Among the machine tools available, and at the bottom, admittedly, of the quality range, is the nonetheless ubiquitous "3-1" or lathe/mill/drill. These have been around a long time, and even within this niche there is a bit of a spread, quality-wise, with the Grizzly fortunately being some little ways from the bottom. It's a good idea, this three-machines-in-one business, but unfortunately not carried out by the Chinese with the best attention to detail, and with inevitable compromises. Though there are stellar standouts, primary among European manufacturers, it is likely the market for these machines dictates that the bulk will be produced by the less proficient factories in China. The Grizzly importer at least attempts to bring the quality up slightly, and that makes the tool viable, kind of. In fact, Grizzly woodworking tools can be found in some surprising places, such as in artisan guitar maker's shops. The bottom line is, in the case of the Grizzly 3-1, using it is simply a matter of careful planning of your cuts, and constant viligence in regard to handwheel backlash (which tends to be extreme). This Grizzly isn't getting much use now that I have both a 12x36 gear head lathe and a knee mill. Mostly I use it on valve guides and for making small special tools.

I made a nice bench for it, with plenty of storage for materials.

A little customization. Shown is the lock for the column height adjustment.

I have made a lof of carburetor parts on this machine. Shown is a silver-soldered brass fuel feed tee.

One of the most useful of all the tools I machined on the Grizzly, this is an idle jet extractor for Keihin VB series carburetors.

This is a set of Mikuni RS carbs set up for a Lavrda triple. All of the hardware was made on the Grizzly: Upper and lower steadies, throttle shaft, choke rod, and the fuel tees.

Another shot of the same Mikuni carbs. The steadies are stainless steel.

This is a valve machining tool made on the Grizzly also made of stainless steel.

This is a highly-specialized carburetor tool for removing CBX air cutoff valves, made on my Grizzly.

Here I am machining on the Grizzly the throttle shaft for the Mikuni RS carbs referred to above.