G0698 18" X 47" Wood Lathe

[Roger Chandler]

I have not changed my mind about the G0698

Hello all,

In light of all the different postings and responses I have given to others, I just wanted to state my feelings as of now. I still think the lathe is a good machine, comparable in quality and value to Jet and others, and has more capacity. I do not regret buying it, as I feel it is a good value with excellent features.

My only problem is that instead of just an option to return it, or live with the low rpm "pulsing/ searching" issue, I believe there is a fix if Grizzly would just turn their heads in that direction, and pursue it. I believe technically speaking that this is very achievable goal to eliminate this pulsing at low rpm, but my feeling, again my personal opinion, is that they think the easiest way for them to address it is to change their specs and leave it like it is.

They have not impressed me with this approach, and I wish they would contact me and tell me that they would do their best to remedy this for me as one of their valued customers. Overall, I still like the lathe, and do not think that this issue will prevent me from obtaining good turning results.

I am having second thoughts about any future purchases, and I have plans to build a new shop and equip it with some new machinery, when I am able, and I am waiting to see how they ultimately deal with this problem.

As of now I wonder how I am viewed by them ... am I really a VALUED customer?

 

[Roger Chandler]

The performance is definately there!

Hi all,

After my last post about still liking the G0698 lathe, I decided it was time to get back into the shop and turn something else. It has been snowing here in Virginia and has been hard to get into turning as we have had 2 blizzards in a row.

Anyway, I got a couple of cherry blanks from a tree cut down last June in a friends yard, and I had made turning blanks from the logs. Man, was this stuff hard! I ended up with a blank from the half logs that were about 14 or so inches, and cut them on the bandsaw, and they were too thick to cut them mostly round because it caught on the blade support on my saw, so they were not round, and very out of balance.

I mounted one of them using the 8" faceplate that came with the lathe, and proceeded to turn round, using a 1/2" bowl gouge with a long side grind on it.

I had to use the slower rpm settings and turned the blank at first around 180 rpm, and gradually upped the speed as the blank got truer. This lathe never bogged down, and only vibrated when I turned it up to a higher rpm than was called for. The lathe did not walk, and it almost "speaks" as to the correct range by the smoothness and setting for the speed dial. I have learned that your tools [gouges etc.] will let you know about your technique when they do what you want and when they don't give you the cut you desire. [I digress]

Even though I was turning a lot of "shadow line" such as you would with a natural edge bowl, and I did get a few catches, this thing really performed. It did take to heavy a cut twice, and the lathe just stopped, like it is designed to do, and I turned down the speed dial, hit the off button and reset the breaker, and off she goes. This is a great safety feature!

I just wanted those who are following these series of posts, and who may have misunderstood the frustration over what I consider a minor issue, to know this thing rocks! I still believe the minor issue of "Pulsing/searching" at low rpm could be addressed and remedied if Grizzly had a mind to do so. I can only surmise that they may feel like they have to change their customer service policy in order to accomodate my wishes.

I think the lathe is a great value, and boy so far, it really performs! Personally, I don't think anyone has anything to fear from purchasing this lathe. It, in my opinion, is more likely to pleasantly surprise you with its performance.

I do think in the future that I am going to add the boards for a bottom shelf to stiffen and add balast. It just makes sense if one is going to be turning larger, heavy and out- of -round projects.

 

[Bart Leetch]

I wrote to Bill Crofutt at Grizzly expressing my concerns about the G0698.


Here is my Question:

Bill this is the last post in this thread you my want to check it out.

http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=6877&page=9

Grizzly's 'supposed' response has me wondering. I did see the RPM's stated on the web site before & after the change & I do have all the print outs available from the web site for this G0698 lathe. It would be better of the low speed settings lowest speed was about 100 RPM'd less than 330 RPM or even lower though because these speeds don't even allow anyone to use the speed chart to match the speed up to the diameter of wood being turned. I was planning to purchase one of these lathes later this year & am saving up to pay cash. Please help out with this if you can Bill.

Thanks, Bart Leetch

Here is his answer: Hello Bart,

I am not a member of this site so I can't post, but feel free to post my response to your question.

We tested the samples and the production prototypes. All along we knew it would not operate well much below 100rpm. When the manual was written and the spec sheet produced, the writers noted it was variable speed and that it would stop when turned to the lowest position. They wrote the manual and specification sheet based on the fact it would stop, in other words slow to zero. I didn't notice it when I proofed the documents. We didn't change our specs recently as much as we corrected them. Will it go below 100? Yes. Will it go all the way to zero? Yes. Can it be used at those speeds? Not really.
It is unlikely these specs will change. We are not looking into changing the design to allow a lower speed.
In your email below, I read it as though you think the lowest speed is 330rpm. Maybe I misunderstood, but the lowest useable speed is 100 spindle rpm.

Thanks Bart, let me know if you have any other questions.

Bill

 

[Roger Chandler]

Thanks Bart

Hello Bart,

I just got off reading another thread I started about programming an inverter, and Bill Boehme has given me some great info explaining the difficulties with getting below 100 rpm without basically destroying a motor by overheating.

