Grizzly Growl-Tech - A new digital direct-drive lathe

[Steve Tiedman]

A deadman switch? What product engineering... never mind. Lawyers. It is not possible to operate a lathe in this manner. I predict total annual sales between zero and 5 globally. And those 5 will give it sub-par reviews because of it.

 

[John Whitley]

If that couldn't be bypassed that would be a no-go for me.

From the manual, p. 65. Disabling foot switch control is right in the lathe settings, similar to any other Nova DVR drill press or lathe:

The foot switch is enabled by default, but can be turned OFF to allow the spindle motor to be controlled by control panel buttons.

It does appear from the parts diagram that the foot switch is hardwired rather than using some standard connector like nearly every other foot switch on the planet.

Really, disabling this "feature" is the only sensible option. It's a control and ergonomic disaster waiting to happen. It should never have made it to production.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

From the manual, p. 65. Disabling foot switch control is right in the lathe settings,

Good to know (I would have just put a spring clamp on the pedal).

 

[Jon Rista]

• "Safety Foot Switch: Must be engaged for continuous operation."

If that couldn't be bypassed that would be a no-go for me.

Lots of outboard turning options with the lathe, but no movable control panel. I'm an outboard turner and having to reach to the headstock through the firing line to stop/start the lathe and change the speed would be a safety issue for me.

Does that mean you have to keep your foot on the foot pedal the entire time you are turning?? Deal breaker for sure if that's the case...

 

[Webb Willmott]

The switch can be disabled at the control panel………..

It’s stated in the manual and also in the FAQ question section on the Grizzly site.

 

[John K Jordan]

(Oops, wrote this days ago and forgot to hit the post button)

Apparently the video promo producer they hired appears confused about measuring things.

SPECS:
Swing over bed: 24-1/2"
Distance between centers: 30-1/2, 48-1/2"

VIDEO:
"The 24-1/2" bed increases capacity"
View attachment 76793

I also thought the little foot switch was odd. Don't accidentally step on it in a pile of chips at the wrong time and lose your face or hand.

I have one like that on my Tormek.

JKJ

 

[Neil S]

Does that mean you have to keep your foot on the foot pedal the entire time you are turning?? Deal breaker for sure if that's the case...

Yes, it's a deadman foot pedal, it has to be pressed down for the lathe to run, but as John Whitley has pointed out the manual has instructions on how to disable that. I use one on some equipment that I use where I'm standing in a fixed position and need both hands free to operate it, but would never add one to a woodturning lathe. How could you do the lathe tango with one foot anchored to the floor?

 

[john lucas]

Exactly. I move my body abd my feet constantly while turning. That foot switch would be useless.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

but would never add one to a woodturning lathe.

So we're left to wonder what possessed Grizzly to add one?!
For what it's worth I've never seen one on any other lathe.

 

[GRJensen]

Does that mean you have to keep your foot on the foot pedal the entire time you are turning?? Deal breaker for sure if that's the case...

Just a WAG, but whoever designed this probably is not a turner!

 

[Jon Rista]

Just a WAG, but whoever designed this probably is not a turner!

Yeah, seems not! I am constantly moving around my piece, so it would likely have ended up being a "dead brick" foot pedal instead, if there hadn't been a way to disable it!

 

[Dave Hulett]

Counterpoint-

I don't know... Call me old-fashioned. Call me anachronistic. I own 2 lathes, both of which have separate bolt-on motors controlled by cabled electronic controls, and deliver the power by belts and pulleys. If something fizzles and dies, I buy a new off-the-shelf motor or controller and get back to work. Even in 50 years when I'm 106 years old, these two machines will have the ability to serve me. In 100 years they can still be in operation. Heck, if society ever leaves electricity, mine could easily be converted to tredle lathes.

From the product description-

• Computerized 3 HP Digital Variable Reluctance Motor (DVR): Eliminates the need for belts and pulleys, saving up to 8-% power compared to traditional lathes.
• Push-Button Spindle Reversing Switch: For quickly and easily reversing the spindle.
• 8-Programmable Speeds and Programmable Assisted Braking: Precise control over spindle speed and quick, efficient stopping.

(And the linked video states rpm from 100-5000! Yikes! Why? But at least the owner's manual was proudly written in the US of A.)

What happens in ___ years when the motor or soft touch electronics dies? Do I haul the machine to a scrap metal dealer, and pay them a fee to recycle the electronics?

This lathe could be the cat's pajamas, but i don't go for the concept of integrating high tech electronics directly inside the headstock. I don't want to attach a chuck directly to the motor shaft. I wasn't sold on it from Nova, and I'm not attracted to it here. Yes, there are plenty of Nova DVR owners of 20 problem-free years out there, but that electronic system won't last forever, unlike the cast iron it's built inside of, which can serve multiple human lifetimes. (There are lots of old Olivers out there from your grandpappy's era driven by modern motor systems.)

Neat setup, but not for me, thanks.

the electronics in the Nova can be replaced. It's in the head stock but very accessable. I upgraded the entire motherboard on my DRV-XP to specs better than the current Saturn or Galaxy. Love not having belts, 10 preset speeds at the touch of a button. one button reverse.