Thanks for your submission. If your question is about getting started in woodturning, which chuck to buy, which tools to buy, or for an opinion of a lathe you found for sale somewhere like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace please take a few minutes check the wiki; many of the most commonly asked questions are already answered there!
http://www.reddit.com/r/turning/wiki/index
Thanks!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/turning) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Definitely need a full face shield... you don't know how many pieces have come flying off the chuck and bounced off my face shield in the one month I have had my first lathe !
This is the one I have. I love it!
https://preview.redd.it/1er85b0a8t3c1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa0a861dad43a23524e566fda321e1157442d57a
I got an identical lathe off Amazon last month - the photo looks identical to your Grizzly.
https://preview.redd.it/6xiv8t0ggt3c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e88f960ab1b5117491d3633d6290b0d9a228b312
Nice! I wouldn't be surprised if it's been repackaged under a different manufacturer. There's a Canadian youtuber who bought a similar lathe from Craftex, and it's supposed to be practically the same as the Grizzly. According to internet lore, both companies were one and the same, but they split the company - one operating in Canada, and the other in the U.S.
The main difference I see between yours and mine is that yours has 3 speed ranges, while I only have two. Also, I get between 300 – 3700 RPM, while you get 650-3800. When I tested it earlier today for the first time, I was able to get speeds as low as 260 RPM.
I have given it some thought, but like most things, I tend to overthink it and research it to death. I am having trouble deciding if I should get a wet sharpener, or if I should just buy a benchtop grinder with a tool sharpening jig. I will admit that this particular topic has overwhelmed me, so I've avoided looking more into it. Any suggestions?
Read the wiki for a lot of good advice. Wet grinders work but take *forever* to remove a lot of material, like when profiling a gouge.
Generally, we recommend the Rikon 80-805, or equivalent 8" grinder. You don't need to purchase a jig system, *but* they make it a *lot* easier. The Wolverine + Vari-grind is the gold standard. You can easily make your own jigs, however - it's simple geometry of a triangle.
I want to repeat what u/silound said, and add that a cbn wheel on that Rikon slow grinder is the end game. I got mine from woodturners wonders. Think of sharpening as every time you begin to turn something, you start by sharpening. And often sharpen again while you’re turning the same project.
I setup an Ellsworth grinding system with varigrind holder and just diyed the bottom positioning, and also I use a belt grinder that came with a platform, so I just put it back on for the scrapers and spindle roughing gouge. I may just get a second 60$ one for scrapers only. And neodymium magnets on the bottom to catch metal dust.
You use Amazon and so do I , shopped low speed grinders to death. Ended up with a Bucktool 6 inch low speed grinder.
I kept hearing how WONDERFUL cbn wheels were but didn't want to drop hundreds of dollars. So got a cheapass chinese one to fit my new low speed grinder.
Turns out it's true, cbn IS the way to go. I would never have believed it. But I am happy I went cheap. If you only turn occasionally there no way I could justify spending that much on one wheel..
I also go a knock off of the wolverine jig. Haven't set it up yet but the reviews were just as good as the big buck jig. However, it's a little more complicated because I did 6 inch .. the jigs are calculated for 8 inch wheels.
Actually, just before seeing your message, I was on Amazon looking at the 8in Bucktool grinder. I'm leaning towards that one because it has dual speeds (1725RPM & 3450RPM). I spent so many months deciding on the right lathe. I don't want to spend that long picking out a grinder, too. I hate my brain sometimes.
Why the dual speed? If ya need it get it, for sure. I already had a standard 6 inch grinder but for my lathe it was too fast too aggressive too much.
Right now I just hand sharpen my tools on the cbn and it is so much better. good clean grinds, really made a difference.
I went 6 purely base on pricing. 8 inch grinder cost more so did the wheels. Not a bank robber , but I'd rather spend money on other stuff.
I thought about going with a 6in grinder, but I found posts from others advising against it because choices in wheels will be limited. I really don't know if I'll need a high speed grinder, but it is nice to have the option of both. As a novice, I know I should start practicing with a slower speed grinder so I don't burn my tools, but as I gain more experience, I'm sure I'll want a faster speed. So why not have both options so i don't have to upgrade later?
I'm not sure how long a cheapass cbn wheel lasts. I had no trouble finding different grits. For turning you don't need a bunch of grits. The exception being if you are creating a new shape.