I think I am going to let this "pulsing/searching" at low rpm rest, and after another turning session this afternoon, man I"ll tell ya, the thing really performs well, and as I have said all along, this pulsing is a very minor issue, and now it has been explained by both Bill Crofutt and Bill Boehme.

Best of luck! I would not have any hesitation purchasing this lathe again, even with this minor issue, because it is most likely something that doesn't really matter.😎

 

[Frank Frazier]

Headstock Rotation

Hi, this has been a great thread on this lathe. I was just about to go with either the Jet 1642-2 or the Nova Dvr XP but I am now going to take a much closer look at the G0698.

My question is have you rotated the Headstock yet? The Catalog page has "Headstock Rotates 180 degrees".

Can you rotate it say 12 degrees off the bed like the Nova for ease of bowl work?

I plan to call Grizzly in the morning and see what they are currently quoting for a ship date. I am ready for a bigger lathe and do not want to wait until June.

Thanks for all the great feedback on this Lathe.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Headstock rotation

Hi, this has been a great thread on this lathe. I was just about to go with either the Jet 1642-2 or the Nova Dvr XP but I am now going to take a much closer look at the G0698.

My question is have you rotated the Headstock yet? The Catalog page has "Headstock Rotates 180 degrees".

Can you rotate it say 12 degrees off the bed like the Nova for ease of bowl work?

I plan to call Grizzly in the morning and see what they are currently quoting for a ship date. I am ready for a bigger lathe and do not want to wait until June.

Thanks for all the great feedback on this Lathe.

Hello Frank,

When I received my G0698, I had to remove the headstock to take it into my shop and set the bed on the legs. One could very easily rotate the headstock 180 degrees, simply by unscrewing the nut on the bottom of the threaded shaft that the lock down handle is connected to. If one really wanted they could totally reverse the set up of the lathe for a left handed user. Could not be simpler!

I hope that Grizzly has one in stock for you. I really like this lathe, and if you follow the postings on my other thread "reprogramming an inverter" then you will see that the "pulsing/searching" issue is really not an issue, but the nature of the beast when it comes to inverters. Pay attention to Bill Boehme's posting. He is an electrical engineer with much experience.

The lathe has great features and a great value - [IMHO] good luck! Oh by the way, no it will not go 12 degrees like the nova dvr, but you can slide the heastock to the end of the ways and turn off the end, by using an outboard tool rest. That gives you probably 26-28 inches swing for turning something like a large platter. Nova handles their ourboard turning by rotation of the headstock at an angle to the bed ways, to save from having to reach over to hollow out a bowl, but this lathe allows for sliding the headstock to the end to hollow out in a very natural standing position, both are equally good.

 

[Frank Frazier]

Thanks Roger

I will post what I find out about shipping time from Grizzly tomorrow.

I can re-arrange my shop and make room at the far right end so I could turn with the outrigger. The Nova would definitely fit better the way I have it set up now. However the biggest blanks I have now in my stock pile are about 17" so the G0698 would work "out of the box".

-Frank

 

[Roger Chandler]

Thanks Roger

I will post what I find out about shipping time from Grizzly tomorrow.

I can re-arrange my shop and make room at the far right end so I could turn with the outrigger. The Nova would definitely fit better the way I have it set up now. However the biggest blanks I have now in my stock pile are about 17" so the G0698 would work "out of the box".

-Frank

Frank,

You could rig an out board rest using a roller stand or some other shop made rest and it would not be necessary to have the outrigger attachment, although that would be a nice thing to have! Good luck and good turning!🙂

 

[Frank Frazier]

Backordered

Well the first 10 must be gone from the PA warehouse. I just checked this morning and they are back ordered. For those of you on the west coast they may be a little sooner than that.

Now I have to decide if I am going to wait for the G0698 or go with a machine closer at hand. The Jet 1648's are showing as in stock at Amazon/Woodcraft.

-Frank

 

[joeduffy]

Differences between Grizzly and Laguna Lathes

I'm just getting my first lathe, and found this thread very informative. I decided on the Laguna 18/47 Platinum, and it should arrive by the end of the week. I asked them about the resemblance to the Grizzly and why theirs cost more, and he said primarily that their motors have constant torque monitoring and there is a hand wheel on the headstock, two features that the Grizzly lathes don't have.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Torque monitoring / encoder in the motor?

I'm just getting my first lathe, and found this thread very informative. I decided on the Laguna 18/47 Platinum, and it should arrive by the end of the week. I asked them about the resemblance to the Grizzly and why theirs cost more, and he said primarily that their motors have constant torque monitoring and there is a hand wheel on the headstock, two features that the Grizzly lathes don't have.

Hi Joe,

I started another thread asking Bill Boehme about "constant torque monitoring" and that will be interesting to hear his answer as to if that is what prevents 'pulsing/hunting" at low rpm. This might be a reason for the difference between the lathes [and the hand wheel of course] or it might be a sales gimmick or it could be what Luguna calls an "encoder in the motor" that perhaps was left out of the Grizzly version.

