Let me tell you my thought's on this, I have that exact same lathe Grizzly G4003G, I have had it around 2 years, and have put 164 hours on it, I have a hour meter installed on it. I do have it installed maybe 6" away from the wall. And yes I was able to tighten my motor belts with it that close to the wall, I made a extra long wrench and actually got it. Now here is the bad thing that I never anticipated, with it that close to the wall the electrical panel is imposable to do much on, I did hold my camera around the corner once and get some pictures of it, but as far as changing a contactor out no way! It would not be that big a deal with the rubber feet I see some people using on here, Mine is anchored down with all threads, and leveled, and then the final adjustments are done by the way it cuts! So just sliding it out is a major deal! Some thoughts on having it close to the wall, and even if its 3 feet away #1 would be nice.
#1 When I pull it out this time I will figure out some kind of jacking screw setup so it is easier to tighten the belt! I know these belts don’t have to be super tight, but it is tough to get a pry bar in there and do anything with it close to the wall.
#2 My other thought was to figure out some kind of tray, the electrical box could slide into, and make it a quick release, so you could get it out to work on it! Even thought about using some industrial quick connectors, on the box for the switch panel, and barrel switch wires, etc. That way it would just be a matter of turning the twist locks to release the wires, and some how making the box, so you could get it out, without having to remove the lathe every time!
Bob in Oregon
BTW