Re:mini lathe

I'd go with the Jet...

BubbaBob

>...the 1014 is what I have...no need for VS for me, but the VS is a good qual lathe.

BubbaBob

Re:mini lathe

Scott Greaves, Blackfoot Idaho

>Hi Bill,

The Mercury is a fine little lathe. They were having some problems with the speed controller. If you think there is a pretty good chance that they can fix it for you, I'd stick with the Mercury. The reason I say that is because the speed controller on the Mercury allows you to go slower than the one on the VS Jet Mini. That is handy for when you're doing messy things like applying a CA finish. You may even want to try contacting Nova to see if they can send you a new controller. I've heard they have corrected the problems with the controllers. BTW, we have the VS Jet Mini, and it is a very nice machine. Good Luck!

Scott.

Re:mini lathe

RevDoug

>Teknatool has a warehouse here in the USA. You can probably find them using a Google search. Tell them the problem you are having and I bet they will get you fixed up in no-time flat. I agree with Scott. I've been using the Mercury for about 3 years now and don't believe Jet quite matches up. It's just too bad that Woodcraft choose to discontinue the line. Don't worry about being aboe to find future parts. Tecnatool has already stated that they are here to stay. We will just have to contact them directly until a new rep is found.

Re:mini lathe

Kevin Kelly, West Va

>While Woodcraft is no longer importing the Mercury, Teknatool does still have an authorized repair center in Parkersburg, WV. The owner repairs the lathes and imports parts and accessories. I have his name and contact information at my office and can get it for you tomorrow if you're interested.

Re:mini lathe

RevDoug

>I definetly would like to have that information.

Re:mini lathe

Peter Teubel

>I had a Merc for about a year and the motor siezed up completely. All I used it for was pens (motor was too weak for much else...1/2hp, my foot...more like 1/20hp). Returned it and bought a Jet mini (non-VS) instead. MUCH more powerful than the Merc.

Since this lathe has been discontinued, you may want to seriously consider getting your money back while you have the chance. The next thing that breaks may have to be repaired at YOUR expense.

Re:mini lathe

Kevin Kelly, West Va

>I'll get it to you tomorrow.

Re:mini lathe

Kevin Kelly, West Va

>Actually, this lathe has not been discontinued, but Woodcraft is no longer importing it. Teknatool is still manufacturing them and still honoring warranties. When i had problems with mine and contacted Teknatool, i was really impressed with how quickly they responded. They assured me that they would fix the problem, even if that meant giving me a new lathe. Tim Geist, their service rep in the states, is a delightful man to deal with and stocks or can get any part or accessory a Mercury owner might want.

I'm not about to second-guess you on the motor power problem you experienced, but the motor on mine is every bit the equal of the Jet i compared it to when i bought it, with a better variable speed control.

Re:mini lathe

Peter Teubel

>Kevin Wrote:

"I'm not about to second-guess you on the motor power problem you experienced, but the motor on mine is every bit the equal of the Jet i compared it to when i bought it, with a better variable speed control. "

=============================================

Maybe I just had a bad motor. Entirely possible. Everything else about the lathe is superior (IMHO) to the Jet or Delta. However, I take exception (respectfully) with your comparison to the Jet. If you are talking about power/torque, there is no comparison. The Merc's motor is weak.....far weaker that either the Jet or Delta (regardless of the belt position). Yes, I had the 1/2hp model (not the older 1/4hp). Many members of my local turning club who owned mini lathes tried it out and they all agreed, too, so it wasn't just me.

I'm still considering getting another one if I can find one without a motor (or a dead motor) and just put something more substantial in it (or under it). It would make an excellent portable demonstration lathe.