Mini Lathe Versions

Grizzly 7x12 Version

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Grizzly 7x12 Version

When it became available in Fall of 2000, the Grizzly 7x12 (G8688) was a great advancement over the original Harbor Freight 7x10 for several reasons:

• Bed is actually 4" longer (not 2" as you might expect)
• Much improved power supply
• More accessories including a faceplate and steady rest included

As of 03/02, the price on the 7x12 is $495 plus $30 shipping($525 total). It went on sale during summer of 2000 and 2001 and again during holiday season of 2001.

It remains an excellent machine for the price.  In fact I bought one myself in 9/01 mainly for the extra bed length.  I have been quite happy with it, now that I have gotten the usual quirks and kinks worked out of it.

Photo credit: Syd Levine (Logger) Link to Grizzly site

It's important to note that the bed of the 7x12 is actually 4" longer than the bed of the 7x10 so the 7x12 is really a 7x14 using the same measurement criteria. More accurately, the 7x10 is really a 7x8. Measuring from the base of the headstock to the end of the bed, the 7x10 is 15 1/2" and the 7x12 is 19 1/2".

While 4" may not seem like much, in practice it makes a big difference.  This is because the 7x10 version provides about the minimum possible length that can still make a functional lathe.  This is particularly noticeable when drilling since the drill bit may extend several inches from the end of the chuck.  For example, with a standard 3/8" dia. 'Jobber' length drill bit, the 7x10 provides only 2" clearance from the tip of the bit to the chuck jaws. If the workpiece is more than 3/4" diameter, so that it won't pass through the spindle, it must be no longer than about 2 3/4" inches to permit drilling .

The longer bed of the 7x12 also provides enough room to move the tailstock out of the way when you are not using it, but I still find that I remove the tailstock when I'm not using it.

The 7x12 has a better speed control than the classic HF 7x10, including the following features:

• Low speed with high torque 'out of the box' (low speed mod no longer needed)
• Speed must be reset to zero before restarting lathe (safety feature, but also prevents accidentally switching into reverse; interlock mod no longer needed)
• Emergency cut-off button

I believe that newer models of the 7x10 may now include some or all of these features.

Update (03/03/03) - they do - End of update

The Grizzly 7x12 includes some extra accessories such as a faceplate and steady rest which do not come with the HF and other brands, but are now available separately from HF.  However, the live center that comes with the HF, does not come with the Griz 7x12.  The user manual is pretty complete and, unlike the one that came with my HF 7x10, this one includes actual instructions on how to use the lathe including such esoterica as how to adjust the gib strips.

Otherwise, the lathe is pretty much identical to the HF 33684 and similar lathes sold by other vendors. If you like the idea of a 7x12, but want true inch leadscrews and dials, the Micro Mark 7x12 may be the lathe of choice for you.

Photo credit: Probedude

Description of accessories in the photo, left to right: Brackets with rubber feet, stack of gears, hex wrenches and oil bottle, dog, faceplate, outside chuck jaws and wrenches, steady rest and chuck key, user manual.  Included but not shown: dead center.

Compared to Harbor Freight, Grizzly generally provides quicker shipping and better customer service if you have a problem. Sometimes Grizzly will report shipping delays due to an out of stock condition. If this happens, ask if they can ship from a different warehouse - a number of owners have gotten quicker shipping this way.

I find  the Grizzly 7x12 to be an excellent value. Although Grizzly's price for the 7x12 is higher than some of their competitor's prices, Grizzly provides a few additional accessories and is well know for their reliable and courteous customer service. You won't go wrong purchasing from them.