Hello TFC, I can not speak to the G9036, but I do have the G0709 which is very close. I have no background or metal lathe experience to make me an expert. With that said I did all the back ground research and listened/read all the "Chinese junk" slamming, but was not prepared to go the used/restoration route. After all when the smoke clears and the bottom line is reached, I am retired and wanted to play with machine tools. I have made a few small projects on the lathe, one was a for real repair on my mowers pulley and blade spindle, and so far am very happy with it. Started cutting threads on it and so far promises to be okay at it. I chose Grizzly over the others because of their excellent support reputation and I am only 3 hrs from their Missouri store. Recently bought their G0755 mill and am happy with it. Good luck with what ever you decide. Ron