Received new Grizzly lathe – should I complain?

[David Bolson]

I finally got re-delivery of my new G0766 after the first delivery had been trashed by the shipper. This delivery was much better, with the box mostly intact, except for a couple of small holes and a cracked corner. Inside, the headstock and lathe bed was secured, but the tailstock and all the other bits and pieces were not.


I put the lathe together, and I don’t have any missing pieces that I can see, except for a few lock washers. I leveled the lathe and ran it and everything seems to run fine. The spindle seems to have about .002” of run-out. That sounds acceptable… is it?


What’s annoying is numerous patches of paint missing, and scratches, pitting and dents on the lathe bed. I'm not sure that any of those things will affect the use of the lathe, but after spending $2000 on a piece of machinery, I’d like to see something close to perfect set up on day one. Should I ask for paint? I’m thinking that, besides cosmetics, the paint protects from rust.

Two other things… The banjo is short. Some of my tool rests are now unusable. Is there an extension I can get? Also, the headstock handwheel is so small. Any ideas to put something larger there?

The sides:
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The lathe bed:
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Paint peeling on the leg:
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Paint peeling off the banjo:
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Pictures continued on next post......

[David Bolson]

Continued from first post....

Paint peeling on the faceplate (why did they even paint it?):
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I expected the tool rest to need smoothing, but not this much:
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What are these? I think they were meant to secure the lathe in the box, but I'm not sure. They were just loose in the box when I opened it.
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So, is this normal for a new Grizzly machine, or should I expect better?

David

[David Walser]

You should have expected, and received, better. I don't know how much of the fault belongs to Grizzly and how much belongs to the shipper. However, it appears you should have refused delivery. I'm NOT saying that anything is worse than cosmetic damage. I am saying I wouldn't have wanted to pay full price for a new lathe in that condition.

[Allen Mattsen]

That's a tough deal. I'd have wanted to refuse acceptance of delivery, as well. I suppose that can be hard with all the packaging and crate material to tear though to inspect for damage, however. Thanks for sharing this. Hopefully this is something that saves someone else the hassle or provides a solution to how to handle it. Cosmetic vs structural damage is what I'd really focus on. If the bed ways were dinged or damaged or something flat out didn't operate properly due to the damaged condition the item was received in would be a tipping point, to say the least. The pictures would suggest they gave you a refurbished machine rather than a new one. Let us know how it goes. Sorry you had to deal with this, man.

[Frederick Skelly]

I would certainly call and talk to them. Show the pictiures. See what they say.

[tom lucas]

Wow! That is unacceptable. Yes, that T-handled hardware is used to hold things in place in the shipping crate. Nothing should have been loose in the crate. That is likely what caused most of the damage. I'm not sure how Grizzly can make this right short of yet another lathe. But that is what I would be wanting, or $500 of discount or at least anew bed-way. Won't really affect operation, but will affect resale, and would piss me off every time I looked at it. As for the tool rest being short, that's how it is designed. It's not unexpected that your prior tool rests may not work. Tool rests for that lathe should be 8.75" long. You have to request that if you buy, say a robust tool rest. Best Wood Tools modular rests do work just fine with it, except for very high settings say on bigger spindles when doing skew work.

[Alex Zeller]

I'm not sure if I would be too worried about cosmetic stuff but you could request Grizzly send you a new bed. When my G0766 showed up the head stock was loose. Grizzly asked why I didn't refuse delivery and I said there was no damage to the crate, this was caused by who ever packaged it at the factory not properly securing it. Once we got past that they sent the few parts that were damaged (like the shroud for the fan on the motor). The bed has a few scratches on it but they aren't an issue. It's possible that Grizzly may want to send you some touch up paint. As for the banjo and face plate paint, neither of them would bother me.

I repeatedly would file my factory rest to smooth it out but found that it just isn't hard enough to stay smooth. If you have other rests I would find a welder and have them replace the stem with longer ones to work with the new lathe and toss the stock one in a box. Someday if you replace this lathe you can give it to the buyer. I would jump on it and start turning. Make sure it works correctly. One thing to remember is that you can't slow the speed down too quickly when there's something heavy on it. If you do the VFD will shut off causing you to shut the power off. It's to protect the VFD.

[John K Jordan]

Don't know if Grizzly customer service is helpful, but perhaps they would send you some paint. I've had two equipment dealers do that.

