Lathe selection?

Re: Lathe selection?

gil

>I have a 1442 that I purchased 2 years ago. I am very happy with the lathe and the service from Jet. Since this is the only lathe that I have ever used you should keep this im mind. The only time that I wish that I had something else is when the blank (log) is larger than 14" and out of balance. In defense of the lathe...I made a tool shelf out of what should be a 300 pound box of sand, it is not bolted to the floor and it is on wheels.

Re: Lathe selection?

John Lucas

>There's nothing wrong with the reeves drive. There are better drives (in my opinion) but I used 2 lathes with that drive for years and except for needing to lube the adjustment shaft every now and then it works great. I don't think I lubed mine more than once a year.

If you get hooked on woodturning, and we'll do our best to get you there, you will probably buy another lathe in the future that will fit you needs better. It may or may not be a 3520 Powermatic or Jet 1642. I have upgraded to the 3520 and think it is the best lathe in it's price. You wouldn't go wrong if you did decide to go with either of the two lahes you mentioned, but you can turn a lot of work on the Jet 14. Everyone wants a bigger lathe but the vast majority of work out there can be turned on a 14" or smaller lathe. What you get with a bigger lathe is usually more mass and less vibration.

Re: Lathe selection?

Duane C.Leach

>Welcome David... What you have asked (Which lathe?) is like asking which came first the chicken or the egg? You realy won't know which lathe untill you get some experence behind you. As far as lathe size is concerned. Human nature tells us that bigger is better. But buying a lathe big enough to turn a 24" bowl the very first time you turn anything is just asking for trouble.

My advice Start out small and build on your gained knowledge. Invest in safty equipment. Face shield, dust mask at very the least.

And above all else have fun.

Duane

Re: Lathe selection?

JL

>My personal druthers are to wait and save for the 1642. The 1442 is a fine lathe, but the variable speed drive (and the reverse) on the 1642 are very nice. My $0.02.

Re: Lathe selection?

David Dixon

>Thank you all for the replys. Yall have a nice site here. Thank you for letting me participate. I have decided to save a little more money up for the lathe. I like to buy these type of things once. I have enjoyed reading many of the posts on all aspects of turning. I have done some turning in the past, but its been about 30 years ago. I was an aide in woodshop in high school and helped others with their projects.(and not getting hurt in the process). We did alot of projects on the PM lathe they had .I believe it was a PM 90 or a predecessor. It worked great as I recall. We never had any problems and never had anything come off it while I was in there. It was very heavy. We didn't have the chucks back then like they do today. We made alot of lamps ,bowls,and spindles. I made about 20 Walnut T-handle shifter handles for all my friends. When they saw one they had to have one. It was fun. Thank you again for the good information, David

Re: Lathe selection?

Glenn Madsen

>I looked for a lathe with history, and couldn't find one I liked in a reasonable time. The Shopsmith had outlived its welcome, being a poor compromise as a lathe.

$800 I could squeeze out of the budget now. $1900 for the Nova DVR wasn't going to happen for a while. And the 3520 Powermatic quite a while longer.

So there's a new 1442 in my shop. Lessons start Wednesday morning. Thank goodness for woodworking friends.

Re: Lathe selection?

BubbaBob

>I turn up to 18-19 inches on my 1442 by going outboard, and have never had problems with the Reeves drive.

Someday I'll have a VB36, but for now I'm happy.

BubbaBob