Is anyone using this hobby lathe to turn cork grips on? It's similar to the Flexcoat cork lathe which uses an electric drill as the power source. Thanks in advance Bill

I used the Grizzly hobby lathe for a number of years before buying a mini-lathe. Rather than re-type responses I provided to this question in the past, I have attached a search of this site where Grizzly was discussed. I hope the information is helpful.

Jeff

[rodbuilding.org]

Still using one after many years, works just fine for turning and boring cork. I wish Grizzly still offered their 1/2" drill that fit it well though, on my third drill.

Used one foe several years before I went to a Midi. Very good setup for cork, EVA!!!!

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!!

Anyone have a measurement on the gap or clearance needed for the drill to fit the clamp? I've been thinking about getting one of these, and this seems to be a speed bump for some that have used it before.

Thanks in advance....


Scott



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/06/2010 12:40PM by Scott Nordlund.

I have an original Grizzly Hobby Lathe I "might" part with. Never used except to turn on the drill to ensure it works. New and sitting......I don't really know in my mind if I want to part with it. So I guess I shouldn't be saying so. But I do have another lathe, also unused that is a China lathe. Much bigger and originally a 40" bed. But wouldn't take American accessories. A friend made me a tailstock for it, and an adapter for the headstock. So it is something less than a 40" bed now I would think. But I haven't uese it yet either. I will have to buy a Morse 2 taper drill head for the tailstock, and a 4 head jaw device for the headstock before I can use the China lathe. But it is doable. Maybe I sell THAT one....since I am thinking of living in my RV. The Hobby lathe be better for me in that case.

Sorry for the ramble.

Have you considered building your own? I built one from 3/4" MDF and It works great. I'll send you pictures if you like.

I have the Grizzly Hobby lathe.Have had it for about as long as Mike Barkley, for he is the one who put me unto it. I use it for cork, eva, and reel seat harbors. It has served me well for a hobby builder. Have mine mounted on a 4'x1"x 6" with a on/off switch.I do all my turning out doors,so I don't have the dust around my work area. Have not heard why Grizzly don't handle the drill for that set up any more ?? <<<< DON >>>>

I built one similar using prefinished shop plywood and it works well for cork grips and fighting butts. I have heard that you will go through the variable speed drills but mine is doing fine. I use a 1/4" steel rod for the mandrel and I have to watch out not to hurry when using a round point chisel for shaping that it causes the rod to chatter and wobble if I apply too much pressure.

If the Grizzly sells for $175.00 and, up, plus the drill motor. I think it would be better to buy a power wrapper if you can afford to. They are great for turning cork. I buit an un-attached tool rest and use a file to get the glue off and rough shape the grip. Then switch to sanding screen for the shape I want. Then work my way down the line of sand papers.

I made my own little lathe out of a 3/8 in drill. It did the job but I could not control the speed as I wanted. I had an electrician add a rheastat. The problem was it was hand operated. The foot control is sweet.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

The Grizzley Hobby Lathe sells for about $50 and is perfect for cork and EVA.. It weighs 10 lbs and mounted on a board it can be easily taken outside and set up on a table or sawhorses in a couple minutes. Very versatile and portable

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!!

The drill must have a collar to fit in the Grizzly headstock. Grizzly no longer sells a driil that fits, but you can find one at Harbor Freight. Look for a drill that has a collar for a handle. You can probably find one for around 20 or 30 dollars. Or go to a big box store and spend 100.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/07/2010 09:52PM by George Forster.

I may be looking at the wrong thing. Page 152 of the Mud Hole catalog has one for $181.00 + add your own drill.

The brand name is not Grizzly. Isn`t the one by Flex Coat the same principle? I don`t remember the Grizzly ad.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2010 02:15PM by Bill Eshelman.

You need to get a Grizzly catalogue. I have used mine for 6-7 years. I love it for cork. I use a more expensive drill in it and it has not been replaced.
The cheap ones dont seem to last.

Here's a link to the Grizzly Hobby lathe being talked about. They used to sell it at a higher price with the drill. Seems they only sell it as a lathe now...and you have to find/buy a drill for it. But it is the lathe being referred to.

[www.grizzly.com]

Just fyi