Grizzly G4000 review: a 9 x 19 benchtop metal lathe with a 20 mm bore
A starter metal lathe with a full tooling kit, written from the specifications.
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Grizzly G4000 9 x 19 Benchtop Metal LatheA 294 lb benchtop lathe with six speeds from 130 to 2000 RPM, an MT3 spindle taper and MT2 tailstock, 27 inch threads from 8 to 56 TPI and 11 metric threads.
Who it is for
- A hobbyist machining small parts for models, firearms accessories, motorcycle parts and repair work.
- Someone who wants a lathe that comes with a 4 in 3-jaw, a 7-1/4 in 4-jaw, steady and follow rests and a faceplate.
- A garage shop on 110V with a sturdy bench or stand.
- A first lathe for learning threading, since the threading dial and a good range of thread pitches are included.
Who should skip it
- Anyone who needs to pass long or large-diameter stock through the spindle. A 20 mm bore is small.
- Shops wanting heavy cuts in steel. The G0602, at 432 lb and 1 HP, is the next size up.
- Buyers who want electronic variable speed; this lathe uses six belt-driven speeds.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | 3/4 HP, 110V, 9A |
| Swing over bed | 8-3/4 in |
| Swing over cross slide | 5 in |
| Distance between centers | 19 in |
| Spindle speeds | 6 speeds, 130 to 2000 RPM |
| Spindle bore | 0.78 in (20 mm) |
| Spindle | M39-4.0 threaded, MT3 taper |
| Tailstock | MT2 |
| Inch threads | 27 threads, 8 to 56 TPI |
| Metric threads | 11 threads, 0.5 to 3.0 mm |
| Footprint | 16 x 37 in |
| Ship weight | 294 lb |
| Included | 4 in 3-jaw chuck, 7-1/4 in 4-jaw chuck, steady and follow rests, live and dead centers, 4-way tool post, faceplate, threading dial |
What the spec sheet does not tell you
The 20 mm spindle bore is the specification that decides this lathe. Any bar that goes through the headstock has to fit that bore, so work longer than the lathe's 19 in between centers needs to be held in a chuck and supported with the tailstock, and stock thicker than 20 mm cannot pass through. For small parts it is irrelevant; for shafts and axles it is a limit.
At 3/4 HP and 110V, the G4000 has enough power for light to moderate cuts in mild steel, brass and aluminum. Heavy roughing in steel is a job for a bigger motor, and you will learn to take lighter cuts with sharp tooling. A 9A motor runs on a normal dedicated circuit and does not demand an electrical project. Our feeds and speeds reference helps with cutting speeds, and the gear ratio calculator helps when you plan change gears.
Belt-driven speed changes mean you move a belt on a pulley set to change RPM, which is slower than an electronic dial but simple and robust. Six speeds from 130 to 2000 RPM cover threading at low speed and finishing at high speed. A threading dial lets you re-engage the half nut at the correct point, which is a convenience on a hand-fed lathe.
The weight is 294 lb, so this arrives by freight. A lathe also needs a bench rated for the load and level mounting. Plan for chip control, cutting oil and a way to keep swarf out of the ways. A benchtop machine on a weak stand will chatter regardless of the lathe.
The honest weakness
The honest weakness is capacity: 3/4 HP, a 20 mm bore and an 8-3/4 in swing make this a small-parts lathe. It does not have the rigidity of the heavier G0602, and the accessories in the box are a starter set, not precision tooling. Expect to add a better tool post, quality inserts and measuring tools as skill improves.
Grizzly direct vs Amazon
Grizzly sells the G4000 direct and publishes the manual and parts listing on the product page. Direct purchase also puts a single seller on the hook for the 294 lb freight.
The closest Amazon-sold alternative is a 7 x 14 class mini lathe from another brand. It is smaller, so compare swing, bed length and bore. Pick the Grizzly for the larger bed and the included kit; pick the Amazon mini lathe if bench space or weight is the constraint.
VEVOR 7"x14" Metal Lathe, Digital Display, 550WThis is the nearest match we could find on Amazon in the same class. It is a different machine from the Grizzly, so compare the spec sheets side by side rather than assuming they are equivalent.
Alternatives worth considering
Grizzly G0602 10 x 22 Benchtop Metal LatheThe G0602 has a 1 HP motor, a 25 mm bore, a 22 in bed and hardened ground V-ways at 432 lb.
VEVOR 7"x14" Metal Lathe, Digital Display, 550WA 7 x 14 in mini metal lathe with a 550W motor and a digital display, for tight spaces.
Keep reading
- Best metal lathes
- Grizzly G0602 review
- Grizzly G4000 vs G0602
- Grizzly G0769 lathe-mill review
- Feeds and speeds
- Gear ratio calculator
- Best combo lathe mills
Common questions
Is the G4000 a good lathe for beginners?
From the specifications it has the tooling a beginner needs: chucks, rests, a faceplate and a threading dial. The limit is a 20 mm bore and 3/4 HP.
What is the spindle bore?
Grizzly lists 0.78 in (20 mm).
Can the G4000 cut threads?
Yes. It lists 27 inch threads from 8 to 56 TPI and 11 metric threads from 0.5 to 3.0 mm.
Does the G4000 run on 110V?
Yes. It is a 3/4 HP, 110V, 9A machine.
This page draws on published manufacturer specifications and design reasoning. We have not tested this machine ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. Specifications were copied from grizzly.com and can change, so confirm them on the product page before you order. WorkshopCalc is an Amazon Associate and a Grizzly Industrial affiliate. We earn from qualifying purchases.