Owners poll- 18" X 47" lathes

[waltcrawford]

Turning Heavy Objects on Grizzly G0698

I took a class on making wood hats, the blank starts out at over 120lbs. How would the Grizzly take this much weight at a very slow speed?

 

[Roger Chandler]

I took a class on making wood hats, the blank starts out at over 120lbs. How would the Grizzly take this much weight at a very slow speed?

Hi Walt,

In my opinion, the Grizzly G0698 would handle that size blank, but you would need sufficient ballast on the bottom, and have the tail stock up as well for support on that side, especially until you get the thing balanced.

The swing on this lathe is 18 inches, but can be a bit larger off the end of the bed, but you would need an outboard tool rest and support to do it.

I have a shelf on my leg castings that are made out of a 2x12 and a 2x8 placed side to side. If you make the shelf a nice and tight from end to end, it really stiffens the lathe from end to end, and some extra weight like bags of sand or concrete mix would give you good ballast, and make things pretty stable.

 

[kevinkabby]

what you will find is that with something that large you will have problems with deflection and torsion of the bed. If you look at the depth of the griz bed, it is about 4 inches. compare that to a powermatic which is almost double the bed thickness and I think has a better designed web. My laguna basically had no cross webbing which made it weak for turning large peices. I tried it once, and had problems with it snubbing out the motor with green elm. The blank I had was 16 by 12. I also had 3 80# bags of sand on a platform. You will probably be able to do it, but the results may not be what you expect

 

[Roger Chandler]

Monster Hollowing rig -custom made for G0698

It has been a while since anything was posted concerning the 18/47 lathes. I had a custom made Monster Articulated Hollowing system made for my Grizzly G0698, and it really is a nice addition to my turning arsenal. I thought some others might like to see what can be done to accessorize this lathe.

The first pics are of the rig, and the others are the first two hollow forms I did on it. Bradford pear and black walnut. The walnut was going to be another form with a finial and pedestal, but the wood was way too punky, so I just finished it out and left it like this. Way too much tear out to make a really nice form, so it was just a practice run.

 

[Steve Harder]

Discontinued

The Grizzly site is listing the G0698 as discontinued.

 

[Roger Chandler]

The Grizzly site is listing the G0698 as discontinued.

Yes Steve, I saw that on another forum. I find this interesting. I just hope that Grizzly will continue support to current owners with parts and service in the years to come.

I do not think they should have started to carry this in the first place, if they were not going to support it, but I have not heard anything that said they were not. If parts availability becomes a problem, then they should try to help the owners who in good faith got this unit to upgrade to a better unit.

That is my opinion, but I may be dreaming!

 

[Bart Leetch]

Sure glad I decided to build my own lathe, but that will have to wait until I get into a new shop.

 

[William Young]

Yes Steve, I saw that on another forum. I find this interesting. I just hope that Grizzly will continue support to current owners with parts and service in the years to come.

I do not think they should have started to carry this in the first place, if they were not going to support it, but I have not heard anything that said they were not. If parts availability becomes a problem, then they should try to help the owners who in good faith got this unit to upgrade to a better unit.

That is my opinion, but I may be dreaming!

Yes Roger , I was also surprised because I saw that on a couple other sites including the Turning board on my own site .


That is basically the same lathe as my Craftex CT128 ..
I see BusyBee in Canada is still selling them . Hope they don't have the same problems as Grizzly.
Which makes me wonder if Grizzly and BusyBee can request certain shortcuts at the manufacturing level apart from one another or if they all get the same lathe apart from color and name.
http://www.busybeetools.com/products/WOOD-LATHE-18IN.-X47IN.-W{47}DIG-READ-OUT-CT128N.html

I did hear of a few issues with the Grizzly one. It came on the market a lot later than mine did and I understand there have been some shortcuts taken at the manufacturing level since I got mine. I got mine shortly after Laguna gave the overseas manufacturer rights to copy exactly but later the manufacturer had different ideas. Sure glad I got mine when I did. I could not wish for a better lathe .

I suppose anyone that has the Grizzly model will now have to get any parts if and when required directly from BusyBee or Laguna.

 

[William Young]

I was informed that BusyBee in Canada where I got mine will now ship that lathe and anything else in their site to USA. I went and checked and sure enough . . it's true.
That's a first. For many years Grizzly would not ship anything to Canda and BusyBee would not ship anything to USA due to an agreement between the two distributors. It has been said around the sites that the owners are brothers with one living in USA and the other in Canada and they agreed to not sell in each others territory. Don't quote me on that though because it could be just a rumor that has been circulating for many years.
I am wondering if that agreement (if it was a valid one) has gone by the wayside and possibly the reason why Grizzly has discontinued selling that lathe .

