Fixing a Factory Defect in the Lathe Cross Slide | Grizzly G0602 Fail

Today we're fixing a problem with the dovetail fit on the Grizzly G0602 lathe cross-slide. We'll measure the gaps in the fitment, file the dovetails, and mill the gib to eliminate interference.
Tools used in this video:
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00:00 Intro
01:53 Measuring
03:02 Disassembly and Checking
05:33 Filing down the dovetails
07:07 Milling the Gib
08:58 Reassembly
10:38 Testing
11:53 Conclusions
Raw Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@criggie]

I just want to say sorry, for all of us viewing, for not mentioning the dust shield sooner. That's totally on us.

[@billstanley4819]

OK, I admit it. I’m another Grizzly lathe owner and I’ll be checking to see if I have a similar problem. Many owners of Grizzly machine tools have reported issues with improperly machined parts. That being said, if not for tools like these folks like me would not likely afford any tool. This is not a compliment but certainly a way to rationalize the purchase of sometimes sketchy equipment. I, like most people need to live within my means. Thanks for posting this video, very helpful.

[@MrJoeGarner]

Yep, headed out to check this now. Turns out I have no gap. But the Gibbs were a little loose.

[@arthurhammeke8296]

.023 on the side closet to the chuck. Looks like I have another weekend project.

[@stevemahrer7097]

I have a Grizzly G9972Z, the bigger brother to your lathe... and after 15 years of using it, I too see a simlar gap, about 5 thou on my lathe! I guess that's my afternoon task. Great series, thanks!

[@tjh44961]

I have the same lathe, without the gearbox. Although it's miles ahead of the old Craftsman/Atlas 12x36" machine I had before, now I have to get out the feeler gauges. Thanks a lot, James!

[@jimmurphy6095]

So do I and I got 'em out as well. Mine's good.

[@Know-Way]

Note to self: Buy new tool, feeler gauges.

[@tiafolla]

I have the same machine, and replacing the compound with a solid block makes a huge improvement in rigidity and reducing chatter. Before, I always had problems parting off; now it’s smooth and easy.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Thanks for this insight. Made me go out to my Craftsman 12" lathe, and see if it had the same issue. It did not, but investigating it led me to discover another problem in the compound I hadn't realized I had! Now that's fixed too..

[@hansenprecision9390]

I'm always impressed by your confidence to tackle the annoying little issues that most folks just put up with. Well done!!

[@Clough42]

Thanks! I put up with it for a long time. :(

[@joebusfield446]

I have the same lathe. Had to run to the shop to check mine. Yup, same thing! Thanks for sharing, now I can fix mine too!

[@tomthumb3085]

As Stefan would say, “These imported machines can be very good, but you have to consider them as a kit that needs building correctly” or certainly words to that effect. He has had great results with his (much modified) lathe and does some incredibly accurate work. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@an2thea514]

Imported is a funny word, when the lathe was manufactured just 6 hours away from him.

[@ChristophPech]

@@an2thea514 6 hours is about 45 times the distance from the earth to the sun, there is nothing out there to import a lathe.

[@an2thea514]

@@ChristophPech Well, EMCO made their lathes in Hallein, Stefan lives somewhere in middle Germany.

[@ChristophPech]

@@an2thea514 The distance from Hallein to Stefan Gotteswinter is about 667 microseconds. Considering walking distance according to Google maps it is a bit further, 704 microseconds.

[@an2thea514]

@@ChristophPech so my point stands

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

As a result of this video I think I understand more of the intrinsic operation of ways on machine tools function and how the carry the load. Thanks.

[@jeremylastname873]

This is an excellent contribution to the community. Thank you kindly!

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Great work James the best fix’s are always the easiest and your results at the end prove it. Keep up the good work.

[@davidkaye821]

Yet another EXCELLENT video, it's wonderful to watch you determine what the issue is, figure out how to fix it, and then see how you do it!

[@brucewilliams6292]

thank you for showing the details of how the details of how the dovetails are supposed to fit! Well done.

[@thebotformalityknownasdale2564]

Thanx James these kil educational videos are the ones I enjoy the most !

