Grizzly M4000 Lathe upgrade

[Rogbo]

Hi,

I bought a grizzly m4000 lathe used 3 or 4 months ago, and don't like it. It was about 5 years old and spent all its life in a cabinet shop. I'm probably spoiled on lathes being around big old dinosaurs all my life. My big brother still uses my grandpa's old South Bend in his diesel repair shop.

I had a nice used Atlas 12x36 for years, and while not the most accurate machine I ever ran, I loved that thing. I made a ton of motorcycle parts on it for myself and friends. Divorce is my only excuse for letting that little classic go. Anyway, my M4000 feels clunky and toy like after that, and the small spindle hole and short bed is a frustrating combination.

I'm looking at the Precision Matthew's PM-1127VF and the PM-1228VF. Any thoughts on this upgrade? I don't think I can go much bigger in my workshop. I've been watching for used, but the west coast isn't a hotbed of good machining equipment. I really like the idea of the 1228,but I think the 1127 would meet all my needs. But, a little more machine for a little more money? IDK, please share your thoughts and experiences on which way to go.

Oh, primary use would be motorcycle and off road parts, and model engineering. And both machines are touching the end of my $4000 budget, but I have a lot of tooling.

I took delivery of a PM-727V a few weeks ago and while still in the setup process, I'm very happy with everything I've seen.

 

[Rogbo]

And never mind!

The Precision Matthews PM-1228VF with DRO that had been on backorder forever, was in stock when I paid my internet visit this morning. A short internet visit to my bank showed that there was a big enough chunk of the financial windfall left to do the deal. Two converging events that were obviously a sign to buy.

So the deals done, my bank account is lighter, my email box shows a PM-1228VF was ordered, and soon my visits to the new lathe will be at my workshop. I hope my grandkids will have memories of my workshop, like the ones I have of Grandpa Beddoe!

Let the chips fly,
And land where they will!

 

[mksj]

I assume you are talking about the Grizzly G4000 9x19, do not recall an M4000. The PM-1127VF is going to have a ton of change gears which gets old very quickly. I would suggest you focus on the PM-1228VF and the PM-1236, you are talking a small difference in foot print and pretty much the same price when you add in the base for the PM-1228VF. If you are looking for a bit more weight the PM-1236 has a cast iron base option that still fits into you budget. The PM-1236 at more than 2-3X the weight is going to be a very solid lathe and has been around for a long time. The 1228 is variable speed which is nice, but a bit of a toss up between the two as to a matter of preference. If turning bigger heavier parts then probably the 1236, if smaller parts the 1228 may be preferred. Both machines have been pretty extensively reviewed and an lot of posted videos, so I would review those. The PM-1236T exceeds you budget, but might be worth saving a bit if you are looking for a higher quality built lathe with needing change gears only for metric threading. Still, the PM-1236 may be the best bang for the buck, and a consideration for the cast iron base makes it a beast at 1450 lbs.

 

[Janderso]

Congratulations! I'm happy for you Rogbo!!!

 

[addertooth]

Nice Score, I was looking online at the 1228 this morning. I am not ready to move up, but I always like to look.

 

[Rogbo]

MKSJ, you are exactly right it's the Grizzly G4000 9x19. And I like all of your points on the lathe analysis. If I hadn't had a little financial windfall I would have stuck to the PM-1127VF and been happy as a clam.

Since retiring from heavy equipment repair, my sole focus for mechanics and machining has been motorcycles and model engines. However, when I talked to my son, the serious four wheeler, tonight when he got home he thinks the 1236 on cast iron may have been the better choice for heavy 4x4 front ends and suspension and such. As I setup a machine shop and talk about potential and capabilities of making quality custom parts, his little gear head eyes get all a twinkle. It's a great time living with my kid (29 yrs old) and grandkids.

But the PM-1228VF-LB was bought and payed for this morning, so I guess it's a done deal. Or, heck maybe I should call PM Monday morning and see if I can apply what I paid to the PM-1236? IDK.

Janderso and Addertooth, thanks for the encouragement!

 

[mksj]

FYI, I think Matt is very use to people changing machines or adding/subtracting from orders, so do not feel that is a limiting factor unless it has shipped. Many years ago when I had ordered a mill from Matt and the order was delayed (even longer) he offered to upgrade me to a larger mill. I ended up getting a different mill, but bought my first lathe from him which was the PM-1340GT. At the time, I was looking at smaller lathes and the size was bigger than I needed. In the end, the 1340GT was a great lathe and I am glad I went bigger. Years later I purchased another lathe from him that is around 2500 lbs, and had the option for even a heavier model but more than I needed. Weight does matter, in particular with a lathe as they get bigger. It is not only the dampening effect, but the increased rigidity and resistance to flex. So give it some thought, and see what fits your needs. Both models are very respectable lathes and they are very popular models. Great to be able to share your experience together with the kids. Happy turning.

 

[Aukai]

Do it soon if your leaning that way. I have the 1228.

 

[Rogbo]

Well I did it! I only ordered the pm-1228 mid-day Friday, so hopefully it it's not to far into the shipping process to stop. I emailed this morning requesting to hold the order, so I could call Monday to talk upgrading to the PM-1236.

Going to have to sharpen the pencil and tighten my belt. But it's probably, hopefully the forever tool for me. Glad I still have all my hand, measurements tools, and a few lathe tools left...

 

[Rogbo]

If, I was still married,
I wouldn't be!