 

[Roger Chandler]

I was informed that BusyBee in Canada where I got mine will now ship that lathe and anything else in their site to USA. I went and checked and sure enough . . it's true.
That's a first. For many years Grizzly would not ship anything to Canda and BusyBee would not ship anything to USA due to an agreement between the two distributors. It has been said around the sites that the owners are brothers with one living in USA and the other in Canada and they agreed to not sell in each others territory. Don't quote me on that though because it could be just a rumor that has been circulating for many years.
I am wondering if that agreement (if it was a valid one) has gone by the wayside and possibly the reason why Craftex has discontinued selling that lathe .

William,

You said that "Craftex has discontinued selling that lathe"........did you mean Grizzly? Or, has it also been discontinued by Busy Bee? If it has, it makes me think that the factory is tooling up for a new model, and these 18/47 models might be discontinued because of that.

I just want continued service and parts availability for our units.

 

[William Young]

William,

You said that "Craftex has discontinued selling that lathe"........did you mean Grizzly? Or, has it also been discontinued by Busy Bee? If it has, it makes me think that the factory is tooling up for a new model, and these 18/47 models might be discontinued because of that.

I just want continued service and parts availability for our units.

.

Sorry about that Roger and thanks for noticing my typo.
I have edited my previous message to say Grizzly rather than Craftex.
BusyBee is still selling the Craftex name in that lathe as the Craftex CT128.

 

[Roger Chandler]

G0698 dicontinuance is temporary

I received a response to my inquiry about the G0698 being discontinued on the Grizzly website, and my concerns for continued support with parts and service.

According to the reply, they will continue to support and the discontinuance is temporary. See the response from tech support below:

Dear Roger,



Thank you for your email dated February 24, 2011.



I can assure you that we will continue to support this lathe with parts and technical service. It is temporarily discontinued at this time. However, we will back our standard warranty on this machine. If you have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.



If we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. You are a valued customer, and we look forward to serving your future woodworking needs.



Sincerely,



Scott

Technical Service

Grizzly Industrial, Inc.

EN #400283

 

[William Young]

Glad to hear it is only temporarily discontinued.

My own personal feeling is that with knowing the demand for that lathe with all its top line lathe features and excellent price and with the manufacturer not being able to make them fast enough , seems like Grizzly has got tired of issuing so many backorder notices to ones that have ordered them . I am thinking that as soon as the backorder demand for them is met and Grizzly is able to keep lots of backup stock on hand , they should be available again with the Grizzly name on them. .

 

[kevinkabby]

is it them not keeping up or is it them having to fix too many?

 

[Greg Moore]

I was in the Grizzly store in Bellingham, Wa. today. Since I only live about 20 miles away, I'm usually in there at least twice a month.

Since reading here, that the lathe had been discontinued (I got mine in Nov.), I asked the two senior sales persons about it.

They hadn't been told about the discontinuing of the lathe, yet. So they did some checking and found that no more orders would be taken until June '11. This due to the number of lathes already ordered and problems getting them from the manufacturer. Once the back orders had been filled and a sufficient number stocked in the warehouses, they would again be selling the G-0698 lathe again.

 

[William Young]

I was in the Grizzly store in Bellingham, Wa. today. Since I only live about 20 miles away, I'm usually in there at least twice a month.

Since reading here, that the lathe had been discontinued (I got mine in Nov.), I asked the two senior sales persons about it.

They hadn't been told about the discontinuing of the lathe, yet. So they did some checking and found that no more orders would be taken until June '11. This due to the number of lathes already ordered and problems getting them from the manufacturer. Once the back orders had been filled and a sufficient number stocked in the warehouses, they would again be selling the G-0698 lathe again.

Just as I figured and Laguna and BusyBee are still shipping new ones to customers.
One of my members on my own Woodworking Friends site just received a new Laguna today and has shown pictures from recieving it in the crate to setting it up .

 

[alvins4062]

Grizzly GO698

A woodturning friend of mine got the Grizzly the last week of December 2010. Two days later the controller went kaput. Called Grizzly and everyone he talked to seemed unconcerned and said a new controller would be shipped to him in APRIL 2011. The only option they offered was to take it back. He had to make a crate as he had thrown his away. Needless to say, he does not recommend a Grizzly. He bought a 3520 Powermatic.

 

[Roger Chandler]

A woodturning friend of mine got the Grizzly the last week of December 2010. Two days later the controller went kaput. Called Grizzly and everyone he talked to seemed unconcerned and said a new controller would be shipped to him in APRIL 2011. The only option they offered was to take it back. He had to make a crate as he had thrown his away. Needless to say, he does not recommend a Grizzly. He bought a 3520 Powermatic.

