Grizzly lathe options

[carlsbad]

You need a DRO but you can add it yourself. But if you don't think you want to, get it with the lathe.

As stated above, mass is your best friend.

The obvious difference is that the 709 has a D1-5 spindle nose which is MUCH stiffer. However, the weak link of these chinese lathes is the small compound slide that compromises stiffness so you can't take full advantage of the stiffer spindle.

The d1-5 chucks are quite a bit heavier and slower to change. Keep that in mind.

I just sold a single phase Jet 3hp and the start was very abrupt causing a loud bang with every start that I got real tired of. My currrent 3ph lathe with an American rotary phase converter spins up very smoothly.

--Jerry

 

[Rich S]

Thanks for the replies. This is an older post and I did pick up a lathe and mill last summer. I was about to pull the trigger on a Grizzly or PM Mathews then found a used lathe in good condition. The lathe is a 13x40 Taiwan Clausing clone. It weighs about 2600 lbs. It has a 2 speed 3 phase motor which combined with the gearing allows speeds from 35 - 2500 rpm. It was in very good condition with minimal wear. After adjusting the tail stock a bit I was able to get 0.0002 taper on the 8" long bar currently set up. I did go with a rotary phase converter. Originally planned on a VFD but it seams they get pricey over 3 HP. The rotary was cheap and easy to set up to power the mill and lathe both. Got a used motor from a local shop added a pre-wired panel and was all set for about $250 total. Spent a good part of the summer/fall just getting set up and making tooling. Just getting started on my 1st full builds based on Remington 700 actions. So far I've made most of the tooling I need (action wrench, spiders, etc...), installed an outboard spider, contoured a barrel, a couple of chambers, trued a couple of actions, chamber set back, muzzle brake installation, a number of non-firearm items, etc... Just waiting on parts to finish my first complete builds. A little costly getting set up. I spent a little more for equipment than originally planned and as most folks warned, I underestimated the tooling cost (and still adding). No regrets so far. Certainly appreciate all the support from those on this site.
Rich

 

[carlsbad]

awesome choice. That lathe is very similar to my SB1039F that I just picked up. I believe the headstock is almost identical. Is your spindle nose D1-5? Love the 1 shot oiler on the carriage and the big leadscrew.

--Jerry