Grizzly 12x36 Metal Lathe Manual

The Grizzly 12x36 Metal Lathe is a precision metalworking machine designed for turning, facing, threading, and drilling operations on metal workpieces. It features a 12-inch swing over bed, 36-inch distance between centers, variable speed control, hardened and ground bedways, quick-change gearbox for threading, D1-4 camlock spindle, and a comprehensive set of accessories. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Components 5. Basic Operations 6. Threading Operations 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Lubrication Points 9. Safety Guidelines 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Headstock with D1-4 spindle, Quick-change gearbox, Apron with automatic feed, Tailstock, Compound rest, Tool post, Bed with hardened ways, Motor and drive system.

Feature	Description
Swing over bed	12 inches maximum workpiece diameter
Distance between centers	36 inches maximum workpiece length
Spindle nose	D1-4 camlock for secure chuck mounting
Spindle bore	1-9/16 inches through-hole capacity
Speed range	Variable from 40 to 1400 RPM
Threading capacity	Quick-change gearbox for metric and imperial threads
Cross slide travel	6.5 inches
Compound slide travel	4 inches
Motor	2 HP, 110V/220V single-phase
Weight	Approximately 1200 lbs

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Ensure proper foundation and leveling.

Foundation: Place on solid concrete floor; use leveling feet to eliminate twist.
Electrical connection: Wire according to local codes; ensure correct voltage (110V or 220V).
Lubrication: Fill oil reservoirs in headstock, apron, and gearbox before first use.
Alignment: Check headstock and tailstock alignment using test bar.
Accessories: Install 3-jaw chuck, faceplate, steady rest, and follow rest as needed.

WARNING! Lathe is extremely heavy; use proper lifting equipment and personnel. Ensure machine is grounded.

Specifications

Swing over bed: 12 inches
Distance between centers: 36 inches
Spindle nose: D1-4 camlock
Spindle bore: 1-9/16 inches
Speed range: 40-1400 RPM (variable)
Threads: 4-224 TPI, 0.2-14 mm pitch via gearbox
Longitudinal feeds: 0.002-0.020 inches per revolution
Cross feeds: 0.001-0.010 inches per revolution
Motor: 2 HP, single-phase, 1725 RPM
Voltage: 110V/220V (configurable)
Net weight: 1200 lbs
Shipping dimensions: 72" L x 30" W x 48" H

Controls and Components

Headstock controls: Speed selector levers, Spindle engagement lever. Apron controls: Feed direction lever, Feed engagement knob, Half-nut lever for threading, Emergency stop.

Quick-change gearbox: Selector levers for thread pitch and feed rate. Tailstock: Quill lock, Quill feed handwheel, Tailstock clamp. Compound rest: Degree scale, Feed screw. Tool post: Quick-change style (optional).

Electrical panel: Main power switch, Forward/reverse switch, Emergency stop button, Speed control potentiometer.

Basic Operations

Turning between centers: Mount workpiece between centers; adjust tailstock pressure. Facing: Mount workpiece in chuck; use cross slide. Drilling: Mount drill in tailstock; advance quill. Boring: Use boring bar in tool post.

Select appropriate speed for material and operation.
Mount cutting tool securely in tool post at center height.
Engage power feed for consistent surface finish.
Use cutting fluid for metals to extend tool life.
Make light finishing cuts for precision dimensions.

Tip: Always stop lathe before making adjustments to tool post or workpiece.

Threading Operations

Using quick-change gearbox for metric and imperial threads.

Select thread pitch on gearbox chart.
Set gearbox levers to required positions.
Engage half-nut lever at correct position using threading dial.
Disengage half-nut at end of cut; return carriage to start.
Repeat with incremental depth cuts until full thread depth.
Use thread gauge to verify accuracy.

WARNING! Never disengage half-nut during threading cut. Always disengage before reversing carriage.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily: Clean chips, check oil levels, inspect belts. Weekly: Lubricate all oil points, check for wear. Monthly: Clean gearbox, check alignment, inspect electrical connections. Yearly: Replace oil in headstock and apron, inspect bearings, recalibrate.

Lubrication Points

Headstock: Oil bath - check sight glass. Apron: Oil reservoir - fill to line. Gearbox: Oil bath - change annually. Ways: Apply way oil daily. Tailstock quill: Oil weekly. Lead screw and feed rod: Light oil daily.

CAUTION! Use recommended lubricants only. Do not overfill reservoirs.

Safety Guidelines

Always wear safety glasses. Remove chuck key immediately after use. Secure long hair and loose clothing. Never leave machine running unattended. Use proper workpiece guards. Keep hands clear of rotating parts. Ensure work area is well-lit and clean.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Excessive vibration	Unbalanced workpiece, worn bearings	Balance workpiece; check and replace bearings if necessary.
Poor surface finish	Dull tool, incorrect speed, loose tool post	Sharpen tool; adjust speed; tighten tool post.
Motor won't start	Power issue, thermal overload, faulty switch	Check power supply; reset overload; test switches.
Threads inaccurate	Gearbox setting wrong, worn gears	Verify gearbox settings; inspect and replace worn gears.
Excessive backlash	Worn lead screw, loose gibs	Adjust gibs; inspect lead screw and nut for wear.

Technical Support: 1-800-523-4777; www.grizzly.com

Parts: Order replacement parts using model number G4003