Alvins,

I guess your friend got one of the ones that had a circuit board problem, which is regrettable for him. Just for the sake of perspective, it seems like Grizzly has gotten a fix online for this issue for the ones that had the problem, although having to wait till April 2011 is difficult when one gets a new machine.

My unit has been superb! I think Toshiba had a problem which has resulted in this problem now being Grizzly's to deal with. I think once they get the fix ready to be applied to any unit, that having a G0698 will be just as safe a buy as any other model that comes from China, including the Powermatic.

 

[alvins4062]

Grizzly GO698

He said their attitude with the problem disturbed him as much as the lathe screwing up. If they are going to market a lathe they should have repair parts or take parts off of another one. My opinion of Grizzly changed as a result of this episode.

 

[Roger Chandler]

G0698 back on the Grizzly website

Grizzly has put the G0698 18/47 lathe back up on their web site. I guess they must have gotten issues of supply and the circuit boards solved [we can only hope! ]

Just thought some might be interested, as the discontinuance was only a temporary thing, and tech support told me they are committed to supporting owner with parts and service along the way if and when they need it.

 

[William Young]

Grizzly has put the G0698 18/47 lathe back up on their web site. I guess they must have gotten issues of supply and the circuit boards solved [we can only hope! ]

Just thought some might be interested, as the discontinuance was only a temporary thing, and tech support told me they are committed to supporting owner with parts and service along the way if and when they need it.

I figured right from the start that they discontinued them temporarily while the manufacturer was making enough again to meet the demand. It was upsetting some people to have them on back-order for so long and was not a good reflection on Grizzly's business to have to keep extending back order dates. .
That series of lathes with its various brand names is probably the best value on the market for a full size full feature lathe. No wonder the manufacturer could not keep up to supply and demand.

Sure there have been a few with some defects . It happens with any make or model . We always hear about a few defects but seldom hear from the thousands of them that work perfect from the start and have continued to do so .
Great to have suppliers like Grizzly and BussyBee and the other distributors of them that are on top of supplying service and parts both on and off warranty for the occasional one that might require it.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Right you are William! I think the bad always gets noticed and magnified, while the good gets ignored in a lot of cases.

My G0698 is still performing without a hiccup after nearly 17 months.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Not there this evening

Well the lathe was on the website this morning............this evening it is gone again! Maybe they got in a shipment and they went real fast???

Who knows? Tech support told me they would stand behind this unit with parts and service, and the discontinuance is temporary. I think we will see it back soon.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Still going strong!

My G0698 is still going strong and performing so well, that I am still just tickled at the value I got in this lathe. If it continues to perform like it has for the first nearly year and a half then I don't see hardly how I could have done better as it relates to performance for the amount of dollars.

Here are pics of my last 3 turning projects: All hollow forms, and the lathe just handles the stress of hollowing without a hiccup.........all these were done on the high belt setting ...........which is the lowest torque, but never bogged down in the least.

 

[Gynia]

Those turnings look great. What size are they?

 

[Roger Chandler]

Those turnings look great. What size are they?

The Catalpa/walnut hf is about 11 inches high and about 7 1/2 +/- inches wide [from memory, but in the ball park] the Box Elder/walnut with pedestal is about 13-1/2 inches tall, with finial, and 8.5 inches wide, and the cherry vase is 6.5 tall and 4.25 wide.

 

[John Kaye]

Grizzly G0698 Circuit Board

Hi Roger,

I followed this thread 'cause I wanted to get the Grizzly because of price, capacity, etc. I'm ready for the Christmas special delivery (if stock permits). I checked with Grizzly tech support and spoke to Jason. He said the board problem is fixed. The potentiometer that controlled the speed was causing the problem and had been replaced in production. Newer units have no problem in this area so far.

Is anybody making a headstock wheel for this lathe?

 

[Matt Lewis]

Handwheel for Grizzly G0698

I don't have this lathe, but have been looking at it as a possibility. The absence of a handwheel is a little bit concerning to me, but not necessarily a show stopper. However, after reviewing pictures of the inside of the headstock of the Laguna 18/47 (http://www.lagunatools.com/lathes/lathe-1847#) and this lathe (Figure 29 in the owner's manual on the Grizzly site), it looks to me like the pulleys are the same and therefore a Laguna handwheel would fit the Grizzly. I am assuming the rear flange on both pulleys is threaded? A handwheel could also be made if you have a metal lathe to cut the threads. Can anyone confirm or deny at the Grizzly pulley is threaded on the rear flange?

