Starter Lathe

[RossW]

I have found an older 6-7 years Grizzly G4003 36 inch gap bed lathe in what appears to good condition. The motor has been replaced with a Baldor 220V 1phase 1750 rpm motor. Would this be a good lathe to choose for my first lathe? The price seems pretty good and under $900.
Thanks for any input
RossW

[JoeFin]

Price seems fair

and 12" x 36" is a good useful sized lathe that you won't out grow too soon

[tony ennis]

What tooling is included?

[loose nut]

Good price if it is in good condition, just don't take out the gap piece, it probably won't go back in right.

[hawgwrench]

That would be a good choiceof size and power.I've got a 12x36 that I've used for a long time...most any set-up can be worked here. If you were planning on working with alotta drive shafts or long stuff of the like,its marginal. Ditto for turning flywheels and large rotors,but if its rare occasions you do this sort of work,it will do the job fine.Its not the only lathe I've got,but I use it the most. (its the one closest to the tv and fridge)Dont know what area you live in,but around here (N.GA.) machines like this are NOT falling from the trees.Finding something in reasonable condition at any price is a stroke of luck,but finding one in good shape with a little tooling at a good price?,I'd go right after it,and stop on my way home and buy several lotto tickets before the luck ran out.

[Bill Pace]

but finding one in good shape with a little tooling at a good price?,I'd go right after it,and stop on my way home and buy several lotto tickets before the luck ran out.

I agree with hawg here, -- Grizz has a good reputation, that size is a great fit in a home shop and the price under a thou!! If its in any kinda decent shape its worth that -- and you just might oughta pick up a coupla lottery tkts on the way home

[The Artful Bodger]

It wont be long now before someone comes along to tell us thats a Chinese lathe and that one would be much better off buying any old locally made machine no matter what the age or condition!

[dp]

It wont be long now before someone comes along to tell us thats a Chinese lathe and that one would be much better off buying any old locally made machine no matter what the age or condition!

That problem is solved now that Grizzly owns the South Bend brand. I do tire of hearing that nonsense, though. I've used the G4003 and would be very pleased to have one in my shop.

[JoeFin]

It wont be long now before someone comes along to tell us thats a Chinese lathe and that one would be much better off buying any old locally made machine no matter what the age or condition!

Don't get me started about the quality of chinese metal... and I have the time and pictures to prove it.

In this case for the price and use I think it is a good deal

I also get tired of hearing the endless post of how a chinese machine is the only reasonable option. Some of the post seem to be more of a promotion then a testimonial by a Home shop user

[rolland]

Ross
I have been using one for the last 6 years with "0" problems. If it has not been abused it would be a good deal.