Mini lathe opinions

[brad4est]

Can anyone give me a first hand opinion of a Grizzly Mini Lathe - Model G9247? I am looking for a starter lathe and wondering if this might be winner.

Brad

 

[kernnal]

Just saw one on CL for $140. Was wondering if it would be worth the drive to Elizabeth City? :dontknow:

Can't really find any decent information on the web concerning this model number.

Am also looking for a 'starter' lathe.

thanks for the input

 

[froglips]

Space permitting, I'm firmly in the camp of the Harbor Freight 34706 as a first lathe. (Try a search on 34706, we've had this very discussion many times before

Its not perfect, but gives you quite a lot to get started with.

The gotcha with a midi/mini lathe is you can outgrow it quickly. Many folks keep the midi as a dedicated pen lathe.

Jim

 

[Jim M.]

Brad,
+1 for the Harbor Freight lathe it was my first, I enjoyed turning so much I upgraded to a Jet. I sold mine on CL and didn't lose much. The one in my link is not the one I had first, it's a 5 speed, and a close clone to my Jet lathe. Jim

 

[erasmussen]

This is the harbor freight lathe in action.

 

[brad4est]

Earl, that is amazing. I can only dream of being able to make a piece like that one. Which HF lathe is that? It doesn't look like a starter unit.

 

[Canuck]

... Which HF lathe is that? It doesn't look like a starter unit.

Brad,

It is the HF 34706 that is in Earl's photo. This one ...

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-x-33-3-8-eighth-inch-wood-lathe-with-reversible-head-34706.html

I purchased one off of Craigslist about 3 years or so ago for $125. It has run pretty well for me. I am certainly not into the heavy work that Earl amazes us with though.

I would certainly recoomend it as a starter unit if you should spot a used one.

Wayne

 

[Gunslinger]

I have no first hand opinion so I should keep my mouth/fingers shut.
But.. Looking at the specs here http://www.grizzly.com/products/G9247
1st the note: discontinued…maybe they are closing them out
2nd Motor 1/4hp 2.6amps Think you may have a problem with most items over 6” diameter in stopping the lathe with a minor catch. Motor speeds 300-4750? Be nice to see one, is there much torque at slow speeds?
3rd Tapers. 1MT while accessories are available, 2MT is more the standard even with mini lathes.
4th Spindle: I think the 1X8, which many have, allows you much more freedom for off-the-shelf items.
That said, it is in the Pen Making Items of the catalog, not the Lathe section. For pens and bottle stoppers it is probably fine.

 

[brad4est]

As always, lots of good info. And I need it as I am new to all of this and value any and all opinions and information. Thanks very much!