Regards,

Matt

 

[John Kaye]

Hi Matt,

This lathe has been on my short list for a while. I called the Grizzly tech support when I posted my prior response. I did ask about a hand wheel and the Grizzly tech physically looked at the machine (as well as the parts exploded list) and said that there was no provision for a wheel. Also he did not see any notes showing one would be added. If a wheel were available I would have ordered on the spot but, for some reason I too am hesitant.

 

[Fred Lockwood]

I don't have this lathe, but have been looking at it as a possibility. The absence of a handwheel is a little bit concerning to me, but not necessarily a show stopper. However, after reviewing pictures of the inside of the headstock of the Laguna 18/47 (http://www.lagunatools.com/lathes/lathe-1847#) and this lathe (Figure 29 in the owner's manual on the Grizzly site), it looks to me like the pulleys are the same and therefore a Laguna handwheel would fit the Grizzly. I am assuming the rear flange on both pulleys is threaded? A handwheel could also be made if you have a metal lathe to cut the threads. Can anyone confirm or deny at the Grizzly pulley is threaded on the rear flange?

Regards,

Matt

The hand wheel question was discussed earlier in this thread and I pointed to a discussion in a thread started by me on the Australian Woodworkers Forum.

If you look at page 5 of this thread

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/changing-guard-115302/index5.html

there are a couple of ways of doing this.

Personally I haven't made a hand wheel for my 18x47 as I don't seem to have a need for one but I understand that some people like working that way.

 

[Matt Lewis]

Fred,

Thanks! I figured if the pulley or spindle where threaded then a handwheel could be fashioned. I never saw an answer until the thread you pointed out. I just kept seeing the observation about a missing handwheel. It is good to know the option is available as I am a handwheel user. I suspect this is one of the reasons Grizzly's version is cheaper than Laguna's as I can't imagine much a different otherwise. This thread probably has more info about that too

John,

Perhaps Fred's reply will move this lathe up on your short list?

Best regards,

Matt

 

[Bart Leetch]

Fred,

Thanks! I figured if the pulley or spindle where threaded then a handwheel could be fashioned. I never saw an answer until the thread you pointed out. I just kept seeing the observation about a missing handwheel. It is good to know the option is available as I am a handwheel user. I suspect this is one of the reasons Grizzly's version is cheaper than Laguna's as I can't imagine much a different otherwise. This thread probably has more info about that too

John,

Perhaps Fred's reply will move this lathe up on your short list?

Best regards,

Matt

Matt; One of the main reasons for the lower price by Grizzly is they are a direct importer/reseller not a regular retailer. I suspect that the hand wheel could be had for pennies on the dollar of the whole cost of a container shipment of lathes.

 

[John Kaye]

I have a friend who turns bowls and often he'll let me finish them. Sometimes I get to keep one. There are a couple of woods that he is alergic to but I have no reaction. Anyway he has a vacuum chuck, and with a handwheel, one can do touchups, final finishing, etc. I really like the vacuum chuck and the handwheel.

His lathe is a Nova DVR XP. A sweet machine and I really like the bugger but with the extras (bed extension, outside banjo (right term?), leg set, etc) it's up there pricewise.

As far as my short list, I'm looking at the deals out there. I'll probably buy the Grizzly after this holiday season if there are no other deals I like.

 

[Matt Lewis]

Bart,

Sure, excellent point. But if pennies, then ya gotta wonder why they just didn't include it given it is common practice to put a handwheel on a wood lathe.

Regards,

Matt

 

[Roger Chandler]

Hello guys........I am the original poster for this thread and have had my Grizzly G0698 for two years [almost]

The Grizzly G0698 does not have a spindle as long as the laguna model of this lathe...........and will not accomodate a handwheel from laguna.

You can however make one yourself if you really want to........it is in this thread earlier. There are two threaded holes in the outer pulley, and if you align the holes after you turn a hand wheel you can just bolt them on....simple.

I have found absolutely no use for a hand wheel on this lathe. It slows on its own very fast, and does not free wheel like a nova lathe. It has a spindle locking pin to enable you screwing on chuck and blanks, and even though my previous lathe had a handwheel..........this one does not need one, and it is simply an extra that some turners want or feel they need........there are other ways this configuration can be used where some turners use a wheel.

I have a vacuum system on my lathe, and the rotating adapter just mates up against the spindle hole on the outboard side............no issues at all.......hope this helps!

 

[Roger Chandler]

If more info is needed

There is a sub forum on the SMC forums under the community tab ......click on groups.............

