Jet pen-turner's lathe

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

Paul Porter in Phoenix, AZ

>Al, I think you would be more than happy. You can turn small bowls on that lathe as well.

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe *LINK*

Fred in NC

>I have seen that lathe, and was offered one for $75 by a nearby store. After looking at it I changed my mind. It is grossly underpowered, and it is difficult to move the tailstock out of the way to remove the mandrel. Worst of all, it uses a #0 Morse taper. You get a mandrel with that taper size with the lathe, but it is hard to get anything that fits it in the open market.

Wilton, a division of WMH, same company as Jet, Powermatic, etc. has a mini that would be worth looking into. The taper is #1 Morse, which is readily available, and the spindle thread is 3/4"-16, which although not as common as the 1-8, you can get chucks, faceplates, etc. It is cast iron, unlike the Penmaker's aluminum extrusion. Also has variable speed, like the VS Jet Mini. The Wilton weights in at 45 lbs.

Priced at $99 with free shipping, it would be the equivalent of about $70 if you had to pay the shipping. PSI sells a similar lathe for $139, and you have to pay shipping.

I have not used the lathe, but coming from WMS I would think it is OK. Again, I have not used it, so this is just a lead to a possible better alternative. Link below.


Wilton Mini Lathe

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

JL work

>Or you could go for a Jet Mini and turn a little more. Okay, the price would be probably $200 more - but just think how much happier you would be:)).

What size bowls ?

Fred in NC

>Are we talking about the same lathe ?

I think you might be able to turn thimbles with it. . . . The motor is only 1/12 HP !!

Re: What size bowls ?

Tom Mullane

>I would definately not purchase the Jet Pen Lathe... I would buy the Jet Mini.. in fact I did recently for my second lathe... right now it is at our new turner's club since we can't afford a lathe at this time... LOL.. but I still get to use it.. if I am willing to do a club demo.

The pen turning lathe is severely underpowered at 1/12 HP.. the Mini is 1/2 HP and I have seen some nice bowls turned on one.. also it has #2MT head and tailstock that match my Jet1236 and a 1"x8 thread headstock that also matches my bigger lathe..

I am not sure about the Wilton.. but it looks like an inexpensive clone... and has a smaller motor.. it also does not tell you what size Morse tapers or headstock thread it has...

You will not go wrong with the Jet, Delta or even the Turncrafter Pro from PSI.. which is a nice alternative if you need to save some bucks..

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

Wood Spinner

>If you even consider turning anything but pens DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

The Jet 1014 at 1/2 HP is a min. I find it to be even under powered for bowls. I have to admit I am a strong handed hoger of a turner. The normal person would likley find it just great.

I use mine for pens, bottle stoppers etc.and it works great.

Get the best you want to afford.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

bill Crommett in seneca

>Hey Al: Now that you have risen out of the hibernation, enjoy the new Jet. Anything will be better than freezing in the cold Iowa garage.

And post your results.

Bill

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

Fog Tanner

>Since you already have the turning tools, glue and finishes, thats a lot of money for a few pen kits, some wood and a toy lathe. I have turned pens on a Jet Mini, along with some hollow vessels, bowls and boxes. Either Jet mini or the Vic 100 (the jet is a copy of the Vic) will serve you better over those cold winter months when you get bored making pens.

Re: What size bowls ?

Paul Porter in Phoenix, AZ

>OOOPS! I was thinking about the Jet Mini not the pen turning lathe. I wouldn't waste my money on the pen lathe. Spend the extra bucks for the Jet mini with the ten inch swing.

Specs for the Wilton

Fred in NC

>Are below in my other answer to this post.

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

Carole in VA

>You already have all the turning stuff so you don't need a kit. Get the Jet Mini. I looked at the pen lathes before I bought my mini...boy, am I glad I didn't do that! Check around for prices...right after I bought mine, they went on sale for $179. :( I did not get the variable speed and don't regret it (yet.) I can flip a belt a lot of times for a hundred bucks.

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

Mark in Chalfont

>Get the Jet mini. I did the same thing and was glad I got the mini.

You will be sorry if you get the 1/12hp toy.

Good luck

Re: Jet mini, it is...I think.

Al Stokka - Cambridge, Iowa

>Thank you all for the opinions. I had to go to Des Moines yesterday afternoon so I stopped at The Woodsmith Store to see if they might have the Jet pen lathe. Larry, who has taken a lot of my money, said the store had some at one time but almost immediately put them on the clearance table. Way underpowered, just like most you folks said.

So I ordered the Jet mini stater kit. The price quoted was $120.00 less than the price shon in the catalog I have (received it Tuesday) and also $120.00 less than Craft USA's web page shows. I questioned the order taker twice about the price (I hate complaining that a price is too low!) and even called back to re-check the price. I was assured both times that the kit includes the Jet mini, not the pen turners lathe. I guess I fins out when the UPS dude comes to the door early next week.

Thanks again for all the help.

Al

Re: Jet pen-turner's lathe

Barry Turner

>I think you would be much happier with a Jet Mini lathe. Not a lot more money. Lot's more capability.