Lathes Reviews

This stand is very well engineered...both in design and ergonomics. As a professional woodturner, I've used many lathes and stands. For a mini lathe (Jet, Delta, Carb-a-tec, Rikon, General, Vicmark, etc), its THE stand to get. Very sturdy and adjustable. The fact that there is nothing at your feet directly under the bed of the lathe makes it VERY nice. The only drawback (if any) is the fact it doesn't fold up and takes up a bit of room in the shop. But its worth it to have a stable, comfortable turning platform.

I ordered this stand with the JET mini variable speed lathe. They arrived together. I had the lathe on the stand in about an hour. As a non-woodworking grandma I found it easy to assemble and not so heavy that I couldn't do it by myself. I am waiting for a rolling cart to arrive so that I can wheel it around in the barn and use it where it is easy to clean up after use. Sweep those shaving out the door! Buy one and you will like it. Sure saves on workbench space.

It's not like you couldn't build something this good or use a Workmate, as I did for a couple of years, but this stand is nicely made, stable, and easy to assemble. The paint and finish are the same as the lathe.
I have two Jet mini lathes, one of which I made a stand for (the non-variable speed), and a variable speed which I bought this stand for because I didn't have time to make one and the Workmate does not allow a compfortable stance while working. The lathe is fairly small and you need to be able to get up close to it or you will find that the bending over for any length of time causes back aches. The Jet JML-S is built without restriction at the front and allows a height adjustment range of 3-4 inches.
I initially set it all the way up, but found that about the middle was right for me. Quick and easy change.
Sometimes it's worth it to spend a little more and save some time.

Buying a lathe it one of the hardest decisions you will make in putting a shop together. The possibilities are endless, and, as you move up the price curve the cost of a misjudgment can get terrifying. Unless you are willing to settle for a mini-lathe (Jet makes several good lathes in that category as well) the bigger a lathe you can buy (up to a limit) the happier you will be in the long run.

The 1642, right in the middle of the price range can turn up to a 16" inch diameter bowl and up to 40+ inches in length - in other words, a small log - is one possibility you should seriously consider. At 400+ pounds it is solid enough to dampen vibration without taking a crew to assemble or move it. With a 1-1/2 horsepower motor it has enough power to do just about everything you might want to do.

Spindle speed is controlled by a two-position belt drive (0 - 1700 rpm or 0 - 3200 rpm) and is continuously variable over those ranges. While variable speed isn't a necessity, it's amazing how quickly you learn to depend on the ability to change speed as you turn. This is a superior piece of equipment and to get something better you would have to spend at least twice as much.

There are exactly two things I don't like about this lathe. One is trivial, I would have likes an optional hand turning wheel instead of having to grab a cylindrical turning bar to turn the work about manually. This is only a problem with pieces that are too small to grab onto - like pen mandrels. The other issue is that, to turn a bowl over 16" you have to run the head to the other end of the lathe, rather than turn it in place. This means the lathe takes up a bit more space and is slightly less convenient. But if you are working in that size range you probably should be looking at a more specialized tool.

I would rate this a best buy for the amateur through semi-professional woodshop. I've been using one for a while now, and I've had no reason to regret the decision. Keep in mind that, whatever lathe you buy, your next really big expense will be equipping it with all the neat gadgets that make woodturning a world of it's own.

After fighting a Grizzly lathe for months, I unloaded it on the next sucker ( Sorry, but it was cheap... and inexpensive, too ). The Jet lathe arrived in good condition via ABF who took forever to deliver it. It is heavy, but one person can easily assemble it with a hand cart and a pair of saw horses. Beautifully built. Everything goes together without any adjustments or rebuilding. The true variable speed is a joy to use. The sliding head stock makes bowl turning feasible for left-handers. If you are going to use a lathe, hock the family silver and consider this one.

Jet really thought of everything on this lathe. I previously had a 1/2 HP lathe with turning headstock and one of those cheap stands they typically come with. This thing is HEAVY. The stand is basically two sets of cast iron legs that weigh quite a bit all by themselves. The features on this lathe make it a pleasure to use. The variable speed is simply a dial that works like one of those pushbutton/turning light switches so you can dial in any speed you like. The electronic readout is really neat too. It also has forward/reverse so you can reverse the direction for sanding.

If you're in the market for a lathe, don't opt for the cheap solution like I originally did. If you're going to get a lathe, get a good one like this one. The features it has and its convienences allow you to get better and better at the lathe over time instead of fighting the equipment. You will end up needing a little more than 1/2 HP over time. This lathe rivals ANY of those costing much more. The only way I wouldn't seriously consider this lathe was if I were going to do many large bowls.

It never has failed to do anything I asked it to do and I've had it for about 1 year now.

Gary (Spider) Webb Peoria AZ
This has got to be the best woodworking money I have spent to date.
I went for a grizly 12/35 after about 18 months of turning. Its like steping into a new BMW. So smoth and powerful.

I bought this lathe about a month ago. Super lathe--the Horse power and weight are well worth the extra cost. Plus I love the fact that if I need something for my lathe the folks at Powermatic are in Tn. I want service when I buy and that's what you get buying from Amazom and Powermatic. Thanks for everything.

