Grizzly Lathes

[tiriaq]

From time to time, there is discussion of suitable lathes for gunsmithing. The Grizzly lathes are available only in the US, the company does not market in Canada because a family agreement with Busy Bee. If you want a Grizzly, you have to buy it and bring it back.
At any rate, this month's issue of Machinist's Workshop (published by Home Shop Machinist) has a review of one of the new Grizzly gunsmithing lathes. There are two versions - a 16" and a 12". The 12" is featured in the article by Steve Acker, who is a professional gunsmith. He purchased the 12" machine for reasons of space availability in his shop. He examined it very closely, tested its specs against the factory data sheet, performed routine gunsmithing work - barrel threading, chambering, etc. He recommends it as a useful, sound machine, that will do all that is required of it.
One of these machines might be worth consideration.

 

[trevj]

My copy of that Magazine arrived in yesterday's mail, and I have just had a skim through it, before it goes into the magazine rack in the john, for more thorough reading

There are lot's of sellers of basically the same machines. I like the looks of the Gunsmiths" lathes that Grizz is selling , on the larger bores.

I will soon (hopefully) be living a lot closer to an outlet, and will be able to get myself there in person to see one.

There are quite a few machines that I would rather have, but given the price, for what you get, those particular models look pretty good

Cheers
Trev

 

[(Ronin)]

Grizzly machines are available here,they are called " Craftex " machines and they are available through busy bee tools.

All these chineese machines are the same,they are just painted different colours and branded different depending on where you get them.

 

[ViktorF]

Just do your research...because some models are total crap, and others are better, despite looking similar on the outside. Check out the $800 mini mill at Princess auto, then see what you can get for a comparable price at Busy Bee. Clearly the money is on the Craftex. I purchased a cool older Craftex lathe from someone on the EE and had no problem ordering parts for it from the Bee. Try that at Princess in 5 years.

 

[CanAm]

They are good people and great lathes. I have dealt with them for yes for small stuff and had a long chat with them at SHOT. They really go the extra mile with feature and improvements on the gunsmith lathes, and their lathes in general. Luckily they are only about an hour away in Bellingham.

 

[darxtar]

Excuse my ignorance but what would a gunsmith lathe do that a normal lathe won't.

 

[MapleSugar]

They are good people and great lathes. I have dealt with them for yes for small stuff and had a long chat with them at SHOT. They really go the extra mile with feature and improvements on the gunsmith lathes, and their lathes in general. Luckily they are only about an hour away in Bellingham.

Bellingham is their corporate headquarters!

I used to love going in there, too bad they are only open Monday to Friday.

I have friends who have Grizzly milling machines and lathes, and they love them. I seem to recall the Grizzly machines were made in Taiwan, while the Busy Bee Lathes and Mills were made in China.

Busy Bee isn't bad, but brothers or not, I preferred the stuff in Bellingham.

 

[buffdog]

Grizzly gunsmith lathe

Excuse my ignorance but what would a gunsmith lathe do that a normal lathe won't.

I read an article on the Grizzly Gunsmith Lathe. I believe in it, a friend of the owner of Grizzly convinced him to make up a headstock with a larger bore through the headstock so that you could put a barrel all the way inside the headstock. Most metal lathes have too small a hole in the headstock. The manufacturer said that this was no problem, and made a production run. Also, I believe that the outer end of the headstock is threaded or has threaded holes in is so there is support for the barrel at both ends of the headstock.

There may also have been something about having more of the common threads used by gunsmiths on the quick change gearbox. They gave it a good rating.
.

 

[CanAm]

Several feaures that appeal to the gunsmith. They are listen on the website.

 

[downwindtracker2]

Chinese Lathes

I bought a no-name 250mmx550mm from KMS. So I tracked it down.There seems to be at least two companies in China making Compact 8 clones. Seig and XIMA. One assembles, the other does the proper hand fitting.The King and the Craftex 10x22 both come from the same factory,Seig.

 

[jethunter]

I bought a no-name 250mmx550mm from KMS. So I tracked it down.There seems to be at least two companies in China making Compact 8 clones. Seig and XIMA. One assembles, the other does the proper hand fitting.The King and the Craftex 10x22 both come from the same factory,Seig.

Which one does the proper handfitting - Seig?

 

[tiriaq]

Several feaures that appeal to the gunsmith. They are listen on the website.

1 9/16" spindle bore, D1-5 spindle nose, larger spindle bearings, extended spindle drilled and tapped to create an integral "spider", provision for using a torque wrench to lock tailstock for maximized repeatability, roller bearing tips in steady.
There is always a debate about buying a new oriental import or a used western machine. Grizzly does have a better than most reputation. Owner is a serious shooter. Might be an option to consider.