Thoughts on Grizzly lathes

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THarvey

THarvey

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Joined
Oct 4, 2007
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2,087
Location
Anniston, AL, USA
I have an opportunity to buy a Grizzly (I think the model is 1485) lathe with a number of accessories.

Does anyone (or everyone) have an opinion about Grizzly lathes? Please share good and bad.

Also, What should I look out for when buying a used lathe?

Thank you.
 
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I've had an H8259 http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-x-18-Bench-Top-Wood-Lathe/H8259 for over 4 years now. The tool rest height lock lever and quill lock lever were moulded plastic and didn't live long. It's a pretty nice little machine and there is a bed extention for it also. I bought mine, like most of my other stuff, in their Outlet Store. Most of the stuff in there is refurbished returns. Walking in there is a good way to spot a poor design. A few years ago they might have 8 or ten of the same tool in there. Now it's rare to find 2 of the same thing. All in all, I like Grizzly.
 
Well if it is in your budget buy it. BUT, it depends on what you are going to do with the lathe. IMO the Nova 16/24 is a HUGE leap above the Grizzly and it is always on salw for $899. The lathe you are looking at only has a 3/4 hp motor. You will need bigger if you plan on turning a bowl or hollow form. The speed, you really want to get a lathe that will go as close to zero as possible but 250 rpm is ok, 500 is not slow enough for my use. There are lots more things I could point out but it really depends on what you think you will be wanting to turn down the road.
 
I had a 1495 which I just sold, used it for 3 years to make pens, gift items, bottle stoppers and small bowls. Loved it for 3 years. Replaced the tool rests for decent ones and upgraded the tail stock plate/nuts so it would lock better. Got into big bowls and the low speed was too high. Traded up a Nova DVR.

I also have a grizzly 0658 which I like for small stuff and when I can't get the Nova from my wife (she turns bowls). Like it alot, once again replaced the tool rests.
 
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