I've been using this lathe for over 2 years now and it sure is a heavyweight. I turn mostly bowls in the 14-20 inch diameter range and this is the machine to do it on. I moved up from a Jet that required the foundation that came with it to be anchored to the floor to keep it in one spot. This Powermatic at 960 pounds just doesn't move. The three speed pulley serpentine belt arrangement not only assures quiet operation but a great degree of freedom in choosing a speed for your work. Couple that to the three horsepower variable speed motor and this bad puppy just flat out cranks out torque. I've also made hundreds of pens on it. A little overkill but no problems doing it

This lathe is a sleeper. Truly. I have researched lathes for months because i wanted exactly the right lathe. My requirements were, smooth operation, variable speed, quiet, vibration free and heavy.

After much research and hands on evaluation I decided on and purchased the jet jet 1642-2EVS (708360) 2 hp lathe. It is the first machine that I have ever purchased that was not assembled and at first was somewhat annoyed that is was still in the crate but assembly was relatively simple. I removed the parts piece by piece from the truck. the legs are very heavy and luckily i had help. The bed was very heavy and somewhat of a challange to get it up on the legs, but assembly was very simple. Every hole was perfectly aligned. It was in a crate, very well protected and neatly packed.

Before i go into the details of the lathe i would like to give you some information on the prodcuts that i did evaluate and consider. The first unit was the NOVA. It was ok, i thought rather light and expensive for what it really was. Everything was an add on, and it started at nearly $2,000. It didn't impress me. The DELTA was a nice lathe. Very clean design but it just didn't have the weight. It would have been my second choice. The ONEWAY. It was just too darn big. Really nice machine if you win the lottery. It just kind of screamed "look what i got" Too yuppie. It was my last choice.

So, anyway, i purchased the jet. I went for the two hp model only because i wanted a 220 unit. They have lower operating costs and the dollar difference wasn't that great. I was surprised that they do not come with a plug, but that was no big deal.

Tonight i cleaned it up and got it running. After all the research i did, i didn't realize it wouldn't take my Delta chuck. It has a 1-1/2 x 8 screw and my Delta accessories have a 1 x 8. No big deal, they have an adaptor. Phew!!!!!!!!!
Everything was in perfect allignment. I turned it on and just stood there admiring the smooth operation. I have no vibration at any speed. The lack of noise impressed me very much. I just cut a bunch of trial pieces. Magnificant. I can't express enough how happy i am with this selection. Everything about it is quality.

Had the Jet 2hp 1642 for about a year now and have tried to write a review, maybe because I did not buy online. Well worth the money, very heavy and designed for the professional wood turner. If you like to brag, buy a Oneway, if you like to turn, buy a Jet 2Hp 1642 and save your money to buy nice wood. In my shop, I buy different makes of tools for how well they are built and to have the very best out of them, not the cost.

I don't understand why no one has written a review of this lathe. Something fishy about that. So here goes:

This lathe is the most expensive single tool purchase in my shop. So, you can imagine that I was pretty careful about researching my decision. Unfortunately, I live where I couldn't go and personally look at a selection of lathes. Only one tool store carries the $700.00 version of Delta and I did see in New Mexico a $2000.00 version. The cheap version is absolute crap! I won't go in to details. For the money I would buy a small Vicmarc. The other didn't impress me. I thought it was pretty light weight. In general, I think Delta has lost its edge on the tool market. I would not buy anything from Delta these days. It's mostly made in China.

I considered the three big alternatives to Jet-Oneway, Vicmark, General (not International) and Nova. To be honest, if I could have afforded it, I would have folded under review pressure and bought the Oneway. Problem is, the 16" Oneway cost twice as much as the Jet1642 and when I started thinking about how I would use the lathe, I had some serious problems with it. The head is fixed and there are significant costs in setting the lathe up to do outboard turning. The Vicmark pretty much suffers from the same limitations and IMHO is overpriced. The General is a bit old fashioned and expensive. The Nova DVR was a serious contender. I said no because they seem to have thrown all their marketing into DVR technology. The lathe is a bit lightweight (less than 200 pounds) and the $2200.00 price tag is just the start. The lathe isn't long enough to do spindle work and I don't like the idea of having to buy an extension to do basic spindle work (add another $250.00). It does not come with a base (add more dollars and/or work).

I really obsessed over this (as you can see). After reading other opinions in online forums, I got the feeling that there is a lot snobbery surrounding the choice of a lathe. The Canadian and Australian lathes seem to dominate market opinion. True, they are not made in Taiwan or China (so they say) but I don't believe that is a valid final criterion anymore. Taiwan has caught up with Japan in many areas of manufacture and is arguably now making quality tools.

I believe that tool makers need to think carefully about their designs. I believe Jet has done just that. So here is what I got and how I feel about:

I ordered the Jet1642 with a 2HP motor, which is really a 3-phase motor with a converter, and an extra banjo assembly (for spindle turning) with free shipping to my door. The cost was very close to an even $2000.00. The lathe came packed in a single box that really impressed me. The lathe weighs 450lbs and the box only 25lbs. But there was no doubt in my mind that the lathe was undamaged. Jet does an incredible packing job. Everything I ever ordered from Delta came damaged because their packing is absolutely horrible!

