I see that Grizzly has four new small mini lathes listed. The least expensive one is a 10x18 that looks IDENTICAL to the JET mini lathe. Has anyone here seen one or better yet, does anyone here own one? At just $169 if it's the same or as good as the Jet it seems hard to beat and I have a card to get free shipping on it. Anyone have idea if this is a good machine? Thanks for any responses.

Peter check and see if the head stock has a morse taper or a fixed drive live rolling center, i noticed the next model up it says MT2 while the one you mentioned doesn't
John

Peter, your email is hidden.

The lathe your looking at will more than suffice for doing the smaller and simpler wood turnings you think your going to do now, but as many here can tell you wood turning becomes as much of a addiction as rod building.

You'll start out and say this is cool then you'll say if I can do this, but I can't because my lathe can't.

The lathe your looking at, has MT2 both ends and the head stock is 1X8 TPI shaft. I didn't see any bed extensions or any other "GOODIES" to go along with the lathe.

I have a Jet mini with bed extension and some times I wish I had even a bigger lathe.

For versatility I just bought a metal lathe and have all ready wish I had bought a bigger one, but will make do with this one for now.

I called and they said MT#2.

For me the main drawback would be the availability of an extension bed. I have a Turncrafter Pro (Penn State) and I couldn't do most of the things that I like to do without it. If I have a 10" piece of stock, I bore it out and place on mandrel to turn. A chuck in the headstock and a drill chuck in the tail stock, the 10" piece of stock and a drill bit won't fit without an extension bed. I realize that it's NOT absolutely necessary but it makes life a LOT easier for me. Like you, I just wanted to turn some grips but soon found that turning is very addictive and a lot of fun. Another thing is that (again, not absolutely necessary) I was able to add a Variable speed conversion kit (made to fit, Turncrafter, Jet, Delta, etc) later to my lathe.

Considering that the cost of the lathe itself is just a small part of the things that you will need (tools, mandrels,chucks, sharpening system, etc) you might want to spend a little more and avoid future disappointment. . Not trying to talk you out of anything, just pointing out some things that you might want to consider

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I would suspect that the Jet bed extension will fit it. But you should do your homework and check carefully to make sure.

...........

I didn't even think of that! Good idea, Tom.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Get the Jet. That way there's no question about bed extensions, and other goodies when you get ready for them. Yes, it's more money, especially if you get one with VS. But trust me, it's worth every penny.

Grizzly makes good stuff at the higher end of their line. If you like the Grizzly over the Jet for price along, comparing mode-to-model, then don;t be afraid to get the Grizzly. But go for at least one or two mdels up from the one you're looking for, and make really sure you identify a supplier who can get you the goodies later, without a hassle.

You will be amazed - and super pleased - with the things you can do once you get one.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods