H
Horsky
Guest
I have been reading all the posts about he Grizzly lathe. I am trying to decide what kind to buy. Does anyone have any experience with the Smithy CZ-239 lathe.
R
Randy Perkowski
Guest
CZ-239 Lathe
Horsky,
I have been using a BZ-239 for about 12 years now , which is the older version of the same lathe. The only issues I have had were a couple of motor capacitors and two drive belts. Smithy stocks part for them which is a definate plus when purchasing a import machine and their service department is knowledgeable in their products. I was interested in it as it runs on standard 110 volt service which meant I wouldn't have to rewire my garage. The other feature was the short headstock length and the 1-1/2" spindle bore.
That being said I have changed a few items along the way to make this lathe a viable chambering tool. I have added a 6-jaw adjust tru chuck and an Aloris style toolpost. Some of the metric fasteners that hold the machine together have also been replaces with SAE fasteners of better quality. The only other complaint I have is the gear boxes are not enclosed and must be oiled about every 8 hours of use. A enclosed box with a sight window on the carriage and quick change box would put this in the same class as the Grizzly. It is possible the CZ-239 may already have this improvement.
I am able to do my own chamber work and build some hunter rifles that have proved to be competative.
Randy
Horsky,
I have been using a BZ-239 for about 12 years now , which is the older version of the same lathe. The only issues I have had were a couple of motor capacitors and two drive belts. Smithy stocks part for them which is a definate plus when purchasing a import machine and their service department is knowledgeable in their products. I was interested in it as it runs on standard 110 volt service which meant I wouldn't have to rewire my garage. The other feature was the short headstock length and the 1-1/2" spindle bore.
That being said I have changed a few items along the way to make this lathe a viable chambering tool. I have added a 6-jaw adjust tru chuck and an Aloris style toolpost. Some of the metric fasteners that hold the machine together have also been replaces with SAE fasteners of better quality. The only other complaint I have is the gear boxes are not enclosed and must be oiled about every 8 hours of use. A enclosed box with a sight window on the carriage and quick change box would put this in the same class as the Grizzly. It is possible the CZ-239 may already have this improvement.
I am able to do my own chamber work and build some hunter rifles that have proved to be competative.
Randy
B
bartfrncs
Guest
cz235
how many ponies does it have?
how many ponies does it have?
R
Randy Perkowski
Guest
Cz239
I just took a quick look on Smithy's website, the CZ239 is 1-1/2 HP.
I just took a quick look on Smithy's website, the CZ239 is 1-1/2 HP.
S
Spott3r
Guest
Apples and Oranges..
http://www.smithy.com/product_specs.php?cid=2&scid=12&pid=6 $2659
http://grizzly.com/products/Gunsmith-s-Bench-Top-Lathe-with-Stand/G4003G
$2995 free shipping
For the extra $340 you get much more. The Grizzly is designed for gunsmithing.. The smithy doesn't have the same spec..doesn't come with a stand or have free shipping.
They are similar but not really.
You choose.
http://www.smithy.com/product_specs.php?cid=2&scid=12&pid=6 $2659
http://grizzly.com/products/Gunsmith-s-Bench-Top-Lathe-with-Stand/G4003G
$2995 free shipping
For the extra $340 you get much more. The Grizzly is designed for gunsmithing.. The smithy doesn't have the same spec..doesn't come with a stand or have free shipping.
They are similar but not really.
You choose.
J
jGEE
Guest
12X37, 2HP, 1 1/2" SPINDLE BORE (click), If your on a budget -maybe not the best but the cheapest! With stand delivered to your door $2105.
I have one and really like but i'm a noobie -does more than i know how to do. I have plenty pics in some of my threads and blog.
Check the thread running about the Precesion Mathews lathe for anotehr option. joe
I have one and really like but i'm a noobie -does more than i know how to do. I have plenty pics in some of my threads and blog.
Check the thread running about the Precesion Mathews lathe for anotehr option. joe
H
Horsky
Guest
I appreciate all the advice. I did end up ordering the Grizzly. Hopefully i will get it this year.
H
Horsky
Guest
Well Grizzly told me this morning that the 4003G lathe was in stock and would ship tomorrow. Now i would appreciate some more advice. i am wanting a mill to go with this lathe. Can anyone give me any advice on the Grizzly G0484 Mill. i might as well have two machine that i don't know how to use.
Thanks
H Amason
Thanks
H Amason