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great video. Nice work. I upgraded to the 6 bolt compound holder it was a tremendous improvement. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnathonmullis4234]

I always enjoy your small lathe videos. You tackle the stuff that causes us all problems and your improvements are fabulous. These small lathes are very capable but they require attention and the cross slide/tool post area is where all of my rigidity is lost. Your lathe performs like a far more expensive one. You’re ELS and other modifications are awesome too. Great video man

[@kevinforth7618]

Recently received my Grizzly G0602Z. Thanks for sharing this, I'll be checking cross-slide clearance later today.

[@jpwipeout99]

Yes thank you for this video! I have been having the same issue with my lathe. I will definitely be taking apart when I get in the shop.

[@SloopyJohnG]

I don't have a Grizzly, but I DO have a chattering lathe, and now I'm off to dig out my feeler gauges, because you've set me thinking. Many thanks!

[@anmafab]

I see both scraping and a surface grinder in your very near future! Looking forward to your take on the solid tool post too. I've watched a number of videos on it but there is always information that isn't included, and knowing your level of thoroughness, we are in for some detail!

[@MarkHinchey1]

Can't wait to see the solid tool post. I just made one for my 9x20. It'll be interesting to see your version.

[@roylucas4414]

Interesting video. Attention to detail is the key to precision. Nice job

[@GBWM_CNC]

Enjoyed the whole process. Great job!

[@MakingandBreaking]

I appreciate this so much! I've already had the saddle off to relieve it for cnc conversion, but I didn't think to check these tolerances. I definitely feel like I have this same issue on my G0602.

[@outsidescrewball]

Great improvement and discussion

[@markfletcher6511]

As always, I have found your methodical presentation to be both informative and entertaining. The fact that you mix and match a variety of subjects is another aspect your channel that keeps me coming back. Between: software, hardware design, and of course, Yak Shaving, I cannot stay away. I think it is interesting that your attention to the cross-slide mfg. issue only came to light when thinking about the related rigidity of the compound. It makes us mere mortals feel less myopic in a case like this, when compared to someone, who I believe to be very observant. Thanks for including this content.

[@Clough42]

Yeah, I think in a lot of cases, if it works, it isn't worth looking too closely. :)

[@alleznape]

Good heads up. Never would have thought to check that!

[@joell439]

Well done James. Disassembly and reassembly is always faster when repeated, especially when the operations are back to back 😜. So there’s that …… 👍👍😎👍👍

[@624Dudley]

Good catch, James! I can see how a mismatch like that could go undetected. 👍

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice job and great improvement.

[@mole2410]

Thanks for showing your fix on the Grizzly lathe.

[@kimber1958]

I think you did a fine job diagnosing the problem and correcting it

[@en2oh]

If the internet existed 20 years ago, my career choices would have been completely different! I can't believe you've only got 125K subscribing. Thanks for sharing this information (and the approach you take to systematically define and correct the issue(s) )

[@jimbrideau5802]

Great video. Love tool improvement videos.

[@M_Northstar]

The added capacity must feel very liberating. Congratulations 🙂

[@tom314]

Interesting thanks, I'm learning lots about machine tools from videos like this. Tomorrow I know what I'm checking on my lathe :)

[@44mod]

Great video I am going to go check my G0602 for that same issue. By the way I did all the upgrades such as installing the Electronic lead screw and it has worked flawlessly. I also changed the 110v electric motor to the 3ph motor and added the VFD to get variable speed. Also you do not have to comment anything on what I wrote I know you read all our comments, just wanted you to know how much you are appreciated. Thanks James!!

[@andrewbarney5503]

This is amazing. Wouldn't have thought to look there.

[@terrycannon570]

Excellent trouble shooting. Thanks for the detail.

[@cletusberkeley9441]

Great video. Will be checking my lathe tonight as well. Thanks

[@par5endos562]

I was hoping my G0602 had a similar issue so I could gain some rigidity, but it looks fine. I subscribed so that I don't miss out on your solid tool post mod. Thanks!

[@kentswan3230]

Nice analysis and a common sense fix. Thanks. On the sticking warp in the cross slide, I'd probably first check the contact surface of cross slide on a surface plate to see if it's the slide itself then the flats of the carriage to see if they are flat, parallel.

