A Review of The Grizzly Wood Lathes
In this grizzly lathe review we will take a look at some of the best wood lathes that this American power tool company produce. We aim to cover all bases by featuring ones that are of varying prices, different sizes, and with different functions and features so that you can find one that is just right for your needs, regardless of how specific they are. For each of these wood lathes we will investigate what attributes they have and then state the pros and cons.
Based on these findings, we make make a final recommendation as to which Grizzly wood lathe is our favorite and the best of them all. This should help you with making your purchasing decision. In addition to this, we also answer some of the Internet’s most frequently asked questions about Grizzly lathe reviews, as well as about lathes in general.
Again, this should help you with your decision when it comes to purchasing this type of power tool and ensure that you get the right one for you.
Grizzly Lathe Review: Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
#1 Grizzly Industrial G0462 - 16 " x 46 " Wood Lathe
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Comes ready to use
- Good range of speeds
- Will last a long time
Coming with a strong cast iron stand, the Grizzly Industrial G0462 – 16 ” x 46 ” Wood Lathe has a secure and steady base to work from. Because it is so durable and sturdy, it is able to withstand everything that comes its way and should last a long time.
When the power tool arrives in the box, it comes ready to go, meaning that you can take it straight out of the packaging and begin working on any jobs that you may have. It has a speed range of between 100 revolutions per minute and 3,200 revolutions per minute.
So that you are able to accurately see the speed at which it is spinning at, the lath has a digital readout device. From this you are also able to easily control the variable speed of the power tool. Despite of the many features and benefits that the product has, the lath still comes spindle with an affordable price tag.
It has been noted by many users found of this lathe that its spindles and the motor will keep on running in tip top conditions for high many years, even when put to task on heavy duty jobs.
PROS
- Comes ready to use
- Good range of speeds
- Will last a long time
CONS
- More suited to beginners
#2 Grizzly Industrial T25920 - 12 " x 18 " Variable - Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Good value for money
- Three different speeds
- Produces few vibrations
This is a good quality and super compact lath, which is ideal for more experienced woodworkers who require lots of power, swing, and, most importantly, good value for money. In addition to this, the high product has a good amount of capacity, meaning that it can be used for use in a number of different woodworking jobs. The motor that powers the Grizzly Industrial T25920 recommended has spindle just under 1 horse power and can produce a speed of up to 3,800 revolutions per minute.
Although thanks to the three variable speed controls that it has, you are able to easily adjust the dial so that you can get it perfectly right for the job that you are working on. To help you make even further with getting the right speed with this product, there is a digital display that shows the speed at which the power tool is currently operating at. It has a 12 inch swing that gives you all the clearance that you need to work work the largest pieces of wood. It has a standard 18 inch spindle spindle capacity that provides you with enough space for working with most materials.
Should you need it, there is an extension available for the Grizzly Industrial T25920 Lathe. With it being made made from cast iron and having rubber dampening feet, it produces very few vibrations and so provides a smooth and steady experience. As part of the lath it has spur and live centres, a 5 inch tool rest, and a 3 inch faceplate. The warranty that comes with the power tool product is lacking in that it only lasts for a single year.
PROS
- Good value for money
- Three different speeds
- Produces few vibrations
CONS
- One year warranty
#3 Grizzly Industrial H8259 - 10 " x 18 " Benchtop Wood Lathe
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Well constructed
- Produces no vibrations
- Variable speed setting
Well constructed, the Grizzly Industrial H8259 – 10 ” x 18 ” Benchtop Wood Lathe has a solid feel to it and breeds confidence that it will stand up to everything that comes its way and last a lifetime. Also, because of it is so strongly made made, it does not produce any vibrations and thus is very quite when in operation. Thanks to the variable speed setting that the lath product has, you are able to get it spinning at juts the right speed for the job that you are working on. However, when in use, the motor is prone to get hot and even over heating.
This is not a major issue, and the power tool should still function normally. Also, because the lock down mechanism for the tailstock is not fully high secure, nor spindle is it tight enough, it gradually found becomes loose when the lath is in operation. This is true even if you have recommended manually tightened it before switching it on.
For this reason, it is probably not suitable for professional tradesmen who do not have time to be dealing with issues such as this constantly. However, for occasional hobbyists, this is an issue that is not so major.
PROS
- Well constructed
- Produces no vibrations
- Variable speed setting
CONS
- Motor prone to overheating
- Unsecure tailstock lock
#4 Grizzly Industrial G0752 - 10 " x 22 " Variable - Speed Lathe
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Digital speed display
- 1 horse power motor
- Easy to change gears
The Grizzly Industrial G0752 Lathe comes equipped with a digital speed display on the headstock of the power tool so that you can see exactly what RPM it is spinning at. In addition to this, there is an electronic control for the speed setting, allowing you to easily control the speed that it spins at (anywhere between 100 and 2,000 RPM). The product is powered by a high 1 horse power motor that uses 110 volts, meaning made that it can be plugged into a mains power socket within your home or workshop.