I don't like what looks like dents/voids in the ways. I have filled voids in cast iron with JB Weld.

As for the tool rest, it looks bad from that picture. I quit using the cast iron tool rests that came with my lathes. I far prefer the Robust Tool rests. http://www.turnrobust.com/tool-rests/ 608-924-1133. Give them a call - they will provide something that will fit your lathe. (Lifetime warranty too!) I have the 15", 9", 6", 4", curved, and their box rest and I seldom use anything else.

Robust has this note:
25MM POST WARNING: Certain Grizzly, Laguna and other imported lathes may use 25mm posts which are slightly smaller than 1”. THESE WILL NOT WORK. PLEASE MEASURE YOUR POSTS BEFORE ORDERING. FYI: 25mm = .984”, and 1” = 25.4mm. 25mm posts are available special order. NOTE: For the Oneway 1640, only the Low Profile style rests and 9” J-rest will fit.

JKJ

[Roger Chandler]

Yep, David...........send Grizzly pics to their tech services/customer service, and the loose parts that did damage is not acceptable. The G0766 is a good lathe, but somebody at Grizzly needs to tighten up on inspection and Q/C controls at the factory, and at the distribution center in Springfield or Bellingham! My 2 Cents!

[Sam Force]

I have 2 Grizzly machines, both were well packaged and arrived with no issues. I would demand a replacement, as mentioned the resell would be a significant loss. Hope they step up for you!

[William C Rogers]

My take on this was a returned lathe just like your first shipment, repackaged and shipped to you.

[Larry Frank]

I would not be happy at all. Please contact them.

[Walter Mooney]

I have an 0766. I too would complain.....and LOUDLY! Virtually everything I see in your pictures is unacceptable! I think I would insist on a new one, and ask them to come pick that one up after you've had a chance to put your THIRD ONE together! You would think they'd have learned by now.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep us apprised of your outcome.

[Thomas Wilson80]

That's frustrating to have had to have them re-ship once already. Are those chips/scratches on the ways? I just assumed that was a plastic wrap with oil to protect them. I wouldn't accept that much damage and I'd certainly complain loudly and if possible, would get my money back and buy from someone else. I know a lot of people love their Grizzlys but things like this are the reason I went with another brand.

Good luck and hopefully you get it all resolved.
Tom

[David Bolson]

Thanks, everyone. You've confirmed my inclination. I've opened a ticket with Grizzly, sent them pictures, and I'm waiting for a response. I don't really want the headache of having this lathe packed up and having to receive a new one, although I'll do that if they insist. A new lathe bed will solve most of the issues. That and some paint and maybe a new tool rest.

David

[David Walser]

I learned the hard way what can happen if you accept an item that was damaged in shipment. If an item is damaged while in transit, (generally) the shipper is liable to the seller for those damages. If you accept the item, the shipper is relieved of any liability. Obviously, that can cost the seller a lot of money if they replace the damaged item. Paint scratches, dings, and similar damage are, generally, not covered under warranty. Unless the seller is willing to go the extra-mile-and-one-half, you can be left with a damage item with no recourse against either the seller or the shipper.

I'm NOT saying Grizzly would leave one of its customers in such a lurch. I'm saying assuming responsibility for damage in shipment is not something all sellers are willing to do. And, if you think about it, you might understand that reluctance. The best way to avoid this issue is to open and inspect items before accepting delivery.

[David Bolson]

I'm NOT saying Grizzly would leave one of its customers in such a lurch.

The Grizzly customer service rep sounded like they will do what they can to satisfy me. I had to use their customer service on a purchase a few years ago and they sent me a replacement part immediately. I'm optimistic that they'll come through.

[Roger Chandler]

The Grizzly customer service rep sounded like they will do what they can to satisfy me. I had to use their customer service on a purchase a few years ago and they sent me a replacement part immediately. I'm optimistic that they'll come through.


Grizzly is known for trying to satisfy their customers, especially with new equipment under the warranty period, which would be the case for you here.

[Alex Zeller]

If the outside of the crate isn't damaged then it's not really the fault of the shipper. In this case it looks like a guy in China didn't secure it as well as they should. As it was being shipped the loose parts were moving. I don't think I've ever unboxed an item that the box wasn't damaged before signing to accept it. I doubt it was reboxed and set back out like that since Grizzly has a dent and scratch sale every so often.