[@bhoiiii]

Many thanks for this. Heading out to check my lathe for the same issue. Cheers.

[@Neptune730]

Thanks James, I'll have to check mine once I get it out of the crate.

[@jimcollins9316]

Another excellent video!

[@laurenceupjohn6170]

James; Thanks for the timely video. I have a smaller cousin to your lathe, a Harbor Freight 9" x 20" of 2005 vintage. I broke out the feeler gauges and I had the same elevation on the tailstock side of the cross slide. Hand finishing the gib strip and stoning of contact surfaces had a similar positive result as your video with the gap gone. Please keep up the thoughtful analysis you put in on your video productions!!

[@Clough42]

That's really interesting. I wonder if there's a story behind why so many machines are like this.

[@laurenceupjohn6170]

@@Clough42 Odd thing I found is that both the saddle surface and bottom of the cross slide contact surfaces were crudely hand scraped with very crude grinding tracks on the saddle. I would say this was more for appearance than function. Anyway the cuts now are much more solid though still limited by the small size and power native to this machine. Thanks again, LRU>

[@thomasglessner6067]

I worked in machining and fabrication for 47 years. I done my best work the second and third times. The trick is to keep it to yourself. Thanks for sharing your improvement.

[@jon_raymond]

I love all of your content, expeically videos about the G0602

[@brezzz0077]

Thanks for the video! I have a pm 1127 and went right out to check mine.

[@bobkelly2447]

Great Video as always ! Now you have me wondering about my Logan 922 lathe it has the same problem with making chamfers a light chamfer is all I can get before it chatters real badly.... and that is with almost everything tight ! or dragging so hard it is unpleasant to use ! seeing how you did that repair opens up new areas for me ! thank you once again for your insight !

[@Snefyran]

Much more stable, good fix!

[@scottdrummond1190]

Well Done !! Guess I'll Be taking mine back a part. Mine had a bur a the back of the gibe and a notch in the dove tail. Preventing full travel. This is my first lath of 17 years. I just cut really slow. Never knew where the bearing surface was. Think it's time to do full break down of all sliding / bearing surfaces.

[@uther10]

Great vid and thanks for the information on what to look for on these cross slides. Also, sorry about forgetting to remind about the shield.

[@mikaelludwigsson]

Thanks for the video! I have the same issue with my ZX45 mill and maybee the same on my lathe CQ6230A. When I saw this on my mill a few weeks ago I just wondered if it should be like this. Now you have confirm my thoughts.

[@jothain]

This kinda stuff is interesting to see. Good job.

[@enoz.j3506]

Love you vids,love engineering in general,Thank you.

[@Austeration]

Thanks for the tips 👍 I'm going to run out and check my G4000 for the same thing.

[@jimpiatek5063]

Great video, now I need to go downstairs and check my Grizzly Lathe for that issue

[@r1mein54]

Glad to watch and learn this,, now I want to recheck my Jet BD920W

[@martykath4427]

i went straight out to my 80's Taiwanese lathe, got out the dial indicator and stand and continued my quest for more rigidity. Last week I sat my lathe on an improved bench and gained. I've found .002 movement in the bed to carriage and my compound has a little of the issue you just corrected. Won't be happy till my parting tool work well on steels. Thank you for the enlightenment.

[@Clough42]

Parting is the acid test for these little machines.

[@sacriptex5870]

nice fix dude

[@randysmith9715]

Hi James; I have a 9x20 Grizzly G4000 lathe. The compound flexes too much to be usable as is so a long time ago I made a John Pitkin Donut mount. You can search for this on line. My Thanks to John for coming up with this compound mount!

[@russkepler]

Good diagnosis and fix. I'd be tempted to check the cross slide bottom on a surface plate and scrape it flat, then check the cross slide ways with the flat cross slide. Once that's matched do the same with the compound base and cross slide top, scraping the first flat and matching the latter. That way it wouldn't add stresses to the cross slide when clamped down.

[@mr.kongable]

Great video, thank you for it!

[@frijoli9579]

Glad to hear you got this sorted. Makes me wonder about Grizzly machines now. That should never have left the factory like that.