I am anxious to hear from Bill

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Hi, this has been a great thread on this lathe. I was just about to go with either the Jet 1642-2 or the Nova Dvr XP but I am now going to take a much closer look at the G0698.

My question is have you rotated the Headstock yet? The Catalog page has "Headstock Rotates 180 degrees".

Can you rotate it say 12 degrees off the bed like the Nova for ease of bowl work?

I plan to call Grizzly in the morning and see what they are currently quoting for a ship date. I am ready for a bigger lathe and do not want to wait until June.

Thanks for all the great feedback on this Lathe.

Hello Frank,

I own a Laguna 18/47 and I have rotated the headstock, twice this week. I wanted to turn two vessels from the other side, but my lathe is too tight to the wall to get behind it, so I turned the headstock around. It only turns 180 degrees due to a cast tenon that slides between the ways of the lathe.

It works so good that I'm thinking of making a remote for the controls that parallels the original controls so you don't have to reach around the headstock. I'll wait until the warranty is done though.

Good luck deciding which lathe to spend your hard earned money on, it took me a year to decide.

Tom

 

[Roger Chandler]

issue of "constant torque monitoring"

Hi all,
I would like to refer anyone interested to Bill Boehme's reply to my question on another thread about "constant torque monitoring." It might be helpful as to the differences claimed by some in the different models that compare to the G0698.

We are interested in the facts, and want all who are interested in this model lathe to have the correct information. Very interesting and draw your own conclusions.😉

 

[Terry Stellman]

I decided to return my lathe

I was the guy referred to in some of the postings as having trouble with serious pulsing below 100 rpm. I have been following this thread closely but remained on the sidelines since most of the information was being accurately reported. I just decided to finally post my final resolution and actually defend Grizzly a little bit. The lathe is currently on a truck on its way back to Grizzly in Missouri. I really wanted this lathe to work out but since Grizzly couldn't do anything to change the low speed problem I decided not to keep it. I will give credit to their customer service because they were very polite through the whole process and agreed to take it back and give me a full refund. There has been a lot stated about never needing that slow of a speed to turn something and I agree, but in my case I wanted the slower speeds for sanding natural edged (wings) or warped vessels. I also wanted this to be the last lathe I purchase and I am sure I would have wanted to upgrade sooner or later. I never did get into a discussion with Grizzly about the tailstock since it seemed pointless when I wasn't going to keep it but that also added to my decision not to keep it. Again I thank Grizzly customer service for stepping up and giving me the option to return it and essentially have a "do over".

Terry

 

[Roger Chandler]

Grizzly's customer service

I was the guy referred to in some of the postings as having trouble with serious pulsing below 100 rpm. I have been following this thread closely but remained on the sidelines since most of the information was being accurately reported. I just decided to finally post my final resolution and actually defend Grizzly a little bit. The lathe is currently on a truck on its way back to Grizzly in Missouri. I really wanted this lathe to work out but since Grizzly couldn't do anything to change the low speed problem I decided not to keep it. I will give credit to their customer service because they were very polite through the whole process and agreed to take it back and give me a full refund. There has been a lot stated about never needing that slow of a speed to turn something and I agree, but in my case I wanted the slower speeds for sanding natural edged (wings) or warped vessels. I also wanted this to be the last lathe I purchase and I am sure I would have wanted to upgrade sooner or later. I never did get into a discussion with Grizzly about the tailstock since it seemed pointless when I wasn't going to keep it but that also added to my decision not to keep it. Again I thank Grizzly customer service for stepping up and giving me the option to return it and essentially have a "do over".

Terry

Hi Terry,

I too am pleased with the customer service of Grizzly. I had some misunderstanding with them related to the "pulsing at low rpm" issue. From what I have learned from their quality assurance person, Bill Crofutt, and from the electrical engineer Bill Boehme, it was mostly my lack of knowledge that caused me to "push this issue." If the tech guys would have explained the issues the way Mr. Crofutt has done, I would not have pushed it, so it was a communication problem.

I have since been told by owners of 3520b that theirs cut off at 50 rpm. and this helps me to know that this is the nature of the beast, and any lower rpm could overheat the motor, and result in failure, according to Bill Boehme.

I hope you will be satisfied with whatever is your new choice, and post when you get it. I hope something on this thread was helpful to you.

I am still very pleased with this machine, and knowing what I know now, and with the performance I have experienced, I would make the same decision to purchase again.

 

[Tom Ross]

Questions about the Grizzly G0698

Roger

I have some questions about the G0698 . I received mine about 2 weeks ago. My previous lathe was a Harbor Freight so I have limted experance.
The first is what is the proper way to turn on/off the lathe. Should you reduce the varible speed to zero or leve it at the setting I am using at the time I shut it off?
Also when I want to stop the lathe to look over what Iam working on is it ok to leave the lathe on and reduce the speed to zero or do I need to sut the lathe off?
I removed the cover plate from the drive side of the head stock and noticed two threaded holes next to the through hole.(were you would use a puller to remove the pully)
Could you use these to install a hand wheel? (does this sould like a good idea). Because the through hole is not threaded how would you set up a vaccum chuck?
Thanks Tom

 

