Got one big chance!, which bench top lathe discussion

[strictlybusiness1]

The Grizzly G4002 is a much better value for $1500.00 more than the G4000. The problem with all Chinese machines such as this is their very poor quality control. It is advisable to inspect the entire machine mechanically & electrically before operation. Things such as lose wire connections, lose screws & sloppy made mechanical things will need to be corrected, but it does come with tool room features.

Features:

Removable gap bed allows turnings up to 17" in diameter
Nine spindle speeds - ranging from 70 to 1400 RPM
Easy-to-use lever controls
Hardened and ground cast iron bed
Cuts 4-112 Standard TPI and 0.2-4.5 Metric
Full length splash guard
On/off/reverse switch on carriage
Standard Equipment:

6" 3-jaw chuck with two sets of jaws
8" 4-jaw chuck with reversible jaws
Steady rest
Follow rest
10" faceplate
Toolbox
Quick change tool post with one tool holder
1 Dead center: MT#3
1 Live Center: MT#3
Set of six change gears
1/2" chuck w/ MT#3 arbor
Specifications:

Swing over bed: 12"
Swing over gap: 17"
Swing over cross slide: 7"
Distance between centers: 24"
Bed width: 7-1/4"
Spindle bore: 1-7/16"
Taper of spindle bore: MT#5
Spindle: Camlock D1-4
Cross slide travel: 6-1/4"
Compound travel: 3-1/4"
Tailstock barrel taper: MT#3
Tailstock barrel travel: 4"
Diameter of tailstock barrel: 1-9/16"
Number of speeds: 9
Range of speeds: 70, 200, 220, 270, 360, 600, 800, 1000, 1400 RPM
Motor: 2 HP, single-phase, 220 Volt, 12 amps, 60 Hz, 1725 RPM
Height w/o stand: 23"
Height w/ stand: 52"
Length w/ stand: 53"
Width of stand: 26"
Approx. shipping weight: 1004 lbs.

Jim Allen

[Farmboy]

Thanks Mike for the info on the C4, but I have read that they come with variable speed drive, so what is the need to add a variable speed?

When I bought mine I had the option of the variable speed lathe with powered cross-feed, or a basic version with 6 speeds selected by changing the drive belt on stepped pulleys, this also had manual cross-feed. I have not seen the basic version advertised recently so maybe it is no longer available. I chose it because I couldn't justify the 30% higher cost of the other one, and I also felt there would be more chance of future problems with the added complication of electronics.

Mike.

[PStechPaul]

Something to consider about the G4002 vs the G4000 is that the smaller one, like I have, is only 250 pounds and can be taken apart and moved by one person, whereas the larger one is over 900 pounds and may need special handling equipment to uncrate, move, and set up. But if that is not an issue, the weight should provide better rigidity.