G4003G question

G

Grumple

Guest
I am not a gunsmith but my step dad is into guns. I am going to buy a lathe for my workshop and have settled on the Grizzly G4003G as I like all its features. I figure the gunsmith part is just a bonus as the lathe looks pretty capable for everything else too. Anybody here have a G4003G and use it for a regular lathe and if so, how do you like it?
Thanks,
Grumple
 
Grumple said:
I am not a gunsmith but my step dad is into guns. I am going to buy a lathe for my workshop and have settled on the Grizzly G4003G as I like all its features. I figure the gunsmith part is just a bonus as the lathe looks pretty capable for everything else too. Anybody here have a G4003G and use it for a regular lathe and if so, how do you like it?
Thanks,
Grumple
Click to expand...

Should be just fine for your needs, also see;

http://www.benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47803&highlight=G4003G
 
The 4003g is just a regular lathe with a few upgrades; namely the rollers on the rests, the spider on the spindle and the improved tailstock. Gunsmithing is all just basic metal work anyway, turning, threading, drilling, reaming, etc.
 
Don: Thanks for the info and the link.

crb: Thanks for the comments.

That looks like the one I am getting then....:)
Grumple
 
You're in for a long wait to get that lathe when there are plenty of equals that don't have a spider on the end of the spindle! The only advantage is for convenience is threading and chambering barrels. You might check and see how long the wait is to get that lathe and if it's too long, reconsider and get one of the many other Chinese lathes with similar features. A lot of people are hung up on this lathe because Grizzly is marketing it as a gunsmith lathe-it is an entry level lathe. Period.

This is NOT a knock on Grizzly but just a heads up that they are apparently so popular that the demand far outstrips the supply. They have done a clever job with this lathe in getting it to the masses!
 
In Stock

I called GRIZZLY the other day and was told that they now have the G4003G in stock at all three of their stores. I am going to the Muncie, PA store Thursday and have a final look and order mine. I have done A LOT of research on what lathe to work with and keep coming back to the G4003G. It is certainly not the ultimate but it has more bang for the buck than any other I have found. I especially like the fact it comes with the tooling that is geared toward chambering barrels, ie: the spyder, quick change tool post, high quality bearings, etc. These items can be added to any lathe but you don't have to with this one. Also, they don't kill you on shipping. Don't go by me, if you put my knowledge in a thimble you would have room for an elephant, but that's what I plan to do. If anyone has a better idea I would love to hear it before Thursday.

Al Blackwell
 
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Al, you will have to stop past and look at my G0509G next month.

Both of the Grizzly lathes are great and capabile but the G0509G is much heavier with it's added mass.....and, what the heck, "I just wanted it."

I have been on the waiting list for it for some time now and it was just delivered last Wednesday.

It looks like these lathes come in steady by jerks. At the moment they have them in stock.

Like it has been said, these lathes are not limited in their capability just because they are "Gunsmith" lathes. They are fully capable of doing anything within their size range, they just have features for the Gunsmith that are not included with other machines.

I have been happy as a pig in a waller with mine so far, I have been running it and it is not even off the shipping pallet yet, I am making the feet to set it on so far.

Be sure to watch the chambering DVD that is available from Grizzly if you are going to do Chambering work. The method may not be for everyone but Gordy is very good about showing not only how but why he does it his way.
 
dennisaz

I don't think the other chinese made lathes offer the support Shiraz does.
 
Spott3r said:
I don't think the other chinese made lathes offer the support Shiraz does.
Click to expand...


That is very possible! If this lathe is indeed in stock, it's probably not a bad choice for the $$. I thought the fit/finish was a little rough and much preferred the G9731 as it was a lot cleaner and better finished. Shiraz claims that the bearings in this are the "best Taiwanese bearings" but thought the ones in the gunsmith model were in fact better which is no small factor in the cost.

The G9731 is significantly more money though.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/13-x-40-Precision-Tool-Room-Lathe-3-HP-220V-3-Phase/G9731
 
You must remember that 3-phase power is needed to run these big machines which can affect the overall price considerably.

3-Phase is addicting so make sure you get a big enough one to run future demands also. These lathes alone need at least 5 hp to run.

It may have been a bit of overkill but I put a 1 1/2 hp 3 phase on my 9" Southbend lathe. Boy, talk about taking a 4 jaw chuck off a lathe, just switch from forward to reverse quickly and off she comes, be ready to catch it or get out of the way.

I already have a Rotary Phase Converter to run my Bridgeport Mill so I was already set up.
 
Paul,
If he is only going to run one machine, I like the VFD much better. Phase converter and variable speed control in one small package.
Butch
 
Grumple please accept my apologies for hijacking your thread.
The 4003 lathe is quite capable and set up for the guy that chambers barrels along with other work not requiring a larger lathe. My opinion only. I have a 12 x 36 lathe (brand X) that has served me well. But do not feel that it is a good choice for chambering. I have been told by gunsmiths the main problem with it is me, not the lathe, but I think they tell untruths.

Butch, I wish I did have the VFD capability for the lathe but when I bought the Rotary Phase converter it was to run a Twin Head Bridgeport and it already had two 2 hp variable speed motors on it. Plus I was thinking 3 phase Air compressor plus 3-Phase ??????????

Like I said, 3 phase is addicting and unless you get multiple converters you cannot have it all covered easily.
 
Paul, Butch,
No problem on using the thread I started to chat. Its better than a thread with no activity. I am just reading and learning stuff as I watch. I mainly just need to turn small parts and do threading with the occasional unique repair so I think the 4003G will be great for that. I wanted the larger spindle bore to make up for the length of the bed in case I need to make an axle or something. :D The gun part is just a bonus as my step dad is into guns and he will be proud of me for being able to possibly work on his guns once I do some more learning :D I too have guns including a Beeman R-9 pellet rifle (used to have an FWB124D) and a few shotguns and a few 22 cal (1 rifle 1 pistol) but plan on getting another pistol in the future. Anyway, keep chatting here as I don't mind at all. ;)
Grumple
 
Oppppppppppppps

I just spent most of Thursday and Friday at GRIZZLY in PA. When I called them last week and they said they had the G4003G in stock they gave me the stock on the G4003, NOT the gunsmith model. They will have more G4003G, gunsmith lathes, around Oct 1st. Also, the DRO is back ordered until Nov 1st. Oh well, I am waiting like a bunch of you did.

After spending a day and a half with the people, especially Gordon, at the GRIZZLY store I must say I have never recieved the expert help in not only buying the machines but correctly tooling them. Gordon is a retired tool and die maker and he set me up with all the stuff I will need to do the chambering and make the bits and pieces for Benchrest. I really needed an expert to help me since this is fairly new to me. I purchased the G4003G lathe, G9902 milling machine and a G0561 band saw. If any of you guys are stuck with too much money I could sure use it !!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, now I feel like a kid waiting for Santa at Holloween time.

Al Blackwell
 
Are you getting the Bench with it ??

If they don't provide the Bench with it. . by all means get it. The lathe that I have originally didn't come with one and the gentleman that I got it off of built a very fine one , all welded Angle Iron. When I got my Bench Mill part of the sale was that the bench came with it . . Glad it did . . People that try to cut a deal and not buy the bench, usually wish they had. That seems to be a nice piece of equipment, not sure that I would go the G model, but if you have the means . . by all means get it. :)

Phantom
 
Bench

The bench comes with it. Also, there is quite a bit of tooling with it. Check it out at GRIZZLY.com Hell, I sound like a salesman for them.
 
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