[Roger Chandler]

your questions on the G0698

Roger

I have some questions about the G0698 . I received mine about 2 weeks ago. My previous lathe was a Harbor Freight so I have limted experance.
The first is what is the proper way to turn on/off the lathe. Should you reduce the varible speed to zero or leve it at the setting I am using at the time I shut it off?
Also when I want to stop the lathe to look over what Iam working on is it ok to leave the lathe on and reduce the speed to zero or do I need to sut the lathe off?
I removed the cover plate from the drive side of the head stock and noticed two threaded holes next to the through hole.(were you would use a puller to remove the pully)
Could you use these to install a hand wheel? (does this sould like a good idea). Because the through hole is not threaded how would you set up a vaccum chuck?
Thanks Tom

Hello Tom,

First of all congratulations on your lathe purchase. I believe you will like it and have made a huge leap forward in in your turning capabilities over you afore-mentioned HF.

I think that the proper way to turn it off is to [first] look at your speed indicator in case you want to go back to that speed again, and then turn the speed dial to zero, and then, if you want to do some adjustments to your chuck or change something, turn it off with the off button. If you just want to take a look all around your blank, you could just move the speed dial to zero. Just don't hit it if you are touching your work.

As to the possibility of mounting a hand wheel - I think it could be done with an extension to the spindle [shop made or made at a machine shop] that has a flange welded onto it with holes to exactly match up with the holes on the pulley. It would need to be true to avoid vibration, so it would probably take someone who knows how to do work on a metal lathe.

I think it is a do-able thing, and would be useful for mounting a blank on a screw chuck.

Let us know how you are doing with it, and give your review as well.

 

[Roger Chandler]

additional on possible hand wheel

Tom,

I forgot to mention that if you do have an extender for the spindle machined, that you need it to have the same size bore as the spindle, so you can still use the knockout bar to remove centers, vacuum chucks, etc.

You can find that measurement on the specs sheet in your manual.

 

[Tom Ross]

Thanks Rodger
Good point on the through hole in the hand wheel extension. My brother runs a machine shop so I think I’ll see if he can make on out of aluminum.
I changed the belt to the low speed and my lathe runs fairly constant at 80 rpm.
It sound like the motor is fluctuating but visually it looks like the chuck is at a constant speed.
I also found what I think is the MFG web site and notice their Specifications are 130 rpm as the low speed.

Burt Group
Key Specifications/Special Features:
• Main features:
o Infinitely variable spindle speeds of 130-3,200rpm via brush-less DC motor
o Two belt ratios for high torque when turning large diameters
o Digital speed display on headstock
o Quick belt change construction headstock
o All cast iron construction for high stability and vibration free running
o Cast iron stand with provision for a shelf
• Technical parameters:
o Description: 18 x 47-inch wood lathe
o Motor (output): 1,500W
o Number of speed: variable
o Spindle speed: 0 to 1,200rpm low speed, 0 to 3,200rpm high speed
o Swing over bed: 460mm (18 inches)
o Distance between centers: 47-inch (1,200mm)
o Drive spindle: M33X3.5
o Headstock and tailstock taper: MT2#
o Face plate: 152mm (6 inches)
o Tool rest: 355mm (14 inches)
o Packing size: 1,720 x 550 x 570mm
o G/N.W: 265/186kg

 

[Roger Chandler]

Burt group

Hello Tom,

I have seen the web page for Burt Group also, and I don't know the relationship between Burt Group and GeeTech [maybe a holding company ?] which makes most of the woodworking machines that are here in America. Here is the link if you want to take a look:

http://www.geetech.com.tw/sp.html

I think making a spindle extender out of aluminum, and making it so that a handwheel could be threaded on or something like that would be a great thing. Since your brother is a machinist, see what he would be willing to do to make one for me also, and get back to me. [this forum allows for private messaging]

I might be interested in having him to do this for me also, if he can do it well. It would have to be true running to avoid vibration and wobble. It is great to have connections like you do that can help with a part like this!😀

 

[Roger Chandler]

better way to machine spindle extender

Roger

I have some questions about the G0698 . I received mine about 2 weeks ago. My previous lathe was a Harbor Freight so I have limted experance.
The first is what is the proper way to turn on/off the lathe. Should you reduce the varible speed to zero or leve it at the setting I am using at the time I shut it off?
Also when I want to stop the lathe to look over what Iam working on is it ok to leave the lathe on and reduce the speed to zero or do I need to sut the lathe off?
I removed the cover plate from the drive side of the head stock and noticed two threaded holes next to the through hole.(were you would use a puller to remove the pully)
Could you use these to install a hand wheel? (does this sould like a good idea). Because the through hole is not threaded how would you set up a vaccum chuck?
Thanks Tom

Hello again Tom,

I have been thinking a little more on machining a hand wheel for the G0698 that we both have. Before, I mentioned that an extender would need a flange welded on it with holes to line up with the holes in the pulley.

After giving it more thought, I think a better way would be just to machine the whole thing out of a piece of bar stock that is sufficient to include the flange area next to the pulley, and then slim it down after it is bored [boring the hole should be done as a first step]to match up with the center hole in the spindle, and then turn threads or make some other way of attaching the hand wheel that would be secure.

