It pays to read

[PTJeff]

I have been considering a metal lathe and have read all I could find about the thing. I've also asked numerous questions to members here at this forum. What I finally decided is that my english teacher in high school was right, Knowledge is Power.
I took a look at Craigs list and found a listing for this 9x20 Grizzly G4000 nearly 1/2 price. I asked why and he said the longitudinal feed lever didn't work, and it probably wouldn't ever work. I thought, lets take a look, but before I did, i talked to everyone that would listen and also called Grizzly tech for their input. Short story, $50 and a little elbow grease and it works fine. Just had to read to know.
Thanks to all that helped with my informed decision

BTW: this thing is as dirty as a pig, took all weekend because one think lead to another, and another and another. Did a complete breakdown, just shy of the gearbox and spindle.

 

[jhs494]

Very nice find.
Good job on being able to fix it as well. You are correct sometimes you gotta read or just know who to ask, and it sounds like you have done both.
Thanks for sharing it with us!

 

[leehljp]

Congratulations and nice find. I need to heed your advice. I have been reading little by little on metal lathes. It is two years before returning home for retirement and I want one. I hope to be knowledgeable enough to turn it on by then. :biggrin:

 

[Daniel]

Great Deal, And the knowledge you gained in having to take it down and clean it up will be of use as you use it. I have to break mine down and re lube it as soon as I can find my lithium grease. this should be done once a year anyway. there is a list somewhere ont he net about maintenance things you should do daily (any day you use it) weekly monthly and yearly. the daily things are real simple. I need to find and print it as my son has started using my lathe from time to time but tends to forget all the places to leave a drop of oil etc.
the little machine shop is your best friend for keeping it running when needed.