[@andriosz]

It's cheap Chinese stuff. All of them will need some work from the owner to get everything right.

[@melgross]

The Warco and Precision Mathew’s importers often have the same problems with their smaller machines. None of these companies really inspect their machines. They get them in, and ship them out. The only real differences are the paint, the name and small options the real manufacturer offers them.

[@swolebro]

I finally picked up a pair of those Knipex plier-wrenches last week, after hearing you mention them ~2 years ago. I don't think I'm ever going to reach for a crescent wrench again, and hardly ever a box-end either.

[@Clough42]

They're a game-changer. This becomes especially clear once you start ratcheting them over the flats to tighten a nut without lifting the wrench.

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Now I need to check mine.

[@twobob]

no, You watched this twice. And enjoyed both times. You foooool..... :D

[@melgross]

It’s interesting. A couple of years ago I bought an Indian made attachment - a vertical table that can move up and down with a 90 degree base. The thing is about 10” tall by 6” wide. Basically well made. But the same problem with the dovetail. It didn’t touch on the gib side. Two problems. The gib was also too high. But also the acute edge was sharp, but the inside “corner” of the dovetail is slightly rounded. So the gib couldn’t possibly sit flat. Removing that sharp edge and machining about a millimeter off the height fixed the problem. Amazing how some minor details get overlooked on otherwise decent machines.

[@EZ_shop]

Great troubleshooting James. Now I'm gonna have to check mine! 😂 Ciao, Marco.

[@babakkhoramdin3146]

Looking forward to see how you're going to replace the compound with a solid tool post because it's also my issue with my benchtop lathe.

[@David_11111]

off to check my cross slide.... cool thankyou

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Thanks for sharing! This Information is very valuable mine is the same and had planned to make a solid tool post also.

[@arjundas708]

Very informative thank you sir

[@Larry537]

Now I need to take a good look at my 14x40. Nice job on that.

[@allpraisebob]

Thanks for posting this video. I just checked my G0602 that I purchased in 2019 and it also has gap on the right side so it seems to be an endemic problem. I'm making a fixture to hold the gib in my milling machine vise right now so I can give it a light trim with ye olde dovetail cutter.

[@russkepler]

Another way to cut a gib is to put it in the cross slide and mount the cross slide upside down on the mill table. Shim under the gib the amount you want as clearance and mill the gib flush with the cross slide. I used adjustable parallels as a clamp to hold the gib.

[@allpraisebob]

The fixture I made to hold the gib with my milling machine vise worked great and I ended up taking 10 thou off each side because it was both oversize and slightly bowed. After reinstalling the gib I did some facing and turning on a hunk of 4140 with no chatter and very good chip formation, then tried parting off a 3/4" aluminum rod and at no point did I get the usual feeling that the stock was going to ride up over the top of the parting blade like I usually do, so definitely a win.

[@jhawker2895]

I think you should have remembered to install the dust shield earlier....lol ... Thanks for sharing ... Stay safe and well ...

[@guygfm4243]

good one thanks for sharing

[@jmbstudio6873]

I never thought of checking gibb height. I assumed the fit was from warped pieces. I did replace the 2 bolt ring clamp for the compound and it made a huge difference on reducing deflection, 4 bolts and a 5/8 plate is mo bettah than the ring. I have the exact compound setup on my G0752. Time to check all the gibbs in the mill and lathe. Thanks! That Shars QCTP is way better than what it comes with, I have the exact same one. My next compound upgrade will be a plate with T nuts so I can adjust the Tool Post front to back without moving the compound. I believe this will reduce deflection a bit more as the compound will not have to cantilever to machine smaller pieces, I can just move the T nuts back and keep the compound centered. Make Chips!!!

[@justinmoritz6543]

Damn dude looking jacked!

[@renevreeken]

Thank you, now I know another thing I'll need to fix on mine.

[@tnekkc]

My 2002 Griz mini lathe, same problem. Never got much use out of the cross slide. Used it as a grinder.

[@VoidedWarranty]

I've got the Canadian busy bee brand model of pretty much the same thing, I'll have to go fishing around now, thanks!

