Grizzly vs Precision Mathews opinions

[pep]

To add I have the PM lathe 5 years now, and like it very much. Personally think it is a step above Grizzly.
As mentioned Mathew the owner and is very involved, knows his machines.  The difference between PM & Grizzly. The PM is built to Mathew's specs, Grizzly is a general production mass produced machine.
Looked at the Grizzly closely, PM offers a more complete package over all.

Good luck
Pep

[jpigg55]

After a lot of looking and comparing, I'm leaning more towards the PM over the Grizzly.
However, I contacted PM and they won't be getting in any of the "Out of Stock" models, possibly until February. Seems to be a common theme for retailers of Chinese lathes.
I'm not in any big hurry, so this allows more time to shop around some more.

That said, I'm still considering other makes and models both new and used.
The difficult part for me is not knowing which ones have parts available or still in production vs ones out of production with parts being slim to none.
For example, Lost Creek Machine has a couple used  Clausing lathes http://www.lostcreekmachine.com/metal_lathes.htm, a model 6913 variable speed turret lathe and a 8031 gear head lathe (doubt I have room for this).
Not sure how difficult it would be to find a tailstock for the 6913 or chucks with a L00 spindle taper.

[pep]

Just my $0.02

PM buys in bulk, built to spec for his company, could be the delay.

Lost Creek, I've shopped there purchased some small items indicator holders. They were not anything to write home about, would have been $$ ahead buying new.

Considered a 6 jaw chuck from them. Looking at new, moderate price ranges. Learning from the forum, as to what is to be considered when buying used. I backed away, and the fact the need for one, did not fit common sense.

Used machines generally speaking ........... the problem with that is the former operators.

If you knew someone selling then that's a huge plus. It's like buying a used car as far as I'm concerned ......... "Well it ran when I parked it", as you're waiting for a wrecker to tow it home.

happy hunting
Pep



 

[4GSR]

Used lathe chucks are like a crap shoot.  You never know if you got a good one or a POS.  I've been burned on a couple of chucks in my past.  If a used one has been bead blasted, run from it!!!  If it has lots of dings around the chuck screws or pinions, or made by Union, they are worn out. 
Yeah, Lost Creek deals mainly in used items, so buyer be aware!

I think buying from PM would be a smart move.  Even though, you can't beat Grizzly's $299 shipping!

[jpigg55]

Not sure if it's an end of year thing, virus thing, other, or combination thereof, but it seems most of the size of lathe I'm looking for, as far as new goes) are listed as "Out of Stock" or "Backordered". The ones that aren't are out of my price range.
Based on my current needs, the one I currently like most is the PM 1440HD. Regardless of the color and badge, most others I've seen in the 13" to 15" swing come with the D1-5 camlock spindle. Everything I've read validates what is said here, not much out there in that size. For now, I'll just keep looking and researching until something comes available or a great buy drops in my lap. 

[4GSR]

My guess is as follows:

1) the surge in gun sales and people wanting to make their own gadgets for the guns as well as building guns.

2) Crona virus causing people to work from home and find other hobbies to do.  Buy a lathe.

3) the demand for small shops for making parts for all sorts of needs.  Buy another lathe.

[ddickey]

I've got a D1-5 direct mount Rohm chuck I bought as new old stock. Runout .0005" incredible. Anyway I bought a new lathe with a D1-4 and I can not give the chuck away. I was shocked how little I was asking for it and the only interest I got was a guy who was going to use it on a rotary table. Until he realized it was a direct mount.

[jpigg55]

Maybe I've misunderstood, but D1-5 chucks don't seem to be an issue. It's other spindle mount attachments that are rare such as collet chucks.
From what I've read, it's not that they aren't available, just limited in choice and pricier than other makes/models not available in D1-5.

Hope someone chimes in if I'm wrong. I've been expanding my search looking at Jet, Kent, Clausing, Birmingham, Acra, and others. Seems everything in the size and price range I'm looking for have the D1-5 spindle and are Chinese manufactured.
Seems a 13" to 15" swing between 36" and 40" lathe not manufactured in China with D1-4 or D1-6 spindle are about as available as hens teeth. There are a few 14x40 D1-4 spindle lathes I've found, but way out of my price range for new. Used ones are rare and always seem to be 1,500+ miles away.

[4GSR]

Jimmy,

You are correct.  It's the accessories that are hard to find.  3 and 4-jaw chucks are available with direct mount without using back plates.  Funny, I don't find many back plates available unless thru grizzly.  You don't find collet chucks or other speciality items with D1-5 direct mounts.  Really, who uses anything else other than a 3 or 4-jaw chuck?  If I had a choice between D1-4 or D1-5 and have no need for the accessories, I'd go with the D1-5.  You can always scarf up things as you find them for sale, like collet chucks and such.  For a face plate if there was ever a need, find a large diameter back plate.  Drill and tap holes as needed for mounting things.  That's what I've done for my lathes that have the semi-obsolete L-0 and L-00 spindle noses.