Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
comparison of Jet lathes
Dennis Taylor (Akron, Ohio)
>I am still searching for a full size lathe..I am curious is there a signicicant difference between the Jet 1236 and the 1442, other than size of material to be turned on them...I am a home hobbiest, and don't sell my work, so would a 1236 meet those needs or am I better off with the 1442?..the cost on the 1442 is high, while Amazon has the 1236 for about 560.00 or so, compared to the 899.99...any input is apreciated..Dennis
Dennis, I don't care for the 1236
TDaniel
>but many like it. I think it is too light. I would suggest that you take a serious look at some old iron. You can find some good old lathes out there for reasonable bucks if you don't plan to turn over 12" diameter. Look at a Powermatic 45 or 90 or one of the old Deltas or Olivers. $600-800 will buy a lot of old iron.
TD
Re: comparison of Jet lathes
John Lucas
>Dennis
There is a world of difference between the 12 and 14" jet. The 14 is much more lathe. I turned for years on a Delta that was the equivalent of the 1236 jet. It walked all over the shop even though I installed a heavey stand made from Pressed wood. I sold it and bought and old Jay-line. It was the same size lathe but much heavier. I liked it a lot better even though it didnn't have the headstock that turned. On that basis I will agree with Terry. If you can't go the $800 then look around for a heavy older lathe.