I think that machining it from one piece of bar stock, would make it run truer and be stronger than welding a flange onto the extender that would attach to the pulley.

Let me know what you think. I would definitely be interested if your brother could machine a couple for us.

 

[Tom Ross]

I have been working up a one piece design and think Delrin would work as a material. I could use my wood lathe to make it and its not very expensive. At the same time I want to make a vaccuum chuck adapter like the one on Joe Wookworker out of the same material. Ill let you know what I come up with.
Tom

 

[Roger Chandler]

Delrin?

I have been working up a one piece design and think Delrin would work as a material. I could use my wood lathe to make it and its not very expensive. At the same time I want to make a vaccuum chuck adapter like the one on Joe Wookworker out of the same material. Ill let you know what I come up with.
Tom

Tom,

Sounds great. When you get it worked out, some pics posted would be a great help. I am not familiar with "Delrin" as a material, but I will google it to see what I can find out about it. Thanks!

I googled the Delrin and got the following page which has 2 inch rods sold by the foot . . .

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Metals and Plastics - Delrin Rod

DELRIN® ROD
Delrin® is a thermoplastic acetal resin. The most important attributes of Delrin® are high mechanical strength and rigidity, fatigue endurance and high resistance to moisture, gasoline and solvents. This product contain Delrin® resin. Delrin® is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

Sold by the foot.
Type Size Color Part No. Price Buy
Delrin® ROD 1/8" NATURAL 02-52018 $0.68
Delrin® ROD 3/4" NATURAL 02-52034 $2.50
Delrin® ROD 3/16" NATURAL 02-52316 $0.72
Delrin® ROD 7/8" NATURAL 02-52078 $3.65
Delrin® ROD 1/4" NATURAL 02-52014 $0.72
Delrin® ROD 1" NATURAL 02-52001 $4.40
Delrin® ROD 5/16" NATURAL 02-52516 $0.66
Delrin® ROD 1-1/8" NATURAL 02-52118 $6.84
Delrin® ROD 3/8" NATURAL 02-52038 $0.84
Delrin® ROD 1-1/4" NATURAL 02-52114 $6.85
Delrin® ROD 7/16" NATURAL 02-52716 $1.29
Delrin® ROD 1-3/8" NATURAL 02-52138 $10.75
Delrin® ROD 1/2" NATURAL 02-52012 $1.31
Delrin® ROD 1-1/2" NATURAL 02-52112 $9.95
Delrin® ROD 9/16" NATURAL 02-52916 $2.65
Delrin® ROD 1-3/4" NATURAL 02-52134 $14.50
Delrin® ROD 5/8" NATURAL 02-52058 $1.85
Delrin® ROD 2" NATURAL 02-52002 $14.99





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[Roger Chandler]

Another Bowl - almost finished -the saga continues

Hi all,

In the continuing saga of the newly marketed G0698, I just finished another bowl on it, as far as turning goes. I have applied 3 coats of danish oil on it, and am waiting a week or 10 days for it to completely dry. After that I am going to use my Beall buffing system on it for the first time on this lathe.

This blank of wild cherry[really hard] only yielded an 8-5/8 inch diameter bowl about 4 inches deep due to some pretty bad checking in the wood, of which I did some repair using CA glue.

The only reason I post about this, is that I mentioned in the first post that I would give some ongoing reviews as I used the lathe to turn, as this is a new model for Grizzly on the market, and there seemed to be a good bit of interest, and I have been getting a lot of questions about it.

So far, I am really pleased with the performance. The more I use it, the more content I have become in my choice of purchase. This machine is really smooth, has torque to spare, and lends itself to so many different set ups that make it really versatile. I even used the reverse feature for some sanding on this bowl. It has performed flawlessly to date.

When I get the bowl buffed and finished like I want, I will try to get my son to help me post a couple of pics.

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Hi all,

In the continuing saga of the newly marketed G0698, I just finished another bowl on it, as far as turning goes. I have applied 3 coats of danish oil on it, and am waiting a week or 10 days for it to completely dry. After that I am going to use my Beall buffing system on it for the first time on this lathe.

This blank of wild cherry[really hard] only yielded an 8-5/8 inch diameter bowl about 4 inches deep due to some pretty bad checking in the wood, of which I did some repair using CA glue.

The only reason I post about this, is that I mentioned in the first post that I would give some ongoing reviews as I used the lathe to turn, as this is a new model for Grizzly on the market, and there seemed to be a good bit of interest, and I have been getting a lot of questions about it.

So far, I am really pleased with the performance. The more I use it, the more content I have become in my choice of purchase. This machine is really smooth, has torque to spare, and lends itself to so many different set ups that make it really versatile. I even used the reverse feature for some sanding on this bowl. It has performed flawlessly to date.

When I get the bowl buffed and finished like I want, I will try to get my son to help me post a couple of pics.

Thanks for the update Roger - I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of it.

I noticed that in the message with specifications that your spindle size is M33X3.5.

My Laguna's spindle is 1-1/4 x 8 tpi. So here's just a little more info in the ongoing saga of small differences between these lathes, most likely made in the same factory.

