Product Review: Grizzly 4003G metal gunsmith lathe

I recently bought a Grizzly 4003G lathe, which has proven to be a very useful tool in my shop and a major upgrade from my previous lathe. The 4003G is a great value, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a 12x36 lathe for hobby or semi-pro work.

Category:

Science & Technology

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• lathe
• review
• grizzly
• 4003g
• 4003
• gunsmith
• metalworking
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• g4003g

[elginrunner]

Can you get into more detail about the lighting upgrade? i.e. what type socket fixture had, where you got your replacement...

You did a very good job, thank you

[bkraz333]

@elginrunner The replacement is an MR16 LED bulb that I got from Fry's. I forget if it fit into the original electrical plug, but I had to change the voltage source since the original bulb was 24V, and the LED bulb is designed for 12V. I added a small wall wart to the lathe's electrical box and connected it to the wires headed to the work light.

[junkyardjoker]

What size tool bits does the quick change holder use?

[bkraz333]

@junkyardjoker They are very adjustable -- probably anything from 1/4 to 5/8 should be fine.

[jdchmiel]

I thought the G was gap bed?

[LeveL3RC]

Awesome Job !

[kw757]

Great Video! I can't believe they put the wrong lead screw gearing on it. Typical Chinese incompetence! I've got one Grizzly tool! It'll be my last. Now I just buy Old American Iron. It's a lot cheaper and a lot better quality. I've never looked back. I'll never buy another Chinese tool again. And I work in China!

[Griper702]

@RCTruckPulling All good points, but used American machines are either going to the recycling yard or outside practical shipping distance. Also old American machines aren't very common in good condition. Almost all the Southbend lathes I looked at were in terrible shape and I didn't have the money to restore them. So I got my hands on a G4003 and have been very happy with it.

[RCTruckPulling]

@RCTruckPulling Outboard spider brass tip screws - $25 .... torque wrench on tailstock ... waste of money when using a floating reamer holder for chambering ... D1-5 camlock ... odd ball size (6 studs and not 5 as stated) and it's more expensive and not as easy to for buy as a D1-4! Lamp on carriage ... cheap and gets smoking hot! These so called extras Grizzly claims you need for gunsmithing is laughable at best! Tip .. look at used American iron since Grizzly keeps raising it's prices

[RCTruckPulling]

I have a G4003 and highly recommend it over the G4003G. I've had my G4003 since 2006 and it's an amazing lathe for the price $2195 (...back then). The G4003G is overpriced and offers little in the way of extra features to justify the increase in price. Watch some actual gunsmithing videos ... there's nothing on this lathe that's needed for chambering, blue printing action, etc. It's a rip off ... the money you save by buying the G4003, you can buy a quality Bison chuck!

[submarineboat]

Great review. Thanks. I'll be moving up from a mini-lathe too. :)