About 6 months ago I purchased a very slightly used grizzly 12" x 36" G5979
lathe. Its a decent machine. But it is lacking power (1/2 hp) and can't run
in reverse. The long motor shaft, and the way it is mounted makes it almost
impossible to upgrade without some major mods to the headstock. The way the
motor is mounted also limits the swing when using a shallow face plate with
stock over 8" diameter. If it weren't for the motor, I would have nothing to
complain about.

Alas, I find myself searching for alternatives. The easiest but most
expensive one is to buy a new lathe. It needs be one more geared to turning
bowls. One with a swing over bed of at least 14". It needs to have a swivel
headstock for outboard turning of larger bowls. Variable speed, reversing
and at least 1 hp motor. There are many lathes out there that will suit me
quite well. Finding one is no problem. Affording it is a matter of saving my
money and staying out of Rockler for a while.
Weight and size is a is a real problem. It has to be brought down a very
narrow stairway with a sharp 90 degree turn into the basement. It will have
to be done in many pieces. OK, I can deal with that, I guess. I don't want a
monster machine that will create a major project every time I have to move
it either across the floor or to another home.

Getting a new lathe really isnt that much of a problem. It really bothers me
that I can't find a way to upgrade my Grizzly to a better motor. I have
written to Grizzly about my delima, and their response was rather negative:
"There is nothing you can do to upgrade the G5979". So I ask all of you that
are familiar with this lathe and all of the others that are identical to it.
Do you agree with Grizzly's response? Do you know of any way to retrofit a
slightly larger motor, that can be reversed?
Either AC, or DC. I know some single phase AC motors can run in reverse. DC
is a no brainer. Any ideas out there? Has anyone modified this lathe before?

Ideas are appreciated

Thanks in advanced

Leslie Gossett