I wonder if some of the differences we've noted could be something like Sears used to do. They would approach a manufacturer and take an existing model, change a few little things and call it a Kenmore. Maybe the parent manufacturer of our lathe changes a few things for their customers, Griz and Laguna +?

Tom

 

[Roger Chandler]

G0698 spindle size is 1-1/4"

Thanks for the update Roger - I'm looking forward to seeing a picture of it.

I noticed that in the message with specifications that your spindle size is M33X3.5.

My Laguna's spindle is 1-1/4 x 8 tpi. So here's just a little more info in the ongoing saga of small differences between these lathes, most likely made in the same factory.

I wonder if some of the differences we've noted could be something like Sears used to do. They would approach a manufacturer and take an existing model, change a few little things and call it a Kenmore. Maybe the parent manufacturer of our lathe changes a few things for their customers, Griz and Laguna +?

Tom

Tom,

My spindle size is the same as the Laguna, 1-1/4 inch x 8 tpi. That metric measurement is something that came from the Burt Group website, and the Hare & Forbes Woodmaster 18x47 machine specs [Australia].

The Grizzly G0698 has the same specs as the Laguna from what I can tell. The Laguna, Grizzly, Jet & Powermatic are all made by GeeTech. Here is a link: http://www.geetech.com.tw/sp.html

Maybe that will help others to know the heritage of this machine.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Problem found with G0698 or new owner of it

Hello all,

After owning this new Grizzly G0698 for close to 6 weeks now, I have found that the lathe has come with something that I did not really expect ...........it was what some call a VORTEX. It has sucked me in, and I am finding now that I have this new lathe, I want all [no, NEED] all these new accessories!

I just don't understand it! The catalog never said anything about a VORTEX, neither did the owners manual, or the website at Grizzly. I have let go of money for a new chuck, new drive centers, new live centers, new aftermarket rests, new texturing tool, and now I find myself looking in the catalogs at new gouges and scrapers.........do they have a local TA [tools anonymous] meeting, like they ones that are held for those addicted to alcohol?

I will try my best to moderate my behavior, and dial this addiction back to some respectable level, but I may need prayer! 😀

 

[idahohay]

Roger, don't worry about the vortex and repeat after me:
"It's O.K. to spend money on wood turning"

 

[Roger Chandler]

thanks for the encouragement

Roger, don't worry about the vortex and repeat after me:
"It's O.K. to spend money on wood turning"

Idaho,

I guess that one has to embrace the VORTEX, not fight it! At least the L.O.M.L.[i think that is "love of my life"] doesn't seem to mind, and is supportive, as she knows that woodturning gives me a creative outlet, and is good for my well-being.

At least, this rationale seems valid to me, but some may think "he's too far gone already!" 😀

 

[Roger Chandler]

How about a review of you G0698

Roger

I have some questions about the G0698 . I received mine about 2 weeks ago. My previous lathe was a Harbor Freight so I have limted experance.
The first is what is the proper way to turn on/off the lathe. Should you reduce the varible speed to zero or leve it at the setting I am using at the time I shut it off?
Also when I want to stop the lathe to look over what Iam working on is it ok to leave the lathe on and reduce the speed to zero or do I need to sut the lathe off?
I removed the cover plate from the drive side of the head stock and noticed two threaded holes next to the through hole.(were you would use a puller to remove the pully)
Could you use these to install a hand wheel? (does this sould like a good idea). Because the through hole is not threaded how would you set up a vaccum chuck?
Thanks Tom

Tom,

Have you got a chance to turn a project or two on your new G0698 yet? If so, how about a little review as to your impressions on the lathe? I know there has been a lot of interest on this new machine that is now on the market, and I think it would be good to get another owners perspective as well as my own out there.

What projects have you worked on so far?

 

[Richard Baker]

Having read this entire epic thread from the beginning, I saw no mention of the fact(?) that the motors of the Griz and Laguna (pictures posted above) are apparently not fan cooled by an external fan, unlike those of the Jet and PM. Curious if any users have checked the case temp. of their motor after lengthy use? Maybe motor design is related to low rpm "hunting"?

The lack of a handwheel or knob of some kind on the outboard end of the spindle is beyond understanding, and something that surely many owners are working to correct asap. There have been complaints about the cylindrical "knob" on the Jet, but I find it to be ergonomically excellent.

 

[Roger Chandler]

No heating in motor noticed

Having read this entire epic thread from the beginning, I saw no mention of the fact(?) that the motors of the Griz and Laguna (pictures posted above) are apparently not fan cooled by an external fan, unlike those of the Jet and PM. Curious if any users have checked the case temp. of their motor after lengthy use? Maybe motor design is related to low rpm "hunting"?

The lack of a handwheel or knob of some kind on the outboard end of the spindle is beyond understanding, and something that surely many owners are working to correct asap. There have been complaints about the cylindrical "knob" on the Jet, but I find it to be ergonomically excellent.

