Grizzly 4003G Lathe

R

ron collins

Guest
Anyone got one? If so are they any good. Need to know your thoughts.
 
I have one. I have no regrets. Grizzly has great customer service. I would eventually like to get a heavier duty lathe but for now it's fine. It's great for working through the headstock.
 
I've got one. Best deal going on a decent gunsmithing lathe. It's belt driven so when you crash it it doesn't blow the gear box (or at least mine didn't!)

I'm happy with it.

al
 
alinwa said:
I've got one. Best deal going on a decent gunsmithing lathe. It's belt driven so when you crash it it doesn't blow the gear box (or at least mine didn't!)

I'm happy with it.

al
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Al...How did you manage to get a 4003G that is belt driven? Mine is gear driven. I thought they all were?
 
I'm completely satisfied with mine. Some people have had some issues but when they make statements something like ".....I'm dissatisfied with the thread finish I get from carbide insert tooling at 70 rpm...." you get an idea where the problem really is.
 
crb said:
I'm completely satisfied with mine. Some people have had some issues but when they make statements something like ".....I'm dissatisfied with the thread finish I get from carbide insert tooling at 70 rpm...." you get an idea where the problem really is.
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Ray. My experience has been most of the time the problem is in the cheap bearings used in the headstock. After all, this is a bottom of the line lathe made in China.
 
The gunsmith lathes have upgraded spindle brgs. I specifically remember Shiraz mentioning this in a post. The post is no longer able to be viewed but I do remember it.
 
I purchased mine this year...and the headstock bearings are junk...as is the bearings in my friends 4003G lathe...Oh they will send you a new set of bearings to put in if you feel so inclined..!
 
crb said:
I'm completely satisfied with mine. Some people have had some issues but when they make statements something like ".....I'm dissatisfied with the thread finish I get from carbide insert tooling at 70 rpm...." you get an idea where the problem really is.
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There are "NO" modern day machine shops that do not thread with carbide inserted tools "if you know what I mean"
 
I saw yer thread here and just had to chime in and show you what I've been doing.
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Dont worry Grizzly will send you the bearings no charge & you can install them in less than 2 hours. I cant complain much other than the hearing loss from all the gear noise and the $800.00 I spent on a 3 phase motor with a variable frequency drive after I put in 4 new motors from Grizzly's warranty shop. The parts are free and the people are friendly but its frustrating as hell. I say I cant complain because I have produced 5 barrels that placed in the top 5 at the 1000 & 600 yard IBS Nationals in the last 2 years & I did it with a Grizzly lathe.
 
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Here's some threads I cut with my G4003G after I converted to 3 phase power. I did this in B-2 or 220 RPM with a 50% reduction in motor speed, using a Carmex tool with a carbide insert
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Buying a 4003G has really been a learning experience for me, if this thing would have held up & worked like it should I wouldn't know much about a lathe. I have become a lathe mechanic in the last 18 months. I never would have bought a variable frequency drive and a 3 phase motor either and now I wont be without one.
I will have a better machine someday but I don't know what brand it will be.
 
eww1350 said:
There are "NO" modern day machine shops that do not thread with carbide inserted tools "if you know what I mean"
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eww, you really don't get it do you??

So do you run your carbide tooling at 70rpm?

"if you know what I mean."

al
 
Thanks for this thread! I was strongly considering buying one of these lathes, and now I won't, for sure. Looks like they could get it right to begin with if they know the bearings are junk. I don't want to buy something I have to perpetually work on. Thanks to all for the info.
 
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