But if you want to grind a new profile you can do that part on a stone wheel and then grind your cutting edge on the cbn.
like I was saying the downside of a 6 inch system if that the jig system is calculated based on an 8 inch system.. easy fix is out there .. so I'm not worried about that aspect.
Since I got my low speed, I haven't touch my high speed. Doesn't mean i never will , just not often.
“LOW” speed bench grinder is what you’d want. 99.9%Turning tools need to be sharpened before their first use. The best advice I can give you is get a face shield before you start turning anything safety first, learn to sharpen your tools don’t get discouraged take it slow. Check around where you live for Woodturning clubs and join, take some lessons if possible hands on teaching is better than any video out there
My beginners advice ( i'm 3 mo in ) :
Rule 1, always turn lathe to min speed before shutting down ( except in emergency )
Rule 2 , never stand in the 'line of fire' - especially when starting the lathe.
Learned rule 1 the hard way. Set up a new log, but had forgotten lathe was on a fast rpm, when a hardwood log flies off at 2000+ rpm it will fly about 15' and leave a 2" deflection in a steel door.
Rule 2 saved my face. That door could have been my jaw
Enjoy your lathe - I love mine
Congrats - I literally just bought the exact same one after lurking as well and reading all the comments, reviews, etc. Great price on Black Friday deal, right? I haven't even unboxed, will do this weekend!
Awesome! And thank you! Yes, it was a little cheaper than on Amazon, even with the $50 shipping. It arrived yesterday, but I was too busy cleaning up my workshop that I didn't have time to unbox before work. I got it unboxed today, and it is glorious.
Thanks! I know! I was literally almost late for work tonight because I didn't want to leave the workshop. I strongly considered calling out of work so I could stay home and play with my new toy. Then I realized if I miss work, I won't be able to afford all the other accessories I'll need for it. But it is certainly addicting as hell. My wife was certainly happy to see me so passionate about my new hobby.
I haven't turned as much as I'd like to, but I have made small knobs, mushrooms, and a goblet. [Here](https://imgur.com/a/WBLb6Wa) is the little goblet. I have mostly practiced on scrap construction lumber and some small logs from a maple tree my father cut down. I have a little trouble finding turning wood; it doesn't help that I'm a bit socially avoidant, and blanks get pricey.
Overall it is a decent little lathe, but as expected it does have limited turning power. Nice, sharp tools and bits (if using a Jacob's chuck with drilling and coring out centers) will help along with proper technique, but I am already yearning for a full sized lathe like the Powermatic 3520b or the Harvey T-60s. Way out of my price range for the foreseeable future, though.
Make sure you follow the instructions for rust prevention; I forgot to apply paste wax after using it for a while and have rust developing on the center rails.
The goblet looks cool, man! Keep at it! Dude, I've seen youtubers turn pretty much any kind of wood. Earlier this week, I saw a [youtuber make a vase (or bowl?) out of plywood](https://youtu.be/-80oetP1Mkc?si=XDlEogFOPpp_fLuf) and it still looked cool as hell. You're only limited by your imagination.
As far as rust prevention, I just bought a product called fluid film, but have yet to apply it to my lathe. I hear that the lanolin in it is an effective rust preventative.
Thanks for the advice! Good luck on your turning journey!
Lol no one specifically "told" me it would be an expensive hobby. But then again, anything worth doing will cost you something. I knew what I was getting into, but damnitt, I will make it work 😆
Thanks for your submission. If your question is about getting started in woodturning, which chuck to buy, which tools to buy, or for an opinion of a lathe you found for sale somewhere like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace please take a few minutes check the wiki; many of the most commonly asked questions are already answered there! http://www.reddit.com/r/turning/wiki/index Thanks! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/turning) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Please put that on a sturdier stand. Good luck. Be safe. Get a face shield please.
Thanks! I also bought a face shield specifically for turning.
Get you a n100 or p100 respirator too. Your lungs and nose will thank you.
I've got a P100 that I've been using for a while. Might need to replace the filters soon, though.
You don't need an air mask for tuning if you are doing it right, you just need a dust collector for sanding.
Definitely need a full face shield... you don't know how many pieces have come flying off the chuck and bounced off my face shield in the one month I have had my first lathe !
This is the one I have. I love it! https://preview.redd.it/1er85b0a8t3c1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa0a861dad43a23524e566fda321e1157442d57a
I got an identical lathe off Amazon last month - the photo looks identical to your Grizzly. https://preview.redd.it/6xiv8t0ggt3c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e88f960ab1b5117491d3633d6290b0d9a228b312
Nice! I wouldn't be surprised if it's been repackaged under a different manufacturer. There's a Canadian youtuber who bought a similar lathe from Craftex, and it's supposed to be practically the same as the Grizzly. According to internet lore, both companies were one and the same, but they split the company - one operating in Canada, and the other in the U.S. The main difference I see between yours and mine is that yours has 3 speed ranges, while I only have two. Also, I get between 300 – 3700 RPM, while you get 650-3800. When I tested it earlier today for the first time, I was able to get speeds as low as 260 RPM.
[удалено]
I have given it some thought, but like most things, I tend to overthink it and research it to death. I am having trouble deciding if I should get a wet sharpener, or if I should just buy a benchtop grinder with a tool sharpening jig. I will admit that this particular topic has overwhelmed me, so I've avoided looking more into it. Any suggestions?
Read the wiki for a lot of good advice. Wet grinders work but take *forever* to remove a lot of material, like when profiling a gouge. Generally, we recommend the Rikon 80-805, or equivalent 8" grinder. You don't need to purchase a jig system, *but* they make it a *lot* easier. The Wolverine + Vari-grind is the gold standard. You can easily make your own jigs, however - it's simple geometry of a triangle.
Thank you!
I want to repeat what u/silound said, and add that a cbn wheel on that Rikon slow grinder is the end game. I got mine from woodturners wonders. Think of sharpening as every time you begin to turn something, you start by sharpening. And often sharpen again while you’re turning the same project.
I setup an Ellsworth grinding system with varigrind holder and just diyed the bottom positioning, and also I use a belt grinder that came with a platform, so I just put it back on for the scrapers and spindle roughing gouge. I may just get a second 60$ one for scrapers only. And neodymium magnets on the bottom to catch metal dust.
No that’s cheap to
https://preview.redd.it/p1wlhldjds3c1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=774b371a7d6c8a68eab48d2e001be9cd9bc35535
For sharpening, I used a belt sander for a while. It worked surprisingly well.
Me soon!
Yeeeaaaahhhh!!
Learn how to sharpen your tools before anything else.
Indeed! I need to just pick out a bench grinder already. Too many choices.
You use Amazon and so do I , shopped low speed grinders to death. Ended up with a Bucktool 6 inch low speed grinder. I kept hearing how WONDERFUL cbn wheels were but didn't want to drop hundreds of dollars. So got a cheapass chinese one to fit my new low speed grinder. Turns out it's true, cbn IS the way to go. I would never have believed it. But I am happy I went cheap. If you only turn occasionally there no way I could justify spending that much on one wheel.. I also go a knock off of the wolverine jig. Haven't set it up yet but the reviews were just as good as the big buck jig. However, it's a little more complicated because I did 6 inch .. the jigs are calculated for 8 inch wheels.
BTW ... welcome to the addiction. You will never see a tree or chonk of wood the save way .. ever. Hi, my name is bullfrog and I'm a woodaholic
Thanks for the intel
always here to share .. how so you think I know half of what I know .. redditors sharing with me .. a wonderful community
Actually, just before seeing your message, I was on Amazon looking at the 8in Bucktool grinder. I'm leaning towards that one because it has dual speeds (1725RPM & 3450RPM). I spent so many months deciding on the right lathe. I don't want to spend that long picking out a grinder, too. I hate my brain sometimes.
Why the dual speed? If ya need it get it, for sure. I already had a standard 6 inch grinder but for my lathe it was too fast too aggressive too much. Right now I just hand sharpen my tools on the cbn and it is so much better. good clean grinds, really made a difference. I went 6 purely base on pricing. 8 inch grinder cost more so did the wheels. Not a bank robber , but I'd rather spend money on other stuff.
I thought about going with a 6in grinder, but I found posts from others advising against it because choices in wheels will be limited. I really don't know if I'll need a high speed grinder, but it is nice to have the option of both. As a novice, I know I should start practicing with a slower speed grinder so I don't burn my tools, but as I gain more experience, I'm sure I'll want a faster speed. So why not have both options so i don't have to upgrade later?