Hello Texian,

I have taken notice of the motor during turning sessions. I have turned some bowls, some light pulls, some candlestick holders, and have done some other spindle turning just to practice my skills, and I have done buffing with the beall system, and I have placed my hand on the motor while running the lathe on the low belt setting and hollowed out bowls that were blanks of over 12 inches at the maximum rpm of 1200, and also on the high belt setting for finishing cuts on spindles, candlesticks at 3100 rpm and it never showed any sign of heating.

I don't know if the case design is something that is made to dissipate heat or what, but the motor case never even got warm to the touch.

Regarding the "knob" [handwheel?] accessory on the Jet, I think that same design could be machined to fit the G0698 Grizzly, and would work well. the only problem is the thing would have to mate up with the pulley which has two holes that are threaded, and would have to have a center bore to match the spindle bore, thus extending the capability to use the knockout rod, and vacuum system.

Are you interested in this lathe, or considering it as a possible purchase in the future?

This has been an "Epic" thread hasn't it? I think it has been a good one though, and has certainly helped those who have been interested in this model lathe, don't you think?

 

[kevinkabby]

laguna 18/47

I have just recently purchased a laguna lathe which is similar to the griz lathe. The lathe from laguna was supposed to have a better motor than that of the griz. lathe. Griz has had problems with their lathes at low rpms....jerky rotation up to 100 rpms. That is the sole reason why I purchased the laguna, the rep said they have never had problems with theirs doing that. well, my laguna has the same problems. it is jerky up to 250 rpms.

Customer service was ok with Laguna, except for the techs and engineers. They thought it was part of their job to make me feel like an imbecile. That is neither here nor there, they are sending me a whole new lathe.

Salesman was misleading. He said that Malcolm Tibbits loved the lathe when he used it at the club meeting that was held at laguna. I talked to malcolm, and he had really no experience with the lathe. Salesman also said that it would not have the jerkyness of the grizzly.

Does anyone own a Laguna and have similar problems with their lathe?

Oh, also forgot the the headsock and tailstock spindles don't line up either!!!

 

[Roger Chandler]

No differences likely between Grizz & Laguna

Hello Kevin,

A question; does your Laguna 18x47 "hunt" on the low belt setting [0-1200] over 100 rpm? The lower setting is designed to give you more torque at low speed, which means due to the step pulley system, the rpms in the motor stay a little higher which affects the spindle rotation and gives extra torque for heavy out-of-balance turning.

I think that the real story of both the Grizzly and Laguna is that they are the same machine, and just painted differently for the respective vendors. From what I can tell from others who own the Laguna 18x47 that have posted is that they really have liked their machine, and I really like my Grizzly G0698.

The issue of "hunt" at low rpm is not a problem, it is the programming of the inverter they use, and my Grizz will turn at lower than 100, but it does the "hunt." The difference between the Jet and powermatic 3520b is that they cut off at 50 rpm, and there is nothing more than a very tiny difference in being able to turn at 50 rpm and 100 rpm, even for sanding in my opinion. Some Jet owners have reported some hunt as well as a few of the PM 3520b owners, but some report theirs do not "hunt." I don't know if this is due to the differing observations of the individuals, or if it is something not really looked at closely, or what?

I will say that the "sales pitch" you got was probably an attempt to make Laguna's version seem better than Grizzly's for the sake of gaining the sale.

I would like to refer you to a thread I started where I asked an electrical engineer named Bill Boehme on "Constant torque monitoring" the claim made by Laguna, and let you read his response and it might help you. It is on this forum, just look for it.

Also, I think that the "hunt issue" is way overblown by some, and my own attempt to push the issue on this forum was due to my lack of understanding about the nature of inverters, and between Bill Boehme, and the tech guys and quality assurance engineer at Grizzly who regularly works with the manufacturer, my confidence in this machine became settled. To date it has performed flawlessly, and the performance has been great.

These are my honest observations and opinions, yours might be different, but I just wanted to give you a sense of the experience of others with this lathe that have posted and maybe give a framework of perspective.

We would love to hear you post as you go along with a few projects and get your review as to how it is working for you. 🙂

 

[Roger Chandler]

center alignment on your lathe

I have just recently purchased a laguna lathe which is similar to the griz lathe. The lathe from laguna was supposed to have a better motor than that of the griz. lathe. Griz has had problems with their lathes at low rpms....jerky rotation up to 100 rpms. That is the sole reason why I purchased the laguna, the rep said they have never had problems with theirs doing that. well, my laguna has the same problems. it is jerky up to 250 rpms.

Customer service was ok with Laguna, except for the techs and engineers. They thought it was part of their job to make me feel like an imbecile. That is neither here nor there, they are sending me a whole new lathe.

Salesman was misleading. He said that Malcolm Tibbits loved the lathe when he used it at the club meeting that was held at laguna. I talked to malcolm, and he had really no experience with the lathe. Salesman also said that it would not have the jerkyness of the grizzly.

Does anyone own a Laguna and have similar problems with their lathe?

Oh, also forgot the the headsock and tailstock spindles don't line up either!!!

Kevin,

My centers were off a little, about 1/64, [the tailstock being the higher of the two] and I looked at the bottom of the tailstock and there was a little paint that was raising it up. I took a file, and gave it a few strokes, and now mine lines up perfectly.