[@andriosz]

😅 nice work, sorry about the dust shield 😋

[@johnkemas7344]

I have both a Grizzly Lathe and a Mill and they both needed some serious finishing TLC to get them in top working condition. My mill was noisy as hell right from the factory and that was due to the idler pulley for the speed change belts having an egg shaped bushing and the front set of pulleys were not aligned with the rear set through the idler. My intent all along was to put a three phase motor with a VFD (now very reasonably priced these days) Once I did this and aligned the pulleys properly it got dead silent! I always suspected that the spindle bearings were crap too , but they showed very minimal run out. I took the idler pulley out of the drive circuit completely and it runs great now. Along with some other tweeking, scraping, and adjusts both machines work well now. I also added electrtonic RPM gauges to the motor shaft and the spindle shaft to keep track of motor efficiency and actual cutting speed RPM.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Oh boy I certainly do apologize for not telling you about leaving that part out. In my defense I thought you did not want it any more. 😉😊 Great video, thanks.

[@ProfSimonHolland]

good fix...i have the same type of lathe...let me check for gaps

[@wagnerdamotta726]

Thank you I going to check my tomorrow

[@greatdane3343]

Nice job. These lathes have a lot more potential with time and effort than they achieve when they are made to a meet price point.

[@misterfixit1952]

Sorry I should have mentioned the cover before you put the cross slide back on. My bad! I have a 9x20 lathe and although it's small, since I put the fixed cross slide on, it made a world of difference in my rigidity. I took my cue from Robin Renzetti and Stephan Gotteswinter and have never regretted trading the compound slide for the rigidity of a fixed post on the cross slide. I can always add it back if I have a special case situation. Seeing that you still need work on the compound/cross slide makes me think it's time for you to get a surface grinder. It adds a whole new dimension to your capabilities and a used one is a bargain, tool wise. Thanks for the tip about powder coating lettering with the laser. I don't have the cash or room for a fiber laser or one powerful enough for etching but I have an extra solid state laser head for my CNC plasma table.

[@andersmansdotter6923]

Very nicely done. But now it means that I have to check and possibly do the same on my identical lathe.😲

[@geneard639]

So, what I'm taking away from this video is... if I buy a lathe, add part of the initial set up, to inspect tolerances and clearances using a feller gauge and maybe check bearings for flatness if able. Cool. I love learning stuff like that! True it's possibly expensive for you to find that out but it's cheap for me to learn that lesson.

[@Clough42]

Yes. Most inexpensive import machine tools need a little love right from the factory. Many people consider them 'casting kits' for building your own machine tool. :)

[@derecknistler8393]

The side to side clearance issue is caused (imo) from the mounting method of the compound. I found on my lathe that once the compound was removed from the cross slide, the movement of the cross slide was very tight. I probably had the compound too tight, but this seemed worth mentioning.

[@mattdomenic4814]

I have the same machine! Went and checked mine and it was okay.

[@michaelpiotrowicz6100]

I bolted my lathe of that size down to a length of 200 by 50 mm (so 8 inch by 2 inch) rolled hollow section with a 3 mm wall (I paid extra for a machine with a better factory finish too, Optimum). I'm sure you can imagine how much weight and rigidity it added to the lathe. I am pretty tall so it also lifted the lathe a little higher off my bench for me.

[@RUNCNC]

Hi, James! I own the same lathe, just a different brand. I'm looking forward to your toolpost design. That will be a no-brainer copy and paste for me! Hope the TI boards will be back on stock soon. I want to copy your leadscrew, too. Take care, Markus!

[@Clough42]

I saw today that TI has them in stock, if you order directly from them. Mouser and Digi-Key do not yet.

[@robertoswalt319]

I have a feeling that a lot of people are going to check clearances very soon.

[@donaldwiegand7316]

great job, making me think about this grizzly. should have never left the factory .

[@Dreddip]

Regarding the dust cover. I'd like to apologize for our oversight. I would recommend doing this live next time so we can better serve you.

[@peterdouglas4073]

Heading home to check my lathe. And make a new chip guard to on under the cross slide. I've only have a piece of perspex.