Probably the hardest decision I ever had to make was this one. For me, and for most pro's justifying a tool expense is probably our biggest dilemma. So may aspects and segments of woodworking, that acquiring tools has to be carefully weighed and thought out. As a hobby, this isn't such a problem simply because one can spend all the time he wants and not have to worry about profits or recapturing an investment. Anyhow...... the extent of any turning really to this date didn't require a whole lot. No one is about to order a wooden bowl, or a special spindle so I didn't need a lathe with all the bells and whistles for the occasional turning I did. Through time, my projects became a bit more demanding and different and almost requiring a different turning than what I could order. My small lathe so far has been adequate, but it became clear to me it was time to up grade to something better. A recent project I need to start requires turning that are usually taller, and I have to make several so a duplicator will be essential. After seeing what was out there, it was pretty hard not to stay with Grizzly. Yeah......I know..... it looks like I'm addicted to them. Well.... this model lathe has all the features found in comparative models for a heck of a lot less! This savings can now be applied to other things I need to make this a killer package. I choose model G1067Z. It has a swivel head, 14" swing and 40" centers. The head as well as the tail stock is fully adjustable on the beam, and the machining is so nice that sliding is effortless.
The swivel head is nice for bowl turning (if ever I can find some free time), and the tool rest comes with an added piece that allows positioning to get those hard to reach area's comfortably. Another feature I like is the weight. A good heavy lathe means less vibrations. Grizzly has allowed the design for a shelf to be added and if one wants to add more weight, you could add a couple bags of sand but ...... I found this lathe to be pretty heavy as it is. I hate instructions with a passion, but this one went together like a breeze and the fit and finish is the best I've seen to date. The tail stock has a locking lever to hold that adjustment when turning, and comes with a Morse live center.
The head swivels and also has indexing stops set every 15 degrees for a total of 24. This is especially nice for fluting operations.
The lathe has 6 position setting speeds that range from 500 rpm to 2700 for various operations that the operator shifts on the fly with a lever.
Positioning the headstock is also done with a quick release lever, and like I mentioned earlier...... you can slide the head along the bed with ease!
It comes with a #2 Morse taper spur center, as well as a 6" face plate for plate and bowl turning. All in all.......I'm very impressed with this lathe and can't wait to attach my Vega duplicator for a "Killer" production turning center.
All Grizzly equipment can be seen by going to their website at:
