Enco or Grizzly?

J

josie

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Which 40" metal lathe would you guys buy between Enco and Grizzly?
What are the advantages or disadvantages to either? I notice an Enco can come with a DRO already installed. I don't know how hard that would be to install on the Grizzly.

Thanks for the input.
 
ENCO or GRIZZLEY

josie said:
Which 40" metal lathe would you guys buy between Enco and Grizzly?
What are the advantages or disadvantages to either? I notice an Enco can come with a DRO already installed. I don't know how hard that would be to install on the Grizzly.

Thanks for the input.
Click to expand...

Theoretically, Enco, Jet and Grizzley are made by the same mfg. And, again theoretically, the top quality (closer tolerances) go to Jet, then Grizzley and
then Enco. I have a Grizzley and the chuck runout is less than .001" (a thousandths) and the headstock alignment to the bed center is also within a thousandths. However, I made sure that the test sheet, which accompanies
every lathe, was to my satisfaction BEFORE I made the purchase. Also, since I use the outboard center mount for everything, except just rough, cutting the slight chuck runout (3-jaw) is a moot point. Whichever one you buy you will need a good supply of collets. That should be your new lathes first project.

Having the DRO pre-mounted is nice as it is a pain to mount one unless you have had experience doing that. Probably 3 or 4 hours.

All other things being equal, if the Enco meets your specs they are usually less expensive for the same machine. Good luck.

Bob Flynn/Denali Pool Cues
 
I agree with Bob, Enco and Grizzly are basically the same type/quality of import. Assuming they come with the same equipment, I would go for the best price.
John
 
QMAKER said:
Theoretically, Enco, Jet and Grizzley are made by the same mfg. And, again theoretically, the top quality (closer tolerances) go to Jet, then Grizzley and
then Enco.
Click to expand...

How true this is! 1st, 2nd's and 3rd's in quality. The same can be said for MSC and their sister company Enco. Enco gets the seconds and are cheaper than MSC- now you now why! But you can get lucky from time-to-time and get acceptable quality from Enco :smile:

Best-
Chris
 
I have been investigating the subject a looong time and to be honest, I'm not sure what the differences are except from minor details in travel and distance between centers on some..

Here is some examples just so you could easily click and have a look:

A "producer" from Austria
http://www.bernardo.at/sitex/index....nior_150_Plus.html?sitelang=en&lang_select=go

A "German made one" but looks 100% the same as the others
http://www.optimum-machines.com/products/lathes/d-320-x-630-d-320-x-630-vari/index.html

A Asian version
http://weiss-europe.nl/product/25-lathe.html

A custom Enco sold i England
http://www.axminster.co.uk/category-Lathes--Metal-Turning-208209.htm
Edit: It was a Sieg and here is the direct link
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-...EG-CQ6230B-910-Metal-Turning-Lathe-570771.htm

Another English supplier
http://www.chesteruk.net/store/lathes.htm

I have come to the conclusion that I would ask for a copy of the TIR measurements on the headstock and compare. If there is no big difference, I buy the one which gives the best value for money or go for a DeLux.
For me it looks like all of them are made in China/Taiwan and basically relabeled afterwards. At least the Optimum do look like all the others, but of course I guess the Germans may be the "originals" and then copied.

Anyway, happy hunting. I have been hunting for over a year and found that it's better to look for a Chinese lathe in stead of $4000 on a used lathe (the usual price over here for used horrible looking lathe) and most likely are better built but may need a lot of service to get going...

Kent
 
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