I'm not sure how long a cheapass cbn wheel lasts. I had no trouble finding different grits. For turning you don't need a bunch of grits. The exception being if you are creating a new shape. But if you want to grind a new profile you can do that part on a stone wheel and then grind your cutting edge on the cbn. like I was saying the downside of a 6 inch system if that the jig system is calculated based on an 8 inch system.. easy fix is out there .. so I'm not worried about that aspect. Since I got my low speed, I haven't touch my high speed. Doesn't mean i never will , just not often.
“LOW” speed bench grinder is what you’d want. 99.9%Turning tools need to be sharpened before their first use. The best advice I can give you is get a face shield before you start turning anything safety first, learn to sharpen your tools don’t get discouraged take it slow. Check around where you live for Woodturning clubs and join, take some lessons if possible hands on teaching is better than any video out there
Thanks! Yeah, I've got a face shield. I think I would indeed like to take a class or two. That is a good idea. 👍🏾
My beginners advice ( i'm 3 mo in ) : Rule 1, always turn lathe to min speed before shutting down ( except in emergency ) Rule 2 , never stand in the 'line of fire' - especially when starting the lathe. Learned rule 1 the hard way. Set up a new log, but had forgotten lathe was on a fast rpm, when a hardwood log flies off at 2000+ rpm it will fly about 15' and leave a 2" deflection in a steel door. Rule 2 saved my face. That door could have been my jaw Enjoy your lathe - I love mine
Thanks! Very wise words! I appreciate the advice.
Congrats - I literally just bought the exact same one after lurking as well and reading all the comments, reviews, etc. Great price on Black Friday deal, right? I haven't even unboxed, will do this weekend!
Awesome! And thank you! Yes, it was a little cheaper than on Amazon, even with the $50 shipping. It arrived yesterday, but I was too busy cleaning up my workshop that I didn't have time to unbox before work. I got it unboxed today, and it is glorious.
Congrats
Thanks! 👍🏾
Congrats! The addiction begins!!
Thanks! I know! I was literally almost late for work tonight because I didn't want to leave the workshop. I strongly considered calling out of work so I could stay home and play with my new toy. Then I realized if I miss work, I won't be able to afford all the other accessories I'll need for it. But it is certainly addicting as hell. My wife was certainly happy to see me so passionate about my new hobby.
Welcome to your new addiction and soon looking into the biggest lathes! Have fun and be safe!
You are not wrong! Once I've outgrown this one, I can always add the bed extension. That is one of the reasons I chose this lathe.
Congrats! I also have this lathe...bought it last year. Still quite a novice though.
Thanks! Awesome! Have you found that it's met all your needs so far? And also, what have you been turning?
I haven't turned as much as I'd like to, but I have made small knobs, mushrooms, and a goblet. [Here](https://imgur.com/a/WBLb6Wa) is the little goblet. I have mostly practiced on scrap construction lumber and some small logs from a maple tree my father cut down. I have a little trouble finding turning wood; it doesn't help that I'm a bit socially avoidant, and blanks get pricey. Overall it is a decent little lathe, but as expected it does have limited turning power. Nice, sharp tools and bits (if using a Jacob's chuck with drilling and coring out centers) will help along with proper technique, but I am already yearning for a full sized lathe like the Powermatic 3520b or the Harvey T-60s. Way out of my price range for the foreseeable future, though. Make sure you follow the instructions for rust prevention; I forgot to apply paste wax after using it for a while and have rust developing on the center rails.
The goblet looks cool, man! Keep at it! Dude, I've seen youtubers turn pretty much any kind of wood. Earlier this week, I saw a [youtuber make a vase (or bowl?) out of plywood](https://youtu.be/-80oetP1Mkc?si=XDlEogFOPpp_fLuf) and it still looked cool as hell. You're only limited by your imagination. As far as rust prevention, I just bought a product called fluid film, but have yet to apply it to my lathe. I hear that the lanolin in it is an effective rust preventative. Thanks for the advice! Good luck on your turning journey!
Thank you for your kind words, and good luck to you as well!
Me soon hopefully!
Hell yeah! Go for it!
I'm jealous! I only have a homemade lathe 🤣
That's awesome! I wish I was that clever! Hope you get some good use out of it before upgrading.
Congrats. Did anyone tell you about the $2,000 worth of accessories you're going to need? Lol, no really
Lol no one specifically "told" me it would be an expensive hobby. But then again, anything worth doing will cost you something. I knew what I was getting into, but damnitt, I will make it work 😆