Something you might want to look at, when you get your replacement.

 

[kevinkabby]

no differences

There probably arent any differences. The only difference probably is the price tag. I wish I would have known.

The funny thing about it is that laguna told me that they have never heard of such a problem with one of their lathes.

In my view they have misrepresented their product. Selling it as if malcolm tibbits loved it, theirs differs from grizzly, they have never had that problem.

A few other things that bother me about the lathe, you have to take the nut off of the banjo to get it off of the lathe. Getting the tailstock off of the lathe is very cumbersome. The tool rest is worth its weight in scrap metal. Do you have the same problems with the grizzly?

Yesterday I put a 16 inch blank on the lathe of elm, what a horrible wood to turn for torn grain. It was a mystery wood, didn't remain a mystery for long. LOL. The lathe handled it ok. THe blank was 10 inches deep. I stalled the machine about 5 times, but all in all it turned it fine.

 

[Roger Chandler]

made with liability issues in mind

There probably arent any differences. The only difference probably is the price tag. I wish I would have known.

The funny thing about it is that laguna told me that they have never heard of such a problem with one of their lathes.

In my view they have misrepresented their product. Selling it as if malcolm tibbits loved it, theirs differs from grizzly, they have never had that problem.

A few other things that bother me about the lathe, you have to take the nut off of the banjo to get it off of the lathe. Getting the tailstock off of the lathe is very cumbersome. The tool rest is worth its weight in scrap metal. Do you have the same problems with the grizzly?

Yesterday I put a 16 inch blank on the lathe of elm, what a horrible wood to turn for torn grain. It was a mystery wood, didn't remain a mystery for long. LOL. The lathe handled it ok. THe blank was 10 inches deep. I stalled the machine about 5 times, but all in all it turned it fine.

Kevin,
Regarding having to take the nut off the tailstock in order to slide it off the bed, I think that is an intentional design to address possible liability issues in case one would slide it back to far, and it fall and break someones foot. All it amounts to is that they used a little longer bolt for the holddown on the banjo and tailstock and headstock.

My Grizz has a steel peg that screws into a hole on each end as a safety stop as well. Personally, I have not found it to be anything other than just getting used to the machine the way they have made it. My other lathe would allow the tailstock to slide off the end with out removing the nut, but lawyers are making the manufactures they represent make things idiot-proof as much as possible, and we end up having to adapt to the changes.

Laguna has put out videos with Alan and Stewart Batty as well, using the lathe, and I saw the Malcomlb Tibbets interview video as well, I just don't remember him actually turning on this machine in the video, but I would take his remarks as factual.

I only stalled my machine a couple of times, due to my own mis-steps, one of which was I looked away for a second, and my gouge moved into a heavy blank that was unbalanced , and it stopped the machine just like it is supposed to, and I turned the lathe off, hit the reset, and off she goes. This is a great safety feature, and I should have known better than take my eyes off the work!

What is your issue with the tool rest? Mine looks to be the same as the pics of the Laguna that I have seen. It seems fine to me. I have ordered an aftermarket bowl rest for mine, and I will probably get another aftermarket one, but so far the one that came with the machine seems fine.

 

[Richard Baker]

Glad to hear that the motor does not overheat.

Not planning to buy, as I have Jet 1642-EVS2. Often power sand or apply finish w/ lathe at 100-150 rpm. Very smooth down to 50 rpm and then shuts off.

I would certainly make a knob or handwheel for the Grizz or Laguna. A hardwood cylinder would do. Drill through for the knockout rod, drill and tap one end to fit the spindle thread, drill and tap a radial hole for set screw.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Glad to hear that the motor does not overheat.

Not planning to buy, as I have Jet 1642-EVS2. Often power sand or apply finish w/ lathe at 100-150 rpm. Very smooth down to 50 rpm and then shuts off.

I would certainly make a knob or handwheel for the Grizz or Laguna. A hardwood cylinder would do. Drill through for the knockout rod, drill and tap one end to fit the spindle thread, drill and tap a radial hole for set screw.

Richard,

I like your idea for a hand wheel. I might give that one a "turn" [pun intended] when I get some time to experiment with things. If I could turn a piece of maple or oak, maybe find some hickory, then I could turn both the spindle extension and handwheel in one continuous piece. Thanks!

 

[earl timmons]

I have one of the earliest Laguna 18/47's shipped. It is over two years old now. I have not seen the Grizzly beyond the pictures in the catalog and posted in various forum threads. I doubt that there are differences in the motor or speed control. There are however differences in the spindle. My two year old Laguna is configured exactly like the Grizzly including the spindle not exiting the head stock enclosure and the pulley with the two holes. However the current Laguna has and extended spindle that is threaded on the outboard end and takes a hand wheel that they provide.

By the way I am happy with my lathe and it has performed well for two years. I did have some initial problems but was able to iron them out with Laguna very quickly. The problems were things like quality issues with the Banjo and the original Banjo having a slightly undersized tool rest post hole preventing it from taking an aftermarket rest with a 1 inch post.