Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Grizzly lathe
Andrew Frank
>Hey guys... I'm thinking about buying a lathe. I was wondering if the grizzly ones are good. I have around 450 range to spend. Any other ones that might be better. Most the work I do is cabinets, dressers, that type of stuff, but i tried one out the other day and i loved it. Plus i dont have to spend 150-200$ on a project.
Re: Grizzly lathe
Fred in NC
>Watch out for the spindle thread size. You will be buying chucks, faceplates, etc. Some lathes have odd sized threads that are difficult to get accessories for.
Re: Grizzly lathe
Barry Turner
>How about a Jet mini with a bed extension? You might even have enough money left over for a chuck. The mini has a standard #2 Morse taper and 1" x 8 threads. Easy to find chucks and accessories. Grizzly has weird non-standard threads, 3/4" x 12 I believe. You won't find many accessories with this thread........except Grizzly. A major consideration, in my opinion.
Re: Grizzly lathe
Jerry Whitaker
>I have turned on two Grizzlies that, thank God, belonged to someone else. One of them was their "best" and most expensive one (about $700)and the other a "cheapo" real piece of junk. I would definitely consider the Jet Mini with the bed extension if you need it.
Re: Grizzly lathe
JL
>Consider the Jet VS mini, it is currently listing for about $360, though if you hunt around, you can get it cheaper. The Jet mini is listing for about $250. Figure that a good bed extension is about $60. You'll need tools of course. If you decide to sell later (after deciding to upgrade or to stop turning), the Jet has a better resale value. The lathe is only part of the cost. The accessories are what gets you. Tools, grinder, chuck, etc.
Re: Grizzly lathe
Spence in Rhode Island
>Hi Andrew. I have the big Grizzly and have been using it for more than 15 years. I also have a Jet Mini and if I had to do it all over again I'd go for the Jet. While it doesen't have the power of the Grizz the quality is a heck of a lot better as well as the price. With the bed extension you can make just about any kind of furniture part you might need and face plate work under ten inches. Go for the Jet.
Regards
Spence
Re: Grizzly lathe
Ron Bauman
>I have the large HD Griz and have been disappointed with it. The headstock has bearings mounted directly behind the on board side of the spindle and none for the outboard side. If you were to turn anything outboard of weight it wobbles badly. Look for a used lathe at your price range and you may be pleasantly surprised. I have decided to stay away from Griz from now on. There's more wrong with it, but too long to go into now.
Re: Grizzly lathe
woodspinner/ Bill Hale
>Listen to those responding before me.
Also, remember that at some point you will want to get a larger lathe. If you decide to sell the old one you will have a better chance of selling and get a better price on a quality name lathe than the Griz.
Good turning and be safe
Bill in Casa Grande, AZ.
Re: Grizzly lathe
TomW In SouthJersey
>You might want to check the classified ads on this site. That's where I found my Nova 3000. A lot of people upgrade and there are some very nice lathes offered at reasonable prices.
Just a suggestion.
Tom Wright
