Delta or Jet

Re: Delta or Jet

Joseph

>Also, I live on 100 acres and if anyone is in or near Mississippi, I would be willing to trade wood for a few lessons.

Joseph

Re: Delta or Jet

Don Henthorn Smithville, Texas

>I'd say it is a toss up. If you don't have to have variable speed the little Jet is available from Amazon for $199 minus a $25.00 come on and free shipping. Total about $180. You can't beat that with a stick. (-:

Re: Delta or Jet

Bobby

>Hello Joseph,

I just bought a jet mini lathe and I love it. It as quite as a mouse and runs just as smooth. I did not get the VS as I heard you lose some torque with it. Most of my turning is done at one speed anyway and its not hard to change the belt to change speed. I've both good and bad with the Delta but the price of the Jet was just to good to pass up.

Bobby

Re: Delta or Jet

Joseph

>What is the max. diameter that can be turned on a Jet mini?

Joseph

Re: Delta or Jet

John Cahall

>10 inches over bed and 14 inches between centers.

Re: Delta or Jet

Bob Tabor in College Station, Tx

>I started turning last November on a Jet mini lathe. Ihave not had any problems with it and have enjoyed learning to turn on it.

Re: Delta or Jet

Brad Vietje

>Hey Joseph,

Congrats on diving into the wood turning pool !

I've turned on both at club demos and symposia, and I'd say the only advantage to the Delta is that it's a little easier to manually change speeds, because the access to the lower pulley is less restricted than on the Jet -- if you have big hands, that might make a difference. Delta users have reported spotty quality control with spindle wobble (runout), and a lot of them have been returned.

I like the Jet better. The variable speed Jet costs less than the belt-change Delta, and the manual change Jet is $ 100 less than that ! You could always start with the standard (non-v.s.) Jet, and upgrade to a variable speed motor later if you wanted.

I'd love to take you up on your offer of Southern wood for lessons, but the 1,500 mile commute would wear me out ! You might find an AAW club within a few hour's drive, which would be well worth it for all the assistance you'll get.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: Delta or Jet

Joseph

>Thanks for all the replies. Well, now all I have to do is find a place in my area where I can find a Jet, or go ahead and order one online.

One more question. What is the best book or video I can get that shows the basics?

Re: Delta or Jet

John Trant (aka Boxes-n-Bowls)

>Get the vs Jet. I like Delta but forthe same bucks you can get variable speed. I like vs for newbies becasue it helps prevent the "lazy factor" producing wood projectiles.

Normally, I would say to go online and order it. It truly is the easiest way to get on on your door step with the least effort. HOWEVER, since you have very little woodworking experience, you may wish to have some guidance that a store (Woodcraft, for example) can provide. YOu need to account for the extra purcahses you will need/want. For example, you still need a stable bench to anchor your lathe, turning tools (lots of opinions as to which are the essential tools to get first), a grinder, chainsaw, bandsaw, and sharpening jig to name just a few. Most new turners will quickly purchase a chuck.

You could make the lathe bench and sharpening jig easily enough if you have the necessary woodworking tools or find someone who does.

As others have mentioned, search out a AAW chapter. They will be your greatest resouce for guidance and training.

Welcome to our "slippery slope",

John

Re: Delta or Jet

Brett Sherwood - Richmond, IN

>I just bought a Delta Shopmaster LA 200 Midi Lathe last week at Lowe's in Richmond, Indiana. My first impressions are bleak at best... The first thing that went wrong was the toolrest lock wouldn't tighten properly. I'm thinking no sweat I'll replace it with a cap screw. The next thing to fail was the same lock on the tailpiece quill did the same thing. Then the spindle screw would not advance the quill without holding the quill while turning the handwheel. After all that... the cam rod that locks down the tailstock popped loose with my workpiece spinning about 2300 rpm. (that scared the pee-daddle out of me!) The oversize chess piece I was turning unbelievable didn't fly out of the machine.

I really like the little machine. I'ts stable as all get out and has plenty of power. I'm getting ready to put it back in the box and return it now. I've never had such luck with a piece of Delta equipment before so I must assume this one is a lemon.

Re: Delta or Jet

Jeff

>Where in MS do you live? I'm in North MS and have been turning for about 3 years. I'd be happy to help you with some of the basics to get you started.

JM

Re: Delta or Jet

Joseph

>Jeff,

I live about 20 miles outside of Vicksburg.