GMC brand 12" x 36" lathe

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Does anyone have any experience with these GMC brand lathes?  I considering this one along with the Grizzly G4003 / G4003G and the Precision Matthews PM1236http://www.southern-tool.com/store/m...6bg_lathe.htmlOne difference is the Grizzly had threading capabilities to 112 TPI while the others only go to 56 TPI.  But, I'm not sure how useful the super fine threads beyond 56 TPI are.  The PM1236 and GMC model have enclosed gearboxes which may be quieter and perhaps more durable.  And the GMC model has 1" greater cross slide travel than the Grizzly models (6.25") and 2" greater than the PM1236 (5.125").Electronics Engineer (embedded controls)Miller 200DX w/ Coolmate 3Thermal Dynamics 82 plasma cutterGrizzly G0678 8x30 millPM1440BV 14x40 latheHF 6x12 surface grinder
Reply:Originally Posted by ZacOne difference is the Grizzly had threading capabilities to 112 TPI while the others only go to 56 TPI.  But, I'm not sure how useful the super fine threads beyond 56 TPI are.
Reply:I just looked up these lathes...The GMC has long. feeds down to 0.002", cross feeds to 0.001".Both Grizzly's have long feeds. down to 0.0011", cross feeds to 0.0004".No long/cross feed info on the PM, but the finest thread is 60tpi, so it would be a little finer than the GMC (52tpi), but not as fine as the Grizzly's (112 tpi).The Grixxly 4003G has a spindle bore of 40mm (1.57")The GMC has a 1 1/2" boreThe Grizzly 4003 has a 1 7/16" bore.The PM has 1 1/2" bore.The 4003G has a D1-5, the 4003 and GMC are D1-4. PM doesn't say.Comparing the GMC, 4003 and PM, since they are almost the same price, I would probably go with the Grizzly unless the slightly larger spindle bore of the PM/GMC is a requirement. Not sure on PM vs GMC....I have read good things about the PM though.Comparing to the 4003G however is hard to say....it's an extra $300-400, but you get a larger spindle bore, larger chuck mount...this would tend to suggest a beefier spindle. That may be of interest if you are hogging off a lot of material. Also has the finer threading/feeding capability.If I had the extra $400, I'd be tempted to go with the 4003G, if not, then between the GMC, 4003 and PM, it's a toss up. Lots of folks have had both good and bad experiences with them all. I've never used/seen them however...I can only read the specs...Andrew
Reply:Thanks a lot for the info.  Another consideration is whether gears need to be changed to use the full range of threads.  On the PM1236, multiple gear changes are needed, but not sure about the others. Another website appears to offer the same GMC 1236 model, but lists the thread range as 4-112 TPI.  I wonder if there are 2 versions of the same lathe or someone got it wrong.The PM1236 does include a bunch of options like the quick change toolpost kit and foot brake while they are optional on most of the other models.Electronics Engineer (embedded controls)Miller 200DX w/ Coolmate 3Thermal Dynamics 82 plasma cutterGrizzly G0678 8x30 millPM1440BV 14x40 latheHF 6x12 surface grinder
Reply:Originally Posted by Andrew_DI just looked up these lathes...The GMC has long. feeds down to 0.002", cross feeds to 0.001".Both Grizzly's have long feeds. down to 0.0011", cross feeds to 0.0004".No long/cross feed info on the PM, but the finest thread is 60tpi, so it would be a little finer than the GMC (52tpi), but not as fine as the Grizzly's (112 tpi).The Grixxly 4003G has a spindle bore of 40mm (1.57")The GMC has a 1 1/2" boreThe Grizzly 4003 has a 1 7/16" bore.The PM has 1 1/2" bore.The 4003G has a D1-5, the 4003 and GMC are D1-4. PM doesn't say.Comparing the GMC, 4003 and PM, since they are almost the same price, I would probably go with the Grizzly unless the slightly larger spindle bore of the PM/GMC is a requirement. Not sure on PM vs GMC....I have read good things about the PM though.Comparing to the 4003G however is hard to say....it's an extra $300-400, but you get a larger spindle bore, larger chuck mount...this would tend to suggest a beefier spindle. That may be of interest if you are hogging off a lot of material. Also has the finer threading/feeding capability.If I had the extra $400, I'd be tempted to go with the 4003G, if not, then between the GMC, 4003 and PM, it's a toss up. Lots of folks have had both good and bad experiences with them all. I've never used/seen them however...I can only read the specs...Andrew