Jet Lathe decision

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Wood Spinner

>Tony

EVS a must in my opinion. It makes your turning easier.

Also in my opinion if you think you will use the extra swing buy it. Remember that you can not start a rgh piece any larger than the swing. By the time you have it turned round and shapeds the way you want it will likley be no larger than 11 ". Also in the larger work the banjo gets in the way. Go for the 16 and enjoy.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Jerry Whitaker

>Determine your minimium requirements and then save until you can afford the next step up and you will be much happier.

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Lan Brady

>Tony,

I had the same question in my mind 7 months ago. I wrote down a list of what my turning goals are and what percentage of each I expected to be turning.

Over 90% of my dreams were less than 14 inches in diameter. The other 10% , I have learned to turn by swivelling the head and turning outboard. So far 20 inch platters are possble.

I did spend the money on high quality turning tools, chuck, grinder, and sharpening jig.

The 1442 has been great and will serve until I upgrade to a 20 or 24 inch swing, several years from now.

Good Luck with your decision, it will be a good one no matter what the outcome.

Lan

Re: Jet Lathe decision

BobP

>Tony,

Go with your heart ;)

The EVS on the 1642 is well worth it, IMHO. Prior to buying my PM 3520A I gave a serious look at the Jet units (little brother to the PM 3520A) as I thought they had some very nice features for the money. I think the extra swing of the 1642 will be welcome as your projects grow. The ability of the EVS to be easily set to a real low speed when starting to trun out-of-balance stock is a major "plus". Being new to turning myself, I find the ability to easily change the speed to be an advantage as I don't always pick the optimum speed on the first try. Being able to easily try a cut at different speeds can be quite nice.

Just my personal experience...

BobP

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Anthony

>I agree,go with the biggest swing you can afford.I too started with a Delta Iron Bed,and after a year took it back and wound up buying a PM3520.I would stay away from outboard turning as much as possible.From what I've learned,it's not good for the bearings.Most say you will be replacing bearings more often than you like.Good luck!!!

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA

>Tony, one other thing about the EVS on the 1642 that haas not yet been mentioned, but which is a huge plus, is that it is a 3 phase motor. You only need single phase current to run it, but the magic box inside converts to 3 phase. This increases the torque the motor puts out dramatically, and makes your turning go a lot faster and smoother. This is not to be confused with single phase variable speed DC motors, which are still very nice. This is a whole new level of turning power, and it is difficult to go back once you have tasted the luxury of 3 phase power.

Bill

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Barry Turner

>I think you will enjoy the EVS and also the added weight of the 1642. It also has a 16" swing vs. a 12" swing on the 1242. I vote for the 1642.

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Leo Van Der Loo

>The biggest problem with the smaller laths has been the to high minimum speed, as soon as you want to turn some larger or out of balance chunks of wood and your min. speed is something like 500 or 600 rpm you had a real problem on your hand, with the variable speed you do have the ability to turn larger pieces safely, than you would be otherwise. the other thing is movable head stock lead very often to problems with out of line head stock-tail stock, plus the stress on the banjo toolrest hanging outboard, and than the other thing you will never feel sorry for buying the best.

Have fun and take care

Leo V

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Earl

>You are probably looking at around $2000 for the 1642. You can take a huge step up to the Powermatic 3520A for $2450. You are getting EVS, plus a 20" swing which can easily go to ?? by sliding the head down to the end of the bed, and 700 pounds of weight. I have heard almost 100% positive for the lathe. I just ordered one! Southern Tool has it at that price with free shipping. This lathe is easily twice or more the lathe than the Jet for a few more dollars.

Earl

Re: Jet Lathe decision

James L. Seigal McMinnville, OR.

>Tony, if you have the chance to turn on the 12" or 14" do it. Then turn on the 1642.. you won't be happy with the smaller machines. Warning!!!! DON'T try the PM 3520A afterwards.... We're all SICK, VERY SICK. :)

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Tony Dentino

>Thanks for the response guys... I think the 1642 is the way to go. The problem with the Powermatic is the thought of shlepping a 700 lb machine down my basement steps make me cringe; and if I ever need to haul it back up...

Tony

Re: Jet Lathe decision

Tony Reynolds

>Not to change your mind, but the PM will break down into 200lb or so managable chunks if you will. I have a walk out basement shop, but got if off my pickup and into the shop by myself by disassembling it.

Tony

Re: Jet Lathe decision

John Weeks

>Tony,

I recently attended a three day turning class where we all brought our lathes - there were two 12 or 14 inch Jet's with mechanical speed controls. I noticed that both of those people seemed to spend a lot of time every day fiddling with the speed control mechanism.

If my absolute top limit was $2000 I'd go with the 1642 Jet or the comparible Delta (I think they're calling it the X5 now). But if I could squeeze the extra $500 I'd get the Powermatic withoug blinking.

I made this same decision myself a couple of years ago - I've got the Delta 1642 and am quite happy with it.