Oh Man... Other than being a bit spendy, look at these

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g0509g
$6750

Features:

Precision ground and hardened V-bed is made of Meehanite casting
Totally enclosed universal gearbox allows cutting of Inch, Metric, Whitworth, Modular and Diametral threads
Headstock gears run in an oil bath and are hardened and precision ground for smooth, quiet and vibration free operation
1/8 HP, .45 Amp coolant motor
Specifications:

Motor 3 - 4 HP, 220V, 3-phase, 2 speed
Swing over bed 16"
Swing over gap 22"
Swing over cross slide 10"
Distance between centers 40"
Spindle nose D1-6 camlock
Spindle nose taper MT#6
Spindle bore 2"
Tailstock barrel taper MT#4
Tailstock barrel travel 4-3/4"
Cross slide travel 8-1/2"
Compound travel 5-1/2"
Number of speeds 16
Speed range 45-1800 RPM
Range of threads (inches) 45 @ 2-72 TPI
Range of threads (metric) 39 @ 0.2-14 mm
Diametrical pitch range 21 @ 8-44 DP
Modular pitch range 18 @ .3-3.5 MP
Width of bed 10"
Approximate shipping weight 3245 lbs.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g4003g
$2695


Features:

Removable gap bed allows turnings up to 17" in diameter
Nine spindle speeds - ranging from 70 to 1,400 RPM
Easy to use lever controls
Hardened and ground cast iron bed
Cuts 4-112 Standard TPI and .2-4.5 Metric
Full length splash guard
On/off reverse switch on carriage
Halogen work light
Ball bearing steady/follow rests
Outboard end support screws
Socket for tailstock lock
Cast iron stand with extended base
Cast aluminum gear cover
D1-5 spindle nose (6 pin)
1-5/8" spindle bore
Specifications:

Motor 1-1/2 HP, 220V, single-phase, 9 Amps, 60 Hz, 1725 RPM
Swing over bed 12"
Swing over gap 17"
Swing over cross slide 7"
Distance between centers 36"
Bed width 7-1/4"
Spindle bore 1-5/8"
Spindle nose taper MT#5
Spindle nose D1-5 Camlock
Cross slide travel 6-1/4"
Compound travel 3-1/4"
Tailstock barrel taper MT#3
Tailstock barrel travel 4"
Number of speeds 9
Range of speeds 70, 200, 220, 270, 360, 600, 800, 1000, 1400 RPM
Height w/o stand 23"
Height w/ stand 54-1/2"
Length w/ stand 61"
Width of stand 26"
Approximate shipping weight 1364 lbs.

how is quality on a grizzly lathe?

I saw on local craigslist that someboyd was selling a couple of bridgeport mills, I know nothing about these things and don't have room or money so didn't look close.

Red

The G4003G lathe is a new addition this year. I plan on buying one within the next several months to replace the old worn out Atlas, flat way lathe that I've been using.

Grizzly's product are generally alright, sometimes you get stuck with something though.

I ordered a carbide insert threading tool, just had it delivered yesterday. The tool holder is alright for the price, but the inserts really aren't good for anything smaller than around 3/4 inch in diameter. That stinks when I bought it to do 12-32 UNEF threads.

Regards,

Eric

"all" (that's a generalization) of the import houses use the same guys to make their machines, the difference is spec.

taiwanize is generally better than chinse
jet brings in the top spec, or at least did
grizzly/enco next
wholesale tool takes run of the mill
harbour frieght WAY down
homier (sp) is bottom of the bucket. I've seen inch pitch main threads with MM dials, no kidding

however, a company can spec machines from the factories, and that spec is what they get.

If I was to order one, i would call ahead, ask for a pre-shipment inspection.. dang it, i forgot the "chief tech"'s name at grizzly... anyway, ask them to make certain it was prime, and inform them that it WILL come back for replacement if not to spec.

I bought my first NEW machine from them, some years ago, had trouble with it, and they took care of the main drive gears, very well, very fast, and great customer service.

these aren't NEW american machines, but the cost of a NEW american (or english, german, or japanese) lathe to too much for the small shop guy to cost justify, IMSO.

jeffe

I do need another lathe,does it have a four jaw chuck,and does it have a collet head and collets? van

In 1999 I bought my brother a a new Jet 13x40GHL for $2k [was $4k, but dented in shipping]

In 2000 I bought a new Grizzly 7x10 mini lathe from the Grizzly out store for $400 plus shipping.

In 2001 a 1967 Clausing 5914 12x36 1200 pound lathe that was bought new by Boeing, then surplused to ALEM Industrial in Seattle that rebuilt ships. When ALEM went out of biz, I got it at auction for $1200 + $50 delivery. It has many layers of paint.

In 2006 I got a 1938 101.07402 Craftsman Atlas 12x36 ~300 pound lathe that has been babied, but re painted. Someone retrofitted the headstock with tapered roller bearings to replace the babbit bearings.

After I have plunked down money for lathes 4 times, what have I learned.
1) See the name "Grizzly" and walk away.
2) Look for original paint.
3) With every lathe, you will get smarter, and your wife will get madder.

I wouldn't think that it would have collets.
Butch

Ok, so you want an imported engine lathe?

Wet Dream here

quote:

In 2000 I bought a new Grizzly 7x10 mini lathe from the Grizzly out store for $400 plus shipping.

Don't think you can judge an entire line off your experience with a 7x10 minilathe that costs $400. A Grizzly lathe in the proper hands will turn out excellent work.

heh, i've had a couple import minilathes.. other than a really nice DC motor/speed controller, there's about 120391984319 flaws in them, and I find up "finishing" them, as they are a "kit"....

this is that whole "specs" thing... grizzly gets a decent mini.. homeir gets visible runout on the chuck... from the same factory.

but, if you want to learn ALOT on the minis, www.littlemachineshop.com has a ton of data ..

i have to warn you, though... the minis are what started me on my obsession hobby of rebuilding machines

Real Lathes

My choice for a gunsmith lathe is a M300 Harrison. The Emco is a first rate machine, but a little short between centers.
Butch

Always buy the best tools you can afford.
Timan

So how much does the 17S Emco cost ???

The 17S is only 27.5" between centers, too short for me. How much does the 20D run? They look like very nice machines but they might break the bank.

I'll bet the 14S is $15,000+.
Butch

Hello,
At around 15,000 I would look at a Haas tool room. I think its 20,000.
John