LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Interested in a getting a lathe

1K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  OSU55 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am interested in getting a lathe. Grizzly seems to be in my price range. They have several models: 0462, 0776, 0773, 0632. Would like to be able to do some things like table legs, etc that are a little bigger and maybe some bowls in the future. What can you tell me about any of these? I live in Western Montana so there is not a lot of used available. I have requested info on two on craigslist, one a local 14" jet and the other a Delta 1642 from Goldendale, WA which is probably close to 500 miles away. Neither have responded, so I guess they are sold or the owners are not that interested in selling.
 
#2 ·
My pick would be the G0766 from your list above. I think that is the most bang for the buck. Get a lathe with variable speed. I don't think the Jet is. With Delta parts are a problem. I wouldn't get either of them. I would also get a lathe with at least 16" swing. Small swing is good for spindles, but not bowls. I have an older PM 90 that I raised to have 18" of swing. It works for me, but my ideal lathe would be a Robust. $$$$ Keep in mind the lathe cost is only about 1/2 of the investment in turning. You need chisels, chucks, and sharpening system.
 
#3 ·
Bill is spot on. The 766 is the best of the four you have listed. It has the electronic varible speed control. I have the jet 16X42 and it has the variable speed too.
I have a friend who has the GO766 and he really likes it. I looked at both, and went with the jet with a 15% off sale.
I did not find anything wrong with the grizzly when i was doing my research. At the time I purchased my Jet, the grizzly was not available. Also, I don't have 220v, and had been using the same Jet lathe at Jimmy Clewes shop, and was very familiar with it already. Looking back now, that grizzly is alot more lathe for the buck, and I could have added 200v easy enough.
Good luck,
 
#4 ·
I have the G0733. I have not used it a lot yet, but when I have it has worked just fine.

When I received it, the lead screw and quill in the tail stock were fused together, Grizzly sent replacement parts right out. The tool rest is HUGE, like really long, if you are trying to do smaller projects like pens, be aware that you might want to purchase extra tool rests in smaller sizes. Other than that, no complaints!
 
#5 ·
The G0766 sells for circa $1,700 delivered, according to what I saw on their website just now. Such a price was a big way out of range, and thus it wasn't ever considered. I'm sure that is a nice piece of equipment.

It isn't in your level of expectations, so I am about to slightly derail, but I will say that my purchased-new, for under $200, HF 34706 is able to do anything I have ever asked of it, and is a very nice addition to my shop. I can swap out tool rests and chucks, and add all the costly tools I might want, and still feel really good about the whole expense and the end results.
 
#6 ·
The HF 34706 is currently selling for 319.00 and some times you can get 25 off coupons. If you can live with 12" over the bed (you can turn larger dia. outboard) then you will be hard pressed to find a better lathe unless you spend a lot more money. Many HF tools are poor quality but this lathe is an exception. It contains several cast parts that are coming out of the same Chinese foundry as Jet and Grizzlies. Start there learn, make mistakes, run the dickens out of the HF then If you really love turning spend about 4,000.00 on a Powermatic Model 3520B or similar.
 
#7 ·
I highly recommend the HF 34706 for the newbie to lathes. Here's review. I've had mine ~3 years now. I paid ~$180 with discounts at the time. For spindle work, the only improvement (if it's long enough to do what you want) would be reverse for sanding, but it isn't critical. ~14" bowls/platters are about the limit due to the slowest speed of ~600 rpm. Otherwise, it's been a great lathe. I will upgrade to a reversible/VS model soon, but even if I junk the HF it was worth every penny. I learned I do like turning, w/o spending a lot, and what I really needed in a lathe and accessories, not someone else's opinion of what I should get.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top