Grizzly 7x12 lathes, is their any modifications to make it better? I just got one from Ebay.

I have one and it's pretty good, just make sure you clean off all the packing greese before using it.

Can I use minieral sprits to clean off the grease?

Nope, you have to lick it off. That's what seperates the men from the boys :D

ok, I'll start licking :)

make sure you tell the doc what you have been using that thing for when he asks to see your tongue. i'll bet that would be a new one for him. I wonder what the customary and reasonable fee schedule payment for that ailment is??

This is a great place to get supplies and upgrades for you mini lathe.

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/Products/products.php


Ed.

Completely disassembly (except the spindle bearings). There will most likely be sand in the head casting.

Deburr everything.

The bed will not be even thickness, so tear down the machine the address the bed thickness first (essential if you are going to CNC it). While you are at it, toss out the crappy set screw saddle adjustment, and shim it.
http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/ty/7x10/vault/Lathes/7x10-7x12-Projects/TaperedSaddleGibs/Bedways.html

The tailstock is crap. I spent about five hours shimming mine to get it within about a thou of centered and aligned. Of course this changes dramatically with how tight you crank the fixing screw.
http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/ty/7x10/vault/Members/RickKruger/Tailstock/IndicatingBase/index.html

The Cross slide and compound gibs improve greatly with lapping.

Their are no bearings in the compound or cross slide, the bearing mods make them much smoother.
www.mini-lathe.com
http://www.wrathall.com/Interests/interests_index.htm

You have a mill, so the cross slide travel increase is well worth doing.

mmmm 2 year thread resurection:)

An old thread never dies... it hibernates!