I had an interesting thing happen on the AAW forum a few days ago, where a turner was basically advising a newer turner to shy away from the Grizzly lathes. Of course, I spoke to the experience I have had with my now 3 units, and how the Grizzly upper end units like the G0733, G0766 and G0800 have state of the art features, plus the value/features ratio that is the best on the market these days. The turner who spoke negatively basically apologized somewhat saying his buddies had units from way back and he was wrong to be negative when he had no current experience or knowledge.....that brings me to this question, which I think will help a lot of people. [Continued on next post]
What lathes have you turned on that might be comparable to your experience with your Grizzly G0766, G0733 or G0800? Example - I've turned on the Robust American Beauty, many Powermatic 3520b's and Jet 1642 evs models. I have even turned on the Super Monster Serious SL2542, the 1600lb. behemoth. My G0766 will match performance on any 3520b I've ever turned on, and my G0800 is as good in performance as that Robust American Beauty I turned on, and the Serious SL2542. That is my opinion of course, but one that is educated from actual usage of those other models, and understanding the build on them all. How does your experience on your Grizzly lathes compare to the other models you turned on, and what were those other model lathes? It would be good for there to be a reference from others, not just me.
I have used jet mini and midsize lathes and oneway and powermatic full size lathes. I can say without hesitation my full size Grizzly is just as good as anything I have ever used. Now have I owned a Grizzly mini lathe it was fine for what it was capable of doing. The things I did not like about the small grizzly lathe any lathe of that size would have the same issues. So the question is do you want to spend more money on a yellow or white lathe? I shopped around and found that G0766 was the best bang for the buck plus I got the toth discount and did not pay for shipping cause I drove to Springfield to pick it up. The only other lathe I would ever consider buying would be a AB Robust but at many x cost over the g0766 I will stick with my grizzly until the lotto ticket checker tells me I won.
Serious Lathes are gone, the owners of the company could not find a buyer, so the company closed
I’m aware Serious closed. One of the owners is a personal friend of mine, and has been to my home on a few occasions. Scott is who I’m referring to. They did have a fine lathe in the SL2542, and I seriously considered getting one, and was offered a great deal on one of the last few they had in stock, but I wanted the sliding headstock, so got the G0800.
The local club has a Oneway but I've never used it. My one and only lathe (ever) is my G0766. While it does have a few short comings (the tool rest being the biggest) that most other lathes in this price range (and higher) also have I would have no problems recommending it to anyone. Plus with so many of them sold it seams like if someone does have a problem it's real easy to get a solution.
Alex, I agree that the tool rest is one of the weaker points. But I have about 10 other tool rests that I use 99 percent of the time. But from time-to-time, I'll use the stock Griz rest because it is a little longer than my other ones. But being cast iron, it is a bit soft. I've got two different sized copies of the Robust comfort rest, a couple of box rests, a couple of curved rests, and a few others (all home-made). If I were to buy only one rest rather than making my own, I'd probably buy the Robust comfort rest.
I've been dragging my feet on replacing it. Mainly because I want to order a custom length rest from Robust. The long one they sell seams like it would work but it's over a half inch shorter than the stock one. I've thought about making one but just haven't gotten around to it. I wouldn't mind making something for reaching inside a bowl that's not tapered.
8-3/4” total height is what you need when you get one Alex. Bottom of post to top of the rail, inclusive.
I love my G0766, but now I find it to be a bit too tall, and I am 5-10.5". Granted I bought the first editions, and now they have reduced the height by a couple inches. Sure wish I could trade someone for the shorter legs. A platform would end up being a trip hazard for the klutz in me.
