Grizzly Industrial G8688-7" x 12" Mini Metal Lathe Review
Our verdict
The Grizzly G8688 is a 7-inch by 12-inch mini metal lathe at $1,400.00, positioned as a capable bench-top machine for hobbyists and light-duty shop work. A 4.0-star rating from 58 buyers provides meaningful real-world signal for a machine at this price point.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Hobbyists, model makers, and small-shop machinists who need a compact bench-top metal lathe for turning small parts, threading, and light metalwork within a 7-inch swing and 12-inch between-centers capacity.
Skip if
You need a larger swing or longer between-centers distance for production work, require heavy-duty continuous operation, or are seeking a lathe with a larger verified owner review base before committing $1,400.
- Priced 144% above the category median ($574.90 across 8 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.0/5
4.0 average across 58 owner ratings
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Popularity3.1/5
58 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Grizzly G8688 is a mini metal lathe with a 7-inch swing and 12 inches between centers, a size class suited for turning small shafts, bushings, model parts, and similar precision work on the bench. At $1,400.00, Grizzly prices this squarely in the serious-hobbyist and light-shop segment.
No published specs for motor power, spindle speed range, or weight are available in the listing data. However, with 58 buyer reviews and a 4.0-star rating, the Grizzly G8688 has enough owner feedback to establish a realistic performance picture compared to no-review alternatives in the category.
Grizzly Industrial is a known name in benchtop and stationary machinery, which provides some confidence in parts availability and support. Buyers should confirm motor specs and accessory compatibility through Grizzly's own documentation before purchasing.
Pros
- Compact 7-inch by 12-inch size fits most bench-top shop setups
- 58 owner reviews at 4.0 stars provides meaningful real-world feedback
- Grizzly Industrial brand offers parts availability and customer support
- Suitable for turning small precision parts, threading, and hobby metalwork
Cons
- Motor power, spindle speed, and weight specs are not published in the listing data
- At $1,400.00 it is a significant investment for occasional hobby use
- Zero units bought last month suggests slower demand than higher-traffic categories
Performance notes
Swing: 7 inches. Between centers: 12 inches (from listing title). No motor wattage, spindle speed range, weight, or chuck size data is available in the listing. The 7 by 12 size class is typical for bench-top hobbyist metal lathes. Buyers should review Grizzly's full specification sheet for motor and speed details.
What buyers say
Owners at 4.0 stars across 58 reviews tend to praise the value offered at the Grizzly price point and the availability of replacement parts. Recurring feedback notes the need for initial setup and adjustment work before the lathe produces precise results, which is common for machines in this size class.
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Frequently asked questions
What motor power does the Grizzly G8688 have?
Motor specifications are not listed in the available data. Visit the Grizzly Industrial product page or download the owner's manual for full technical specs including motor horsepower and spindle speed range.
Does the Grizzly G8688 come with a chuck?
Chuck inclusion is not confirmed in the available listing data. Check the current Grizzly product listing to see what ships with the machine.
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