Grizzly 12", 3/4hp Lathe--- any good?

[redfishsc]

I am considering buying one of the Grizzly 12" 3/4hp (G0658 12 x 20 Heavy-Duty Bench-Top Wood Lathe) for a friend as a gift, who want do to a little of everything--- small bowls, candlesticks, and of course, pens. Actually it will, hopefully by next January, go to a orphanage in a small border town in Mexico where I will go and teach the older teenage orphans some woodturning (mostly bowls) and some basic cabinetry/carpentry.

Has a superb speed range--- low end is 300 RPM which is rare among "mini/midi" size lathes. That, and it's variable speed.


For those that have it-- is this machine well screwed together? Do all the parts line up? Does it run true?

Any input is helpful--

 

[Rifleman1776]

I don't have one but saw it on my last visit to the Grizzly store in Springfield, MO. It looks well made. I would call it a serious little machine. My previous Grizzly served me well as is my new one. They stand behind their products. I'll vote a 'buy'.

 

[redfishsc]

Coming from Frank, who tends to live up to his name, that says a lot.

Thanks-- BTW, which model do you have?

 

[edman2]

You may want to double check the availability. I go to the Springfield Grizzly on a regular basis. They had the GO624 on display but the GO658 (12x20) was nowhere to be seen. I was told by a sales associate (who looked it up for me) that they were not going to be available until April. You might want to call and check that before you order.

 

[bradbn4]

Not a bad looking machine - here is a link to the user manual.

http://www.grizzly.com/images/manuals/g0658_m.pdf



Bradbn4 - having fun in colorado

 

[R2]

From the photo it looks pretty good and it has good specs. Others on the forum are Grizzly owners and seem happy enough.

 

[redfishsc]

This all sounds good. Fortunately, the purchase will be in about a year, so April availability is A-OK with me.