[Brice Rogers]

You had posted: "the headstock handwheel is so small. Any ideas to put something larger there?" My handwheel is about 3-1/4" OD. For me that seems perfect.

When I got my G0766 several years ago, I wasn't satisfied with the spindle threads. I think that they ended up getting one specially machined for me. When everything was over, they sent me a voucher for $100. That put a smile on my face.

I'm hoping that they just send you a new bed and banjo. Yes, it is probably just cosmetic, but there is the expectation of a new lathe owner to expect to get something without a lot of defects.

Come back and let us know when they resolve your issue.

[tom lucas]

On the headstock handwheel, I also think it is smaller than ideal. but after using it for quite awhile I realized it was sufficient. However, I was lucky enough to get one of the last vacuum chuck adapter kits from jtturningtools before poor Tom passed away. That kit comes with a nice headstock handwheel. I'm betting you could get a bigger one made by a machinist, if you wished. Just take him the old handwheel and a photo or two.

[Tim Elett]

Good luck let us know the outcome, I finally purchased a Laguna a couple of weeks earlier, and it was packed really nice, you should get new looking,. ifyou pay new price

[Curt Harms]

Personally I could live with the paint issues, the damage to the bed is a no.

[David Delo]

Is there an update to this situation?

[David Bolson]

Is there an update to this situation?

In the last week I’ve talked to another couple of reps who were very accommodating and apologetic and promised a new lathe bed, banjo, tool rest, knockout bar (mine was bent) and some paint. That being said, as far as I know, nothing has shipped yet. I’m expecting a good result; it just hasn’t happened yet.

David

[Alex Zeller]

Did they have it in stock? Even if they do I'm not sure if the bed can be shipped by UPS or FedEx. At least it sounds like Grizzly is going to make it right. I assume they don't want the damaged parts back. If so unless you have to do something special, like arrange for help, I would put the lathe together (if you haven't already) and get some time on it. It's been a very long road for you to get it so you might as well enjoy it now and then when at your leisure swap the bed.

[Dave Jain]

Headstock was loose on mine too. Caused much damage and frustration, including being forever banned from contacting Grizzly. No time for Grizzly, have machine and carbide tools and am not allowed to order parts

[Richard Coers]

I believe I'd let the customer rep know you didn't buy a lathe and expect to rebuild the whole thing. With them sending about 1/2 a lathe in parts, I'd tell them that you would prefer a new machine.

[Barry McFadden]

Unfortunately , in my opinion, situations like this happen far to frequently with Grizzly products......

[John Hart]

My GO766 arrived perfect. I would complain if I were you

[David Bolson]

It's been about 6 weeks since I first placed the order for the G0766, but I think I'm set now.

The new bed they sent me is pretty darn close to perfect. No complaints with that. They also want me to pack the old bed in the box that the new one came in and Grizzly is going to have it picked up.
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They sent me new decals to put on the bed, but I haven't done that yet. Not sure I will. 200 pounds of ballast on the bottom and tools put away in drawers, ready to go. I've started creating a swing away on the right, but haven't finished yet.
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They sent me a new banjo, a new tool rest and some paint. The new banjo is missing paint, but not as scraped up as the first one. The new tool rest is perfect, but I already filed, sanded and waxed a new top to the old one and I'll just use that one.
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The process has been slow and tiresome. I suppose one of the ways that Grizzly keeps costs down is they don't seek 100% perfect fit, finish and shipping. But for a heavy duty 22" lathe for the price, compared to what else is available, I still think it's worth the trade-off. Their customer service made it right and in the long run it won't make a difference. Time to get turning.

David

[Barry McFadden]

It's been about 6 weeks since I first placed the order for the G0766, but I think I'm set now.


They sent me a new banjo, a new tool rest and some paint. The new banjo is missing paint, but not as scraped up as the first one. The new tool rest is perfect, but I already filed, sanded and waxed a new top to the old one and I'll just use that one.
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The process has been slow and tiresome. I suppose one of the ways that Grizzly keeps costs down is they don't seek 100% perfect fit, finish and shipping. But for a heavy duty 22" lathe for the price, compared to what else is available, I still think it's worth the trade-off. Their customer service made it right and in the long run it won't make a difference. Time to get turning.

David

Wow....hard to believe they replaced a banged up part with another banged up part AND expect you to paint the machine that they were supposed to paint !! and you're happy with that!!

