but I think it would be a good idea for me to drive up to their Bellingham, WA showroom....Yes one reason I'm considering this lathe is the 13x40 and 14x40 just seem to be stretched versions of the 12x36. ....Not an apples to apples comparison but then there is the made in Taiwan G0670 variable speed with built in VFD on sale for $13,495...
Fortunately, I travel to Vancouver Island, BC via Bellingham at least once a month on business, so get a chance to stop and drool frequently. Picked up my G0709 on the way back last year (my wife was surprised). I wish the Bellingham showroom were as big as the ones back East.
The typical 13x40/14x40 really are not a significant improvement over the venerable 12x36. Sure, they (sometimes) give you a better QCGB, but the extra 0.5-1" of height on the spindle cost almost nothing to manufacture, and since the machine is not any beefier, you are actually compromising rigidity. And extra 4" length? hmm....
Yeah I drooled over the G0670. Pretty nice.
As long as we are talking about nice machines, talk a look at the Precision Matthews PM1440TS. This is a machine that Matt does not advertise on his website, but a number of customers have raved about it. These sell for $8000 or $9000 (variable speed), and have a 9" wide bed. Made in Taiwan.
He also sells the RML1440, which is the same as the two you picked from Grizzly. For about $1k cheaper.
What hurts is I just purchased the Aloris BXA tool post and a bunch tool holders.
So what you are saying is you have a brand new Aloris to unload... hmm, I could trade you my Authentic Genuine Grizzly Piston Type BXA toolpost (those don't grow on trees you know) and a few bucks.... my Grizzly BXA is WAY better than the one you got stock with you G4003G. Way better...
Every time Enco has had a coupon 20-25% off, I have put that Aloris in the shopping cart, looked at the savings.... and then moved on. One of these days. I keep waiting for the planets to align, with the Aloris on-sale at the same time a 20% off + free shipping comes out.
[Walks away to go check the Enco March hot deals catalog...] DOGONE IT! Coolidge, now you got me doing that...