First of all, I already have a really good Jet 1660 lathe from back when Jet came in green, which unfortunately at the moment is laid up for repairs (Electrical issues with old magnetic switches). So I’m not really looking for a large top of the line machine and I’m not looking to spend time repairing/restoring an older machine. What I’m looking for is some feedback on some of the value priced lathes available on the market and weather they are worth the price or not. I have been reading a lot trying to determine what to do but I would like some more direct input.
My intentions for the new lathe are primarily gunsmith work. Barrel threading, chambering and so forth. Thought it will probably be called on to make other parts as needed. Most of the material I work in is 4340 CrMo, 52-100 bearing steel and 440C stainless. I really want a machine that runs off of 220V single phase power, I’m already vary familiar with 3-phase and I’m just not interested in messing around with it in this case if I don’t need to. I want a new machine with the accessories so I don’t need to build or source things like steady rests and such. I would prefer to spend less than $8K to my door for the lathe, hence my interest in Grizzly (I have been told that there larger lathes are alright, any input?)…
At any rate I’m considering the fallowing and would like some input from anyone who owns one of the models listed, owns anything in a lathe from Grizzly in this size range or anyone who has any other ideas/sources. The Grizzly G0709 Gunsmith’s 14x40 lathe and the G9730 13x40 precision tool room lathe (is the Z-series much better, any one know?). Ether way, I intend to chuck the tool post that comes with it and mount a spare Aloris CXA quick change post on it (I have one laying around and all my tooling fits it). I’m tempted to look at the G9732 14x40 precision tool room lathe, but it would really haft to be a good machine for me to spend that sort of money on it.
Thank you for your input.