Just got off the phone with Grizzly customer service. They still say 4-6 weeks back order, which is what they said 4-6 weeks ago. I read the online manual and have some questions for those of you who own this machine. It says the head can turn 90 or 180 degrees. I think this is a typo, but if it is correct, 90 degrees would allow outboard turning on the front of the machine? For outboard turning at the end of the bed, the manual says to limit the size of the blank to about 17". Since the swing is 18", what would be the point of turning a smaller blank outboard? I assume the rules of the forum don't allow a gloat until the machine actually arrives, so I'll hold off on that for now. Thanks, Roger, for starting this group. It looks like a great resource.
Congratulations Doug on pulling the trigger on the G0698. I have had mine for nearly two years, and it has performed without a hiccup! The headstock slides to the end of the bed [or anywhere between centers] and if you have or make an outboard tool rest, you can turn off the end. The model that turns 90 degrees to the bed ways is the G0632 15/42 model, not the G0698. You can go 180 degrees by flipping the head stock around.......this is good if you are a lefty. I have accessorized my G0698 with a Holdfast Vacuum chuck system, a Jeff Nicols steady rest, and a Monster articulated arm hollowing rig. I use Nova chucks and also ordered a second banjo and tool rest, because I have a duplicator, and it mounts to the lathe using two banjos. Let me know if you have any questions.............I will try to help if I can!
Doug, There great lathe for the money. I am sure you will be happy with it. I have had mine for 15 months, and turned hundreds of items with no problems. Grizzly has great customer service also. I do recommend bolting it to the floor and adding some weight to it along with supporting the middle of the bed with a 4x6 and wood blocks held in place with the leg casting's. It makes a big difference, takes all the vibration out of it. I can post a picture if you like.
Tom, I would like to see pictures of how you did that. I have had mine for almost a year and it is not bolted down. I have considered building a sand box between the legs but have not done that yet so sure lets see some pictures. Thanks, David.
Tim, It would be neat to see how you braced the G0698 in the middle...........I just put a shelf underneath mine, and use a bunch of wood blanks for ballast............I am space limited, so underneath my lathe serves to have a place for wood blanks and frees up other space in my very small shop for my other tools, and not wood.
Evidently this group discussion forum doesn't allow pics to be posted within the discussion area so I post some pictures of my set up in the group pictures. The 4x6 is placed in tight from leg to leg sitting on the casting shelf, so you must put it in before putting on last leg or remove leg to install. Then screw in place as seen in the pics. Shim and level accordingly. And a picture showing the wood turning area of my shop. The small lathe is the wife's.
Tom, Thanks for the photos. I didn't expect to have to support the bed, but it looks like it won't be too hard. I'm rethinking my shop layout, so I'll wait to bolt it down until I'm sure. I currently have my lathe under a window, against a wall, as in many flat woodworking shops, but it seems like I may want to stand on both sides of the lathe and certainly on the end if I do any outboard turning. Grizzly says they expect to receive a shipment on January 12, so I hope it won't be too long. I had hoped to get it in time for some Christmas turnings.
Doug, My bed is not supported like Tom's.........I do have a shelf underneath mine.......tight fit..........it stiffens the unit from end to end............I have wood blanks on mine for storage and ballast. I do not think it is required, but it is a good idea...........that will help you with large out of balance blanks, and cut down on vibrations like Tom said. Make sure you get the lathe ways level.......both front to back and end to end.........a level bed will make your centers line up like they should. If you bed is not level it means the ways are torqued a bit one way or the other...........that will throw off the alignment of the centers.
Roger is right its not required, but it made a big difference on the vibration and bounce I was getting ( more of a annoyance to me ) It just makes turning more enjoyable to me to have it rock solid. It handles large items really well now. I know another turner who has done the same to his jet 1642 and is much happier. After all that's what the casting shelves are for.
