• January Turning Challenge: Thin-Stemmed Something! (click here for details)
  • Conversations are now Direct Messages (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Scott Gordon for "Orb Ligneus" being selected as Turning of the Week for January 20, 2025 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Laguna Tools Lathe

Joined
Sep 16, 2014
Messages
97
Likes
1
Location
Palm Springs Area
Just wondering if anyone is turning on the Laguna Tools 1847 lathe. It looks similar to the Grizzly G0733 but has a few features the Grizzly doesn't have. I thought I had a used Jet lined up but the guy changed his mind.

Rich
 
Do a search ( in the upper right hand corner of the page ) for the Laguna, and the Grizzly on this site and you will find a large number of postings.
I have seen but not used the Laguna, and only seen the Grizzly in catalog.

Here is one thread about Laguna:
http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?9563-Laguna-Lathe&highlight=Laguna+Tools+1847

Here is one about the Grizzly:
http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?10503-Four-year-update-Grizzly-18-47&highlight=G0733

Some folks have strong opinions about them, good and bad.
There are more threads about those and other lathes, those are just 2 that I remember.
 
I've seen Laguna - most have modest swings and long beds - the best you can buy if you're doing poster beds.
However, if you're doing a variety of turnings including bowls, hollow-forms, vases, get a Oneway, Robust or Powermatic. While I'm personally biased to the Oneway, any or these three will give you years of service and none of these will limit your expanding capabilities.
Think about it: it's your recreation - you are re-creating yourself with every creation. The pieces you will one day make will transcend the equipment. Go for it.
John
 
just to add a little fuel to the fire!

I have the Grizzly G0698 18/47 for almost 5 years now, without one issue, except one which was my fault [I broke a tool rest turning out on the end and got a whopper of a catch......it snapped the post because it is a cast unit.......no problem replacing it.]

I have turned on 8 or 9 different PM3520b lathes and some Jet 1642 evs lathes........all very nice.

For the money, the Grizzly G0733 has most of the same features except a handwheel, and the PM is heavier....both the Jet and PM are more nicely refined on the machining, but for performance, the Grizzly also has a 2 hp. motor, VFD electronic variable speed and reversing, with 18" swing,and sliding headstock, [the Jet has a 16" swing].....those are the important features of a modern lathe.

The performance is there with the Grizzly for sure........not so sure about Laguna's customer service, however.

If you have the money, a premium lathe like the Robust AB, or Oneway is the way to go.....lets call them the Cadillac of lathes.......the Grizzly 18/47 is a great Buick! A number of owners are on the SMC Grizzly Green Monster Group and seem to have good things to report about their G0733 lathes.

Now..........my dream lathe at this point is a Robust American Beauty........when I can, that will likely be my next and last lathe.......

Don't be scared of the 18/47 lathe........it is a great performer and likely is one of the best values on the market for a large lathe!
 
Deal's Done

Got a PM from Rich.

He's scored a new JET 1642evs 2 hp at a very nice price.

He's on his way 😎
 
One thing to consider (although how important it is will vary by person) with a large lathe are the number of and usefulness of accessories/upgrades for it. For example, the existence of the bed/tool rest extension and tapped holes for it to allow my lathe to turn platters outboard up to 38" is one of the reasons I chose the 3520B. Some others might be concerned about optional (such as with the Robust AB) or aftermarket tailstock swingaways (there is/was one for the 3520B) or lathe mobility systems or other stuff like that.
 
Yes as Mark said I took the plunge. I can't wait to get the Jet it should be shipped from Jet tomorrow and be here by the end of next week. I have already ordered the 1 1/4" adapter for my Super Nova Chuck 2 and an adapter to use with my various face plates that use 1". I will eventually get some 1 1/4" face plates. I can't wait to move from the Shopsmith to the Jet. I will also have to purchase some additional tool rests as mine are 3/4" and I don't know if the shaft would even be long enough on them if I used an adapter.

I talked to Laguna and one of the upper management guys told me the 1847 is on it's way out and will be replaced by a new model in November for about 2500.00. I just got worried about support and parts down the road. I know that won't be a problem with the Jet.

Now I have some time to install my 220 before it arrives.

Rich
 
Congrats. You will like it. They are a well built lathe that offers you a lot of flexibility in configuration.
If I had the room, it would my choice for the money.
 
Yes as Mark said I took the plunge. I can't wait to get the Jet it should be shipped from Jet tomorrow and be here by the end of next week. I have already ordered the 1 1/4" adapter for my Super Nova Chuck 2 and an adapter to use with my various face plates that use 1". I will eventually get some 1 1/4" face plates. I can't wait to move from the Shopsmith to the Jet. I will also have to purchase some additional tool rests as mine are 3/4" and I don't know if the shaft would even be long enough on them if I used an adapter.

I talked to Laguna and one of the upper management guys told me the 1847 is on it's way out and will be replaced by a new model in November for about 2500.00. I just got worried about support and parts down the road. I know that won't be a problem with the Jet.

Now I have some time to install my 220 before it arrives.

Rich

Never say never Rich. These days, a good company is only one ownership sale away from ruin. No one would have guessed a few years ago, that Delta would be a company with horrible parts support after decades of excellent support.
 
Back
Top