Just looking at the photo page and seeing the modified grizzly cork lathe, I have a question. How well does a regular electric drill work as the turning motor and does it heat up during use? How long would a good drill last after being used in this manner? Seems like drills are meant for short term bursts and not continuous duty. I would be afraid I'd burn mine out.

Also, what about cordless battery powered models. Would sure be convenient but I'd guess they won't run very long in continuous duty mode?

I'd like to pick up one of these grizzly lathes but if I have to buy a new drill every month it might not be such a great deal after all. Just curious of what to expect. Thanks.

Mickey,
If you plan to buy the Grizzly lathe you might as well order their drill that fits through the mounting hole. The new drills that are sold now do not fit well. I have had a drill that I have used for about 20 years. I used to turn all of my handles after gluing the cork rings on the blank. I started building rods when we were still using fiberglass blanks and there weren't any preglued grips availabble in my area. You don't run the drill continuously while turning a grip. You are constantly stopping to check the diameter of the grip. I have a Grizzly lathe and mounted my old drill and it still works like a charm.

Mickey,
I also have a Grizzly Hobby Lathe and use the drill they supply for this application, it is a 1/2" heavy duty drill. It does sound kind of rough but it is a good drill so far, haven't had any problems. I even used it on Wednesday morning to put up my new garage doors then later that evening used it to shape some cork, what versatility. Anyway, I do recommened the lathe and drill plus a set of Andy's (Lamar Reel Seats) mandrels. Good Luck, Noel

I also have the Grizzly hobby lathe and the Grizzly half inch drill, which I have used to turn several grips. So far no problems. I have not noticed the drill heating up at all. Isearched all over San Antonio when I first got the lathe for a drill with the right size neck that would fit the lathe clamp. So I went ahead and ordered the Grizzly drill. Wouldn't you know that I had four drills when I bought the lathe and none of the would fit. If you are going to order the lathe you might as well bite the bullet and order the drill at the same time. Of course you are going to need a set of Andy's mandrells in order to make everything work properly.

Gerald Mc

Hello, I am going to buy the grizzly too with the 1/2 drill. Can you tell me where I can buy some of andy's mandrells? Also in the pic on the photo page there is a extra bearing on the grizzly to put a rod threw.Do you know anything about that? Thanks Mike.

Mike,
Andy Dear is Lamar Reel Seats.Link to the left. That is where to get the mandrels
Jeremy

Can anyone tell me what kind of a price you get for the Grizzly
cork lathe. or if by chance you know of any other " cork lathe )
I just wany something that will work on cork. Turning wood is to
hard for me, with one (1) hand don't work, so I just stay with cork.
If anyone can lead me in the correct direction for a cork lathe
it would help me alot.
Mitch Bergquist Thank's agian.
"the one arm rod man"

I think it's under $50.

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... but that does not include a drill to power it with.

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