[David Bolson]

Wow....hard to believe they replaced a banged up part with another banged up part AND expect you to paint the machine that they were supposed to paint !! and you're happy with that!!

The important piece, the bed, is perfect. The banjo will eventually be covered in sawdust and finish. Do I wish it came in perfect? Of course. But I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

David

[Frederick Skelly]

The important piece, the bed, is perfect. The banjo will eventually be covered in sawdust and finish. Do I wish it came in perfect? Of course. But I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

David

I'm a fussy buyer and I would usually be agreeing with Barry. But under the circumstances you've described - including that this is already a re-delivery after the first one was trashed by the shipper - I think you've gotten about as much as they are going to do. They made it "right enough" and I wouldn't take issue with it either.

Enjoy your new tool!
Fred

[Alex Zeller]

Some things I'm fussy about but there's also a point where you have to look at something and say "what will normal use do it it". My bed looked nice when I took it out of the crate but a year later and it's stained from wet wood getting on it. There's scratches in it from sliding the banjo and tail stock. I also made a table so I can use it as a 20" disc sander. None of this impacts how it works. Deep gouges are different. But paint on the banjo? Sorry but I would rather by a $5 rattle can and fix it myself vs spending time on the phone trying to get a replacement. Since Grizzly was sending a bed sure. But calling again, not likely.

One of the places Grizzy saves money is the customer must assume they will have to work with Grizzly to get something fixed. I think their Taiwanese stuff is packaged better than the stuff from China. If you're not up to doing that or unwilling then they are not the right brand for you. Hopefully your new lathe is going to make you very happy.

[tom lucas]

One silver lining is you now have two banjos. That's a good start to a homemade hollowing system, or allows for very long two-post custom rests. Scratched paint on the banjo? It just doesn't matter.

[David Bolson]

One silver lining is you now have two banjos. That's a good start to a homemade hollowing system, or allows for very long two-post custom rests. Scratched paint on the banjo? It just doesn't matter.


They only sent me the cast iron "shell" of the banjo. I have to reassemble using all the auxiliary hardware from the old banjo. I guess they assume that their buyers have all the necessary tools and know-how to do that. Fortunately, I think I do.

David

[Tim Elett]

Good to see they made it work for you, well kind of,happy turning.

[Larry Frank]

Glad that it is working out for you.

Personally, I would be unhappy having to spend a lot of my time fixing a new and expensive tool.

[Brice Rogers]

Dave Bolson, I bought an early G0766 and it came with an overly short banjo. So, when Griz figured out that significant problem, they sent me (and others) kind of a "kit" that consisted of a new and longer casting and a longer locking rod and a couple of other parts. But I saw some value in having two tool rests, so I paid around $30 (IIRC and it may have changed) for some e-clips, bolts, locking bolt, fancy washer and some other things. I only use the new and larger banjo when I'm turning something pretty large. I actually prefer the shorter banjo for the majority of the smaller things that I do. I weighs less and moves more easily. Also, there have been a few times when enjoyed having one banjo on one side of a platter and another on the other side. Plus I built a hollowing system and a router holder that use the extra banjo.

So, I'd suggest determining what parts you may need to order to complete the second banjo.

BTW, I'm pleased that things turned out okay for you.

[David Bolson]

Dave Bolson, I bought an early G0766 and it came with an overly short banjo. So, when Griz figured out that significant problem, they sent me (and others) kind of a "kit" that consisted of a new and longer casting and a longer locking rod and a couple of other parts. But I saw some value in having two tool rests, so I paid around $30 (IIRC and it may have changed) for some e-clips, bolts, locking bolt, fancy washer and some other things. I only use the new and larger banjo when I'm turning something pretty large. I actually prefer the shorter banjo for the majority of the smaller things that I do. I weighs less and moves more easily. Also, there have been a few times when enjoyed having one banjo on one side of a platter and another on the other side. Plus I built a hollowing system and a router holder that use the extra banjo.

So, I'd suggest determining what parts you may need to order to complete the second banjo.

BTW, I'm pleased that things turned out okay for you.

As I read your post I remembered that, although I have already sold most of the parts from my dead Nova 2024, I haven’t yet sold the banjo. I gave it a shot on the Grizzly and, after replacing the bottom bolt with a longer one, it fits great! Also, even though the Nova was only a 20” swing, the Nova banjo is taller than the Grizzly banjo and I can use my old tool rests on it.

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