I am considering purchasing a Grizzly G5979 lathe

[Nick Todd]

I know the Grizz G5979 ($295 delivered)only has a 1/2hp motor while the
Jet & Delta both have 3/4 hp motor). I have a limit shop budget for the next
year(I am already purchasing the jet 6" planer). I am just hoping to get
about a year of good service before moving up in class in lathe to the
$1500+ rage next year. Has anybody heard anything negative about Grizzly?

Thanks

[Spydaman]

Aloha Nick,
Another lathe you may want to consider on your budget is the Central
Machinery 34706, take a look at:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/taf/DisplayItem.taf?Itemnumber=34706
It sells for $269.99 and has a 3/4 hp motor. I've been turning with
mine for several years with no problems, I highly recommend it for
someone on a budget. I originally planned on upgrading to a bigger
lathe but instead wound up improving this lathe as my needs changed.

Spy in Hawaii

[Bill Noble]

you can get the nova commet for around $250 (woodcraft? craft
supplies usa? one of them has a special on it) - this lathe is
at least as good as the jet - you could argue if it;s better
or not. I use mine with a 1/4 HP washing machine motor and
this is a good combination - the motor is either free (take it
off a dead washing machine) or you may have to pay $5 or so
for one from a junk store. this will meet your price range.
You don't need more HP on a small lathe, honest.

Nick Todd <nick...@rsvlonline.net> wrote in message
news:D4134E0394A1D311934...@apache.spydrweb.ne
t...

[Jim Gott]

<<
I know the Grizz G5979 ($295 delivered)only has a 1/2hp motor while the
Jet & Delta both have 3/4 hp motor). I have a limit shop budget for the next
year(I am already purchasing the jet 6" planer). I am just hoping to get
about a year of good service before moving up in class in lathe to the
$1500+ rage next year. Has anybody heard anything negative about Grizzly?

Thanks
>>

Hello, Nick

I have a Grizzly (1067) which has the 1/2 HP motor, and it's fine. The only
time the belt slips a little is when I'm being too agressive on my initial
roughing cuts. Otherwise, no problems. Actually, when you're beginning, too
large a motor could cause problems if you get a big catch. Instead of the belt
slipping or the motor bogging slightly, the tool can be ripped out of your hand
with a bigger motor. The 5979 has basically the same specs as the Jet, sizewise
(swing and spindle capacity), and also has a 1X8 spindle size, which is very
common. The two larger Grizzlies have 1X12 which is harder to find accessories
for.
If you decide to get this lathe, ask them to replace the toolrest post with a
steel one before they send it. The cast one it comes with is likely to break
(same as the Jets), but they'll put on a steel post if you just ask. Their
customer service is very good.
You should get a lot of service with this lathe. I've made some really nice
things on my Griz.
-Jim Gott