You will see a GGMG group........Grizzly Green Monster Group for owners of Grizzly lathes.............

Several turners in that group have the G0698 18/47 and can give perspectives as well as I have...........I think most are well pleased with their unit.

Just thought you might be interested...........feel free to chime in with your questions there if you desire.

 

[Odie]

I have found absolutely no use for a hand wheel on this lathe. It slows on its own very fast, and does not free wheel like a nova lathe. It has a spindle locking pin to enable you screwing on chuck and blanks, and even though my previous lathe had a handwheel..........this one does not need one, and it is simply an extra that some turners want or feel they need........there are other ways this configuration can be used where some turners use a wheel.

For my purposes, I'd prefer to have a handwheel. It allows me to visually inspect the entire circumference, or interior of a bowl without grabbing the bowl itself. This is a convenience, sure, but there are times when I'm using air tools that leave an oily residue on my fingers. I am constantly using the handwheel for close inspection......

By making this statement, I'm not saying the handwheel is, or should be important to every turner.......but, for me, it is!

ooc

 

[Roger Chandler]

For my purposes, I'd prefer to have a handwheel. It allows me to visually inspect the entire circumference, or interior of a bowl without grabbing the bowl itself. This is a convenience, sure, but there are times when I'm using air tools that leave an oily residue on my fingers. I am constantly using the handwheel for close inspection......

By making this statement, I'm not saying the handwheel is, or should be important to every turner.......but, for me, it is!

ooc

I totally understand your rationale Odie, and I agree with you about the convenience..........if this was a lathe I was seriously considering because of the full slate of features and the price structure was what fit my budget, then easily it can be added by the turner at no cost except a couple of bolts and a small piece of wood..........the fact is does not come with one, should not hinder anyone from a full featured lathe for a good price.

I can put my speed dial just barely on, and let the motor rotate at about 10 rpms and I can see it 360 degrees for inspection. Just another way of doing the same thing.

Thanks for posting!

 

[Odie]

I totally understand your rationale Odie, and I agree with you about the convenience..........if this was a lathe I was seriously considering because of the full slate of features and the price structure was what fit my budget, then easily it can be added by the turner at no cost except a couple of bolts and a small piece of wood..........the fact is does not come with one, should not hinder anyone from a full featured lathe for a good price.

I can put my speed dial just barely on, and let the motor rotate at about 10 rpms and I can see it 360 degrees for inspection. Just another way of doing the same thing.

Thanks for posting!

Yes, of course, Roger......likewise understood!

Seems to me, I read somewhere about someone else that used an old faceplate to make up a handwheel, too. I know you can get old odd thread size faceplates dirt cheap on eBay, and other places. If one went that route, just drill or mill it out to fit the spindle, and make a hole to match the pin hole you mentioned.......

ooc

 

[Roger Chandler]

Final review........maybe?

I mentioned a few months ago that I would give a final review of this Grizzly G0698 lathe after the first of the year..........well since this thread has been resurrected in recent days, I think I will go ahead .............

I lack about 45 days having this model for 2 years............here is what has been my personal experience.

The G0698 has performed without a flaw. I have not had a single issue with either the electronics or the motor or any mechanical problem. The lathe has adequate power [2 hp] and runs on 240V power. It has a full slate of features, like variable speed, reversing and has been a pleasure to work on.

At this point I have had turning sessions on 3 different PM3520b's...[and some other lathes].....while I think the banjo is a good bit better on the 3520b and it is a heavier machine, this G0698 performs very well in comparison, especially when one considers the price is over $2000 less. I like the 3520b a lot, and today, if budget were not an issue and I was in the market for a new lathe.......I would probably choose the PM simply because of its heavier weight and better designed banjo...........actually, if budget were not an issue, I would without question purchase a Robust American Beauty.

Would I recommend this lathe .........YES!!! Do I think there are better lathes out there..........YES! They are much more expensive, and this unit gives a segment of the turning community a choice for a full featured lathe at a very reasonable cost. In my own mind, the G0698 is just as good as the Jet 1642evs......only does not have a handwheel, which some turners seem to think is a must. All the turning over these nearly two years, I have not needed a handwheel at all........this lathe is designed not to need one, but one can be added by the lathe owner if desired, very easily [info earlier in this thread]

If anyone needs additional info, then send me a private message via this forum, and I will be glad to answer questions where I can.

Good luck to all who are considering this lathe..........I have no interest whatsoever in what anyone gets, and have no connection whatsoever with Grizzly Industrial....I am just a satisfied customer to this point, and it is my hope for many years to come that Grizzly will continue to support owners of this unit with parts and service.