Grizzly G0602 vs Southbend SB1001
Hello,
I’m not new to metalworking, but due to a recent employment change, I no longer have access to the tool room and would like to have a shop in my basement. I already have a mill and I now need a lathe. It seems that a number of members here use the Grizzly G0602 lathe, and this lathe is exactly what I’m looking for size-wise. I’m trying to decide between the Grizzly G0602 and the Southbend SB1001. The Southbend is twice the price for a very similar lathe. Reading through the online manual, I find that the Southbend seems more refined, for example the leadscrew adjustments are more than just a simple locknut. The other advantage is that the hole through spindle on the Southbend is 1-1/8” (vs 1” on the Grizzly), on the other hand the hole through the Southbend 3 jaw chuck is only 0.8” anyway. I would also prefer the D1-3 spindle nose on the Southbend, but I’m not sure if this justifies the $1000+ cost difference. If anyone has an opinion on how the tho lathes compare, I would be very much interested. Also, please let me know if the hole in the 3 jaw chuck on the Grizzly is smaller than 1”.
Thanks!
Well at least it is down hill.
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Originally Posted by
abec1971
Skullworks,
You're right on with the G9972Z being a better choice. The only problem is that I need to get that lathe down a stariway with a 90 degree turn at the end.
Gravity can be a huge help here. Seriously it would be a lot worst going up hill.
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The machine only weight is 490 lbs for the G9972Z (330 lbs for the G0602 and 268 lbs for the South Bend), even if I remove the tailstock etc., that might be a daunting task.
The only safe way to move a larger lathe down such stairs would be to disassemble it as much as possible. Unfortunately due to the design of most lathes this doesn't partition the weight as nicely as taking apart a mill might. However taking off the the stuff hanging off the bed makes the bed more regular and easier to handle. Still you will be talking about more than 300 pounds as such it really is a two man job.
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Ofcourse, having a feed gearbox may well be worth a few hours of struggle.....decisions, decisions....
Having a 9x20 id have to say that the gearbox isn't the big deal. Rather the heavier construction and slightly bigger capacity are the real attractions for the larger lathe. You are probably talking 50% more mass. I say probably because you need to remember part of the weight quoted will include things like the tail stock, tooling and stuff that is not always fastened to the lathe.
As a point of reference I moved both a 9x20 and a 16" bandsaw into my cellar alone. Even though the bandsaw was "bigger" it was far easier to move into the cellar as it slide easily down the stairs (after removing much of the iron). The lathe certainly felt like more work. First I had to put it on a two wheel truck and feed it down the stairs from above. That in itself adds a bit of stress, however the the irregular nature of the lathe made it more of a struggle to keep everything going as planned. If I had to send a bigger lathe down a set of steps with a 90 degree turn I'd certainly want some help and a better truck. In that regard one of those refrigerator trucks might be just the nuts.
Sadly I was in a lot better shape back then, this is another consideration that can't be dismissed, you really need to evaluate your physical condition before going on such a venture. The physical nature of any help too. Experience moving heavy crap doesn't hurt either.
Long term I have some things I'd like to get and eventually move into my shop. This has lead me to think seriously about cutting part of the basement wall and putting in a set of bilco cellar entrance doors. At least then I could rent a crane or borrow an engine picker or other tool to drop in the tools. I guess it is a question of how serious you are about your shop and the desire to save ones back.
That probably should have been screw on chuck.
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Originally Posted by
abec1971
Wizard,
I've never used a lathe with a "screw on spindle", is it significantly inferior? Would you expect a lot more runout?
Inferior is not a term I'd use. Rather it is less than optimal if you want to CNC the lathe or use techniques that involve running the spindle in reverse often.
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Most of my projects will be limited to hobby work, using aluminum and brass. I rarely turn stock larger that 2" diameter. One thing that is important is finish, because I will be using the lathe to make pistons and cylinder bores for small Sterling engines. For this reason, the 268 lbs weight of the Southbend concerns me.
Weight isn't everything when it comes to surface finish. Fit up of parts is important. The other thing you need to look at is what is included with each of those lathes. The SouthBend unbundles some parts that are included with the other machines, this impacts the shipping weight of the machines. You really need to look very closely at the specs. The SouthBend really is a nice lathe and frankly looks to be fairly rigid for its size. You really can't compare the machines just looking at machine weights,you almost need to place the machines right next to each other to get a feeling for what each machine consists of and how it all goes together. For example some of the other lathes mentioned include back splash sheetmetal, steady and follow rests, face plates and other things that are extra for the SouthBend. These items add to the weight if the machine as shipped. More so an 8x18 lathe is a lot smaller that the 10 inch lathes so taken together that weight has to go someplace.
In the end we really need to get some feedback from somebody that has actually purchased and used this lathe. I really think you are jumping the gun to dismiss it based on rigidity or surface finish. Considering the size of the lathe it really has some interesting features including a rather impressive clearance through the bore for an 8" lathe.
Also drooling on the South Bend
Hi Group,
I guess it is clear nobody so far has actually tried this lathe. I have seen some reviews on other sites, but there is really not a lot you can truly hang unto. Grizzly has a very nice special going on so am wondering whether I should take advantage of it or not.
In the mean time, wanted to ask a question on the G9972Z lathe which was mentioned before. Grizzly states this lathe to be "light use". What does this mean? That I will break it if I abuse it? That it is not meant to be used 8 hours a day 5 days a week? That it will be fine for hobbyists but not production?
I currently have a 7x10 and amazingly enough I have been able to make pretty much anything I have needed. Also have what looks like a 7x12 (Tormach Duality Lathe) but have not used it not even once (it came with the CNC mill when I bought it used) so it is not like I need a new lathe. But I have been dreaming with a large lathe for some time. I use to own the Grizzly 12x36 and I am ashamed of selling it when I moved to Texas. How much do I regret it!!!
Thanks for your input on the 9972Z lightness.
I had to pull the trigger
I ordered the South Bend this morning, as an early Christmas present for myself. I hope Santa can fit it down the chimney.
I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives.