Grizzly T25920 Review

Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 09:54 pm

Overview

The Grizzly T25920 12 x 18inch variable-speed wood lathe comes with a standard 3/4 HP motor. It features heavy-duty cast-iron construction, giving plenty of mass and stability for woodturning. The variable-speed control ranges from 650-3800 RPM, offering flexibility for any turning project. 

Grizzly t25920 bolts up to the 3-1/4inch faceplate turn plates and bowls up to 12inch wide and spindles up to 16-1/2inch long. The 8 x 30-inch footprint does not take up a ton of space on your workbench. 

You are allowed to add the optional T27327 Bed Extension to get a full-size lathe that can turn up to 40inch between centers. The Grizzly T25920 is for pen turning and bowl work. It is ideal for inexperienced turners. Setup out of the box is simple and does not take more of your time.

Like all Grizzly lathes, the T25920 comes with a 1-year warranty covering parts and assuring the unit is free from factory defects. The manual is complete and easy to read, making it easier to assemble and maintain your lathe.

Pros

• Speed variance 
• Sturdy
• Flexible
• Stable
• Durable
• Ease of use
• High quality
• Precise
• Adjustable

Cons

• Poor design
• A bit heavy

Features

Motor

Grizzly t25920 features a 3/4 Horsepower with a copy attachment. That makes it ideal for the hobby furniture maker. With a 110V, 3/4 HP motor and variable-speed spindle, this machine will allow you to reproduce stair spindles or chair and table legs up to 32inch long using a template or master. The copying attachment also drops out of the way for turning new spindles.

The full-load current is not the maximum amount of amps that the lathe machine draws. If the lathe machine is overloaded, it will draw additional amps beyond the full-load rating.

If the machine is for a sufficient time, damage, overheating, or fire may result if connected to an undersized circuit. To reduce the risk of these hazards, avoid overloading the machine during operation and connect to a power supply circuit that meets the specified circuit requirements. A 2hp lathe is a heavy-duty machine for professionals (Awwforum.com) 

Adjusting Tool Rest

Tighten all tool rest locks before beginning. The tool rest is equipped with a cam-action clamping system to secure it. When the base lock lever is tightened, a clamping plate lifts and secures the tool rest to the bed. If the tool rest moves unexpectedly during operation.

The Model t25920 comes with a three-way adjustable tool rest. The tool rest width is 5-7/8inch and the tool rest post diameter: is 5/8inch. Use the base lock lever to secure the tool rest along the length of the bed, the pivot arm lock lever to secure the tool rest at a working distance from the workpiece, or the tool rest lock lever to adjust the height and angle of the tool rest relative to the workpiece.

Spindle Turning 

When turning the lathe ON, stand outside the path of the rotating workpiece until the lathe reaches full speed. Select the correct speed for the size of the workpiece you are turning. Use the slowest speed when starting or stopping the lathe and rough cutting. 

Keep the turning tool on the rest the whole time it gets to the workpiece and is in contact with it. Learn the correct techniques for each lathe tool you will use. Spindle threads are measured 1-inch x 8 TPI and spindle taper: MT#2.

Specifications

Motor

The powerful machines come with a 2-horsepower motor that runs at 110 Volts. The 2hp electric motors come in configurations, sizes, and designs. Consider the electrical, mechanical, and performance requirements of the application. 

Two HP motors have many different, customizable electrical characteristics that include the motor’s base speed, standard voltage, drive current type, insulation, and duty cycle.

Speed

The machine operates from 650 – 3800 RPM. That gives you more control over the bandsaw machine as you can adjust it. The quick-release blade tension lever and the fence scale give you more control. That amounts to precision over cuts.

Select a speed within the set range by pulling out the speed control lever and turning it to the right to increase RPM or to the left to decrease the  RPM. Due to the design of the pulley system, RPMs outside this range are unattainable. Use the digital readout as a guide.

Always choose the correct spindle speed for your operation. Using the wrong speed may lead to the workpiece breaking loose or being thrown from the lathe at a high rate of speed, causing fatal injuries. Use the speed lever to adjust the spindle speed within each range.

Faceplate

It includes a 3-1/4inch faceplate. Use 32mm flat wrenches to tighten the faceplate. Use the faceplate when you need to remove material from the face of the workpiece, such as during hollowing operations. Install the faceplate if the spur center is absent from the spindle.

When installing, make sure the internal threads of the faceplate and the threads are free of any debris, then wipe with an oiled rag to aid in the installation and removal. It protects and enhances the design and appearance of the device (Techopedia.com).

Weight 

The package weighs up to 84 lbs.

Durability 

A solid cast iron construction makes the machine durable and worth the investment. The iron body makes the lathe machine sturdy.

Warranty

The t25920 comes with a 1-year warranty, covering parts and assuring the unit is free from factory defects. That appears to all the Grizzly models.

Verdict 

The Grizzly T25920 is a competing lathe machine due to the quality and fit and finish. Its price is hard to beat with the quality. The lathe can handle bigger blanks with the 12×18 size. One of the excellent features that may attract you to this lathe is the variable speed control. You may have had a lathe with several speed settings, but this model allows you to move the drive belt to different pulley configurations. It has a high and low range, and within those ranges, you can make adjustments using the speed control knob. Turning is made more precise and gives you control that you do not have with a lathe without this feature. It is up to you to go with these features or not.