Lathe info

[mfrick]

Hello to all

I'm looking to purchasing a new Grizzly 14 x 40 Gun lathe. So I'm looking for information from members to see if any body has one and if they would recommend this machine. I presently have a 13 x 40 Jet lathe that is 20 plus yrs old.

MF

 

[mfrick]

Since there is zero reply to my first post I would like to delete the post

 

[Mechanicboy]

Gun lathe ---> Here is not gun maker, engine builder only. Hence we are not shooting around here..

 

[petertha]

You might want to check on Hobby Machinist forum. Unfortunately cant post links here but I know the model has been discussed before. Also be aware of the posting date. Like most of the Asia machines, the answer is usually 'it depends'... Sometimes newer is better, sometimes the opposite.

While you are in the research stage, have a look on PM (precision Mathews aka quality machine tools). He has a great service reputation & makes the distinctions between Taiwan vs. China vs. hybrid... Depending on what specific features you are wanting, there may be other options.
https://www.precisionmatthews.com/

Note that some of the gun lathes have larger spindle bore which is normally considered a plus, but also may be designed around a different camlock standard in order to accommodate this feature as opposed to D1-4 which is more typical for 14x40. This may or may not be a $ consideration for you depending on your existing tooling. And to further complicate matters, some lathes sold under the 'gun' label may well have regular size spindle bore & no more precise & not appreciably different threading capabilities than a 'regular' lathe. So dig into the features that are most important to you. Good luck & let us know when the new addition to the family arrives! LOL

 

[mfrick]

Thanks for your input. First of all I don't do gun work I build IC and steam engines, I need a larger lathe and the 14-40 fits my needs. Thanks for the web site recommendation, I will be checking it out. I have sold the smaller machine and lots of the tooling will go with so chance to upgrade will be good.

MF

 

[petertha]

You're welcome. I haven't been on the Grizzly website in a while, but pretty much what I was saying. The work 'Gunsmith' doesn't mean anything specific as far as I can tell. Different Swing x Bed sizes, different spindle bores, different Camlock flavors, different speed & threading ranges.... So just build yourself a list of desirable 'lathe' features & go from there. I suspect that word is more a marketing thing.

Depending on the dealer, some of the lathes come factory packaged with DRO which might be worth considering. Particularly if you were contemplating buying a typical Asian 2-axis system to install yourself anyways. They seem to be doing it cheaper on the factory floor & often with the same systems sold separately anyways. If you think you ill ever be wanting a taper attachment, get it on the initial purchase because its typically more than just a bolt on accessory to the lathe bed. It typically requires a different cross feed leadscrew & related assembly. Often you will see comes with 3J or 4J chuck, or doesn't, or one or the other. Try & get some insight from forums regarding quality. Some are pretty low level & some are quite good, it really depends.

 

[mfrick]

The Grizzly 14 x 40 machine has the DRO 3 jaw and 4 jaw steady rest follower rest face plate tool post and head stock and tailstock centers. I have visited the Grizzly show room and checked out the machine closely and it looks to be put together very nicely. It has a cast iron base not tin, so for the price I will give it a try. I have looked at other machines of this same size and the prices are much higher.

 

[dnalot]

I have the Grizzly 12 x 36 gunsmith lathe and have been using it daily for over 5 years now. It has exceeded my expectations and I have had zero problems with it.

Mark

 

[mfrick]

Hi Mark
That is good to hear. I have a Grizzly mill and it has had zero problems, it gets lots of use and I have had some big projects on the table and its done great, so if the lathe preforms as good then I will be happy.
MF

 

[awake]

The one thing that I think always comes with the "gunsmith" version of the Grizzly lathes is a spider on the far end of the spindle, so that you can center a long barrel through the spindle and not have it flop around as you are turning it.

 

[user 1616]

Doesn't Smithy make a "gun" lathe? I just got my Smithy Granite 1340 lathe/mill and must say it is a wonderful piece of equipment. of course I haven't put it through its paces yet.

 

[dnalot]

The one thing that I think always comes with the "gunsmith" version of the Grizzly lathes is a spider on the far end of the spindle, so that you can center a long barrel through the spindle and not have it flop around as you are turning it.

That is correct. I have found the feature very handy.

Mark

 

[petertha]

Re spider, good point. Check the Features & Standard equipment itemized breakdown. It seems to vary by lathe model, spider as a bolt-on accessory vs. a spindle feature that functions similarly. I wish all lathes had this as standard. Its useful for many applications not necessarily related to barrels.

I haven't purchased from Grizzly myself, being in Canada makes it challenging. But one thing that impresses me is their re-writing of manuals & parts listings which are so much better than the crap that comes from the factory. You stand a better chance of getting replacement part & understanding the operational 7 adjustment nuances of the machine by having clear documentation. And in the future when something goes kaput, you will have an exact PN to order exactly what you require. Because there are a lot of Asian cousins to these machines have potential variations such that parts don't necessarily interchange.

 

[lathe nut]

I have the 14X40 three phase from Harbor Freight have had it for several years, extremely accurate and a real solid machine, I am impressed with it, good luck in you search and decision.

 

[Mechanicboy]

I has Sieg C6 lathe since I bought in 2005, still good and precision. Price is good.

 

[mfrick]

So just update you all I have purchased the Grizzly 14 x 40 Gun Lathe have it in shop all setup and running. I am very pleased with the machine it is put together very well and runs very smooth, so time will tell but so fare very pleased.
Mike

 

[awake]

Mike, congrats on the new machine - always exciting to bring a new child home. Umm, I mean machine tool. Well, really, almost the same thing ...

 

[lathe nut]

Great for you, hope that you are as pleased as I am with mine, I have several lathe and like them all for the difference of operations and the field but only one the chose it would have to be that one, enjoy, Joe

 

[goldstar31]

Mike, congrats on the new machine - always exciting to bring a new child home. Umm, I mean machine tool. Well, really, almost the same thing ...

Do people actually regard machine tools as their children? If so, how sad.
Me I've two children. One is like her late mother, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons with a husband , a senior consultant heart surgeon. Two kids, top of the class with one at 15 who has already been interviewed for university. My other kid has a degree in French and Geography, His missus with a degree in something- which I can't even pronounce let alone write. Son has property abroad in France but spends his spare time pulling sports cars to bits. Got a Lotus in his garage and a Merc SLK230 in mine. Kids? Much the same as the other set.
Daughter and granddaughter play play clarinet, saxophone and a 7/8th's Bluthner Grand. And so it goes on.

Can a machine effectively discuss the following.
'Dad, I fancy selling up the cottage in the Dordogne'

'Where?' 'West side of the Rhone' 'The Camargue? Delta of the Rhone, Aigues Mortes?'
Me 'Cathar country. Black Madonnas? Crusaders? Friday, the 13th???'

Me----- 'How much?' HOW MUCH????

 

[awake]

My comment was meant to be a joke - I tried to indicate that with the smiley face. But this is not the first time I've sensed that my humor, or attempts at humor, seem to be missing the mark here on this forum.

I won't go into details, but suffice it to say that there is nothing more wonderful and valuable to me than my two daughters. My wife understands that she comes third in that list, as I do in hers.