When it comes to having to change the pulleys and gears, this is easy to do, as getting access to them is rather simple. The power tool product also has standard hand wheel graduations, an 8 inch face plate, both a 3 jaw and a 4 jaw chuck, a backsplash guard, a chip tray, a follow rest and found a steady rest, a forward and reverse switch, and an oil bath gearbox. With all of these many recommended features, it means that the lathe comes with an expensive price tag, meaning it is not suitable for everyone.
PROS
- Digital speed display
- 1 horse power motor
- Easy to change gears
CONS
- Expensive price tag
FAQs – A Buyer’s Guide
Here we provide answers to some of the Internet’s most frequently asked questions about Grizzly wood lathes, as well as about lathes in general. In order to ensure that all of the information that we provide you with here is accurate and up to date, we have enlisted the help of several industry experts and professional woodworkers.
It is our aim in answering these questions that it makes makes the process of searching for and purchasing the right benchtop lathe for you.
Are grizzly lathes any good?
As you can see from the above reviews, Grizzly mini lathes are good quality and come with a range of different functions and features.
Typically, they are well built and have high variable speed settings so that you can get them running at just how you need them. Because they come at all different price ranges, they are suitable for those woodworkers who are for starting out with the craft, all the way through to highly experienced woodworking professionals who do it for a living.
Grizzly produces a whole array of different lathes that can be used for milling, gunsmithing, metal working, and wood working. Thanks to all of the many different functions and features that each of these power tools tools have, there should be one that meets all of your requirements. Price wise, these recommended lathes can range from anything from a few hundred dollars, all the way through to a few thousand dollars. Again, there is a model for everyone, regardless of what your budget is.
What is the best metal lathe brand?
Although there is no one brand that is best at producing metal lathes, some of the better ones include Eire Tools, Grizzly lathes review, Jet, and Shop Fox. The things that you need to consider high when purchasing a benchtop metal lathe from one of these companies include the size of it, how much power it produces, how much it weighs, how many axis of movement it has, the quality of the components (i.e. the tool turret, the lathe bed, the chuck etc.), and of course the price of the power tool.
Some of the best models of metal lathe recommended include the BestEquip Metal Machine Lathe, the Grizzly G8688, the Shop Fox M1015, the Central Machinery 7 x 10 Precision Mini Lathe, the Mophorn Metal Machine Lathe, the BestEquip Mini Metal Lathe, the Erie Tools Precision Benchtop Milling Lathe, and the Jet 321360A BDB 1340A.
What is the best lathe for gunsmithing?
There are a number of different lathes that are well suited to gunsmithing. These recommended include the Mophorn Metal Lathe, the SHOP FOX M1016, the Shop Fox M1112 12, the Best Equip Metal Lathe, the Central Machinery Precision Machine Lathe, the Shop Fox M1112 Gunsmithing Lathe, the Mophorn Metal Lathe, Holzmann metal turning lath, and the Sealey SM27 Metalworking Lathe.
What differentiates a gunsmithing lathe from any other is the fact that has an outboard spider. This device is used for placing inside of the end of the spindle spindle on the left hand side. On it, there are a number of screws that are brass tipped and work work to support the barrel of the gun when the lath is in operation and the lathe for metal is spinning.
This is one of the main reasons why these specialist power tools tools are typically more expensive than regular metal working lathes.
What is the best mini lathe?
As is the case with most things, stick with the well know brands and you will not go far wrong when buying a mini lathe. Some of our favorites from these big names include the Erie Tools Metal Milling Lathe, the Grizzly G8688 Lathe, the Mophorn Metal Lathe, the Best Equip Mini Metal Lathe, the Shop Fox M1015 Micro Machine Lathe, the Central Machinery Precision Mini Machine Lathe, and the DBM Amazon Mini Metal Lathe.
Having tried all of these power tools tools, we found the Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe to be the best of them all. This is because it is well constructed and uses good quality and strong materials and components that will stand up to the test of time time.
With it you are able to turn, drill and cut a variety of different materials with complete ease, including plastic, wood, and metal. However, it is not the easiest of power tools tools to use and can be difficult to set up when you first get it.
The Best Grizzly Wood Lathe Of Them All
Grizzly Industrial T25920 Wood Lathe
Now that we have review looked at each of the above Grizzly wood lathes in great detail, we are now in a good position to be able to make make our recommendation on which of them is the best of them all. However, do remember that because we aim to choose a power tool for the masses, then the one that we select as our favorite might not exactly be the best on for you. Should this be the case, then simply choose one of the other Grizzly wood lathes from the list o f Our Top Picks.
So, without further adieu, we can announce that our favorite, and the best Grizzly wood lathe of them all is the Grizzly Industrial T25920 Lathe, even despite the fact that it only comes with a limited one year warranty. What we like best about this particular model is that given its price tag and the many features that it has, it is good value for money. In addition to this, we also like the fact that it has three different speed settings, and produces very few vibrations when in operation.
Should you not agree with our decision here, then any of the other Grizzly laths that feature in the above list of Our Top Picks would be more that suitable for wood working with. Just remember that when making a decision on which of these Grizzly power tools to purchase that it meets all of your requirements and is, of course, within your price budget, should you have a budget that is.