-I have the G4003 (about 6 mo now) and it works for me. I checked it out when I got it set up using the tests outlined in the machinery handbook --- It checked out well within the requirements for an engine lathe (toolroom lathes require closer specs.) Other than the usual vee belt adustment and gib strip adjustments, It needed no work. The tool post on the otherhand was out bu 5 thou so the tool holders would only slide on one set of ways (there are two on the tool post). I had to mill the way to fix it but I am sure that if I had asked, Grizzly would have replaced it. Works very well -- I have not had the china syndrome problems that others have outlined on china made lathes with this china-grizzly lathe.

-This subject is a bit interesting to me because I, too, have been considering the G4003.

I just got back from Thanksgiving vacation where I met my in-laws-to-be. My fiance's father had a Grizzly dust collector in the garage, and I was given the grand tour later that day ........ including Grizzly woodworking tools (no metal lathes, but I think this still applies).

ALL of the Grizzly tools I was shown was comparable to much more well-known (and expensive) equipment. My FILTB stated that the only piece to fail on any of the equipment was the on-off switch on the thickness planer, which was replaced via snail-mail in two days, and with a better switch.

The recomendation was unequivocal ........ buy the Grizzly and you won't be sorry.