reeves drive giving me a low end of about 500 RPM. Would I like to go lower? Probably. Do I need to to be safe? No...I just need to be cautious. I regularily (1-2 times a week) turn 17" dia x 8" deep bowls and have had no problems. In the year I have had the lathe, my only two dismounts were 8" cherry bowls that happened because of my "it's small, I don't have to be careful" attitude with them. My fault, not the lathe.
If you can afford close to 2K, the Jet 1642 with electronic speed control is a wonderful lathe...it is what I really wanted. But, having bought the 1442 due to financial constraints, I am not sorry I did.
From the mountains of N Georgia...
In my bib overalls,
BubbaBob
Re: Grizzly lathes
Jack
>Howdy,
I went through a similar search and rejected out of sort mostly everything I came in contact with until I looked at the 2036 or is 3520 or whatever. It is the gold one with 20" swing and a dual 1/3 phase reverseable motor that'll go down to 5 or 6 RPM.
It is a dream machine. BTW PM is owned by Jet. In fact any day now there will no more Powermatic and just Jet.
My first lathe was a 1236 model just like Grizzly, Jet, and Delta. The only thing is that mine only cost 189 bucks through Harbor Freight. The banjo extension for the toolrest is neat. The minimum speed sucks. It has gone and done good for about 2 years now. It did take some fairly serious tuneup work to smooth out the warts. That took about 3 weeks and some patience.
The Powermatic is now my main bowl horse. The Harbor Freight is reserved for spindle and stack laminated work. Nothing over 10".
I paid 2250.00 at Woodcraft for my Powermatic and am happier than a pig in mud!
Jack