Well, I guess this thread is as good an any for a first post. The only reason being all of the research I've done on these new SB lathes from Grizzly. I was looking for a lathe just a step up from the typical Chinese version. It proved to be a pretty tough job as there's not many that fit this description. It's either super cheap or super expensive. I think that's where these new SB's shine. I guess I've owned the 8k for over a year now and been very happy with it. Spinlde bearing issues (can't use grease. Spindle oil only) where reported with the very first version of these lathes but that's seemed to be worked out by the time I came around (32009xp5 ABEC 5 came in mine) There's a very good reason why these SB lathes are more expensive. It's what better quality costs. Now it's certainly not perfect but it's a far and away better than any other new lathe in it's size range IMO (except probably it's German copy, the Wabeco.) However, the 10k seems to be the first truly quality lathe in the new South Bend selections. The 8k would be an excellent HSM lathe but the 10k has been show to perform great in a work/production type environment. There's a complete thread reviewing this lathe in a work/production type environment which would be an interesting read for you. The 5" 3 jaw that comes with it has been shown to repeat in the millionths in more than one thread.
The two biggest drawbacks reported are the low RPM range and spindle bore size(60-1200 rpm, .86" bore w/MT# 3 taper. The 8k excels there w/ a 1.5hp DC (50-2300rpm) & 1.125" spindle bore, it a MT# 4.5 taper though and I don't like that at all. I've heard there's enough meat to take it out to MT#5 but haven't looked into it.
The bottom line is quality IMO. If you want quality then you're going to have to pay more. If don't mind dealing w/ hand ground gibs, cast iron dust in places it shouldn't be, and working around the errors we typically find in Chinese made lathes, then this might not be the lathe for you. That goes for used lathes as well. I'm in Texas though....so those $500 heavy 10's with no wear don't exist....I'd have to buy the lathe for more and spend another few thousand getting it as accurate as a new 10k would be. If this thread proves anything, it's why all these cheap lathes exist. When a quality one is introduced, no one wants to pay for it.:lmao:
Now, having said all that, If I was looking for a lathe right now with a budget around the new SB10k, I'd take a hard look at the PM1340gt. Seemingly another well made Taiwanese lathe.
I notice Grizzly's about to release the South Bend Heavy 10 Gearhead lathe (10X30). 1.358" spindle bore & 55-2500 rpm motor. Looks really nice but takes a couple thousand dollars more to get.
Anyway, I hope this helps a little. I would have posted links to all my references but I haven't read the forum rules yet. Not sure if that's OK?
Y'all have a good day.
Jason