Hey guys well bad news the harbor freight order fell through so I canceled it out all together any how I'm looking at something a bit better of a product anyway.  I am looking at a Grizzly Industrial 16 inch by 46 inch Wood Lathe with DRO  I am wondering if any of you guys use this particular model for your turning and if it would be a better investment over all rather than spending the 400 on a harbor freight that could just turn into a piece of junk and just out right spend the money on something decent.  I am able to purchase the item as is, fortunately if I do purchase this it would basically be an early Bday present for myself.  On the other hand I'm wondering on some opinions of this I will post the link to the tool so you guys can see the specs.  I'm not seeing too many comments on it as of yet after reading but I will be heavily searching youtube for reviews of this.  It may be a better buy for me in the long run and will probably last much much longer.  Thanks in advance.  Here is the link.  I just want something that will be better worth my money.  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grizzly-Industrial-16-in-x-46-in-Wood-Lathe-with-DRO-G0462/310410447

The only things I see, that might be something to think about, are:

- Slowest speed is 600 RPMs. That might be a little fast for some sanding and off balance blanks.

- Not reversible. Reversible is nice but maybe not a deal breaker.

 

This lathe uses Reeves drives which can be a little noisey, if that is a concern.

I'm not too familiar with the reverse drives....  It couldn't be any louder than my 2 by 72 inch belt sander at full boar could it?

Just now, AndrewB said:

I'm not too familiar with the reverse drives....  It couldn't be any louder than my 2 by 72 inch belt sander at full boar could it?

That's true! My old Delta had Reeves drive and, with my shop in the basement, you could hear it all over the house.

Yea if its louder than my 2x72 in operation then I would probably want something a bit quieter

 

Reeves drive do not just leave , leave running like wild. Reeves drives have a long list of problems . Any reason  you want a 16 inch? Maybe get a 14 with better stats and digital controls about 1400. Also might want to look at used for more lathe and less buck.

 

Lew said something I did not consider with my first and that is minimum speed, under 200 is preferable but 250 will work.

Yea the problem I’ve been having is I’m limited to a budget on a lathe I can’t spend anymore than 1 grand on a lathe.  So that some what limits me in options.   So mainly I was looking at price.

3 minutes ago, AndrewB said:

Yea the problem I’ve been having is I’m limited to a budget on a lathe I can’t spend anymore than 1 grand on a lathe.  So that some what limits me in options.   So mainly I was looking at price.

I bought a used lathe for $75  and put a belt for $15 on it, 12x16 Rikon.  Works good and required minor maintenance.  Have another JET 12x14 since 2001 and it still works well, and has more than been able to turn what I have wanted.  @Gerald s advice is good, a used one is just more practical and the money saved can be used for tooling. 

 

In the mechanic business we often refer to this has toolbox rich, and tool poor.  Big expensive box, mostly empty.  

Very true.  We shall see what happens 

Just throwing something out here- some lathes come with shorter beds. They are less expensive and a bed extension is available. Also, some manufactures sell their lathes without legs and provide legs as an accessory. The short bed and no legs can knock off several hundred dollars at the start. 

The main reason I wanted one with legs is getting the bench height right for a bench top lathe it’s ether too high or too low that was the main reason I was looking at the grizzly and the one from harbor freight but the harbor freight one was ultimately canceled due to it taking so long to get here.  I mean I could just get another benchtop lathe but if I did that I’d definately have to adjust it to proper height.

2 minutes ago, lew said:

Just throwing something out here- some lathes come with shorter beds. They are less expensive and a bed extension is available. Also, some manufactures sell their lathes without legs and provide legs as an accessory. The short bed and no legs can knock off several hundred dollars at the start. 

Exactly, I have both of mine mounted on top of a cabinet I built with all the lathe tools and supplies in drawers.  I can buy a extension for the Rikon for about $170, just have not done yet.  Already measured though, it will fit, both lathes on that cabinet.  Barely. 

 

 

Before you look at new again look in tools for sales section of Facebook marketplace and Craigs list. Also try local turning club usually someone has a lathe for sale . Uur club has two for sale bu too far for you probably.

I did happen to come across a lathe I could get for less than 200 benchtop of course how ever I’m wonder though that limits me on what I can actually turn wouldn’t it? @Gerald I don’t have Facebook anymore it’s probably just from having bad experiences with Craig’s list I don’t trust that site honestly.  I’m not trying to turn down good advice how ever I’ve just had bad experiences using those sites.

Edited May 30, 20206 yr by AndrewB

2 minutes ago, AndrewB said:

The main reason I wanted one with legs is getting the bench height right for a bench top lathe it’s ether too high or too low that was the main reason I was looking at the grizzly and the one from harbor freight but the harbor freight one was ultimately canceled due to it taking so long to get here.  I mean I could just get another benchtop lathe but if I did that I’d definately have to adjust it to proper height.

And that height is important.  Mine being a short guy at 5 ft 8 in would be uncomfortable to use for say a 6ft 3 in person.  You make a cabinet that fits your needs and then if you want add storage space underneath, Dust Collection, etc etc.  You can lay out the best plans and in a few years you will find you don't like this or that and change your set up.  Plus as you learn to do more your project focus will change.  Normal eveolution no matter what machine you use.

 

Example.  My neighbor drools over this saw and all the storage space and extras you will never find on a factory saw.  Guy has never used a table saw in his life to do more than do short cut offs.  This set up is like handing the keys to a Porsche to a 16 year old to LEARN to drive.  

 

I don’t have the big space for a cabinet how ever I can build a bench that would hopefully be about the right height.

Ive also been looking at this lathe  as well. https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-4-5-Amp-12-in-x-18-in-Cast-Iron-Wood-Variable-Speed-Lathe-34018/308758838

Lowest speed being 450 RPM I could deal with that.  Also if I decide to do longer projects like baseball bats for the nephew I can just purchase the extension for it.  Which isnt that expensive from my understanding.

Edited May 30, 20206 yr by AndrewB

• I built a stand for my Midi, first lathe, with extension. It worked well . Had sand in the bottom box for weight. As to height. Measure the height at your elbow bent and that should be spindle height. Measure on lathe the distance from lathe center to bottom of base, now subtract that from the spindle height and that is he top of the stand.

LOL here I am oogling at these benches and all I'm capable is a basic little bench that looks like it was slapped together lol.    I'm going to be more than likely spending tomorrow working on building the bench for it since I already have materials for that.   While I'm out there I'll see if I cant snap a shot of my 2x72 so yall can see it.  Its basically what I'll be using to sharpen chisels it works quite lovely for that nice and sharp instant.  Bench wise I'm probably going to be doing something very simple and very basic that's just sturdy enough to hold the lathe.  I think at this point I'm looking at doing the bench top lathe.  But I'll get the variable.  So with the extra money I would have spent on the grizzly  I was able to calculate in an extra 107 bucks for express shipping which basically it would get here on June 3rd which is Wensday and Id be able to get back to finishing off my goblet and start on a new block of black walnut I have sitting down on the floor that I've already glued up got ready for the lathe.  What's promtping me about the wen bench top its a bit more expensive than the 5 speed is the variable speed with DRO.

Any idea what size the motor is all I could find was 4.5 amp? If it is less than 3/4 you will not be happy.