I took some advice from those forums, and moved the lathe into my shop (my wife was the only help I required) one piece at a time-first the legs, then the bed, then the head and tailstock. Everything cleaned up nice with mineral spirits and bolted together easily. The fit and finish of the lathe is excellent! I compared it to other cast iron tools in my shop made in USA and could not fault any part of the Jet. I had to buy a 220 volt plug before I could turn it on, but when I did the lathe performed perfectly. If there is any vibration at all then it is very slight and exists at around 1500 rpm where the lathe seems to resonate. But I would not really call it vibration. You cannot feel it unless you put your hand directly on the headstock. It isn't really fair of me to mention it. The only reason I do is because it is purely relative, and otherwise, I can't feel a thing when the lathe is running. Tools do not vibrate off the bed when I am working anymore and the lathe is very, very quite.

The lathe is heavy! Yeah! The cast iron legs are great! I built a platform and loaded it down with lots of wood blanks, adding about 200 more lbs to the lathe. I checked the indexing and can tell you that the positions are accurate and rock solid. All the locking mechanisms are solid. The tailstock is massive and self ejecting (a feature not mentioned on many lathes). I pushed the tail up to the head with centers installed and the alignment was perfect everywhere on the bed. I am looking forward to pushing the head to the end of the bed and doing some serious outboard turning, and at no extra cost!

So, in general, I got everything I wanted. If there is anything I would suggest to Jet it is the following: (1) I would put the reverse switch somewhere where it can't be bumped or lock it. (2) The indexing pin, which screws into the index hole (a nice feature), is too easily lost. It needs to be attached to the lathe. A small issue, but I wouldn't want to have to go through the hassle of ordering another one. I'm going to make a rotating attachment on the end of a chain. (3) The headstock is a bit cumbersome. It interferes with an overhand grip when working close to the spindle. This can be very annoying. But to be fair, this is minor because an overhand grip is unnecessary for spindle turning and it is not an issue for bowl turning.

A small note: The 1642 is really a small version of the Powermatic. It is the same design, just smaller. So for about $700.00 more you can upgrade to a 20 inch lathe. I would be more cautious concerning the 24 inch model. It been known to have problems and is designed differently.

vibration free-Heavy cast iron. Large handle for big hands, locks base to lathe bed "rock solid". Screw lock for tool rest works both left or right side. Helps to keep it away from work or tail stock.
Thats an exspecially handy feature when using the 24 inch tool rest
which requires two tool rest bases.

vibration free-Heavy cast iron. Large handle for big hands, locks base to lathe bed "rock solid". Screw lock for tool rest works both left or right side. Helps to keep it away from work or tail stock.
Thats an exspecially handy feature when using the 24 inch tool rest
which requires two tool rest bases.

The part was back ordered , but that was OK , I wanted it as a spare. Good quaulity

Essential item to use the Teknatool Nova Scroll chuck on any lathe with a 1" headstock drive. The nail for want of which the battle can be lost.

Got this as a needed accessory for my jet Lathe. Shopped around for a bit and settled on this chuck. The value is great. Comes well packaged with all the necessary items (including 50mm jaws). Delivery was quick (coming from Canada). Overall, price was very good for the quality and ease of use.

I've had my hands on so much Chinese junk lately, that I forgot what a quality tool feels like... and this is quality!

Oil-coated in a bag in the box but easy to wipe off (not the gummy stuff). Made in New Zealand. Comes with a set of 2" jaws and fully compatible with the other Nova jaws. Very nice feel, smooth working action with the levers. Already threaded with 1"x8, so there's no extra cost of an adapter. I'm glad I got this one.

I see that Amazon doesn't carry this item and it's listed on here by a third party seller. I can not make a comment on that sellers performance, I got mine at Woodcraft.

I found this to be a very simple and effective accessory for my Jet Mini Lathe. The various attachments allowed me to turn bowls and other similiar objects easily. For the money it is a great value!

If you are tired of bolting on faceplates and everything that goes along with that, then consider buying a four jaw chuck. This will enable you to work a variety of pieces all for the minimal effort of turning a lip on your piece that the chuck can grab. Much spindle work can be done without even making that effort. It's quite easy to set up - screw in the insert, tighten a hex screw, and then screw the whole assembly onto the lathe. The only complication arises from picking which accessory jaws to buy with it. These are numberless.

It's a bit embarassing to admit that I have two of these - due to a streak of laziness and an occasional excess of cash. the only thing I don't like about this chuck is that changing jaws takes time, and I'm the impatient sort. Keep in mind that no four jaw chuck is any easier to use, I just find it easier to remove one chuck and insert another than to keep fiddling with four seperate jaws. I wish that, rather than an insert that uses the lathe's headstock threads there was an attachment that let you use the morse taper. [There is one available from an aftermarket fabricator and as soon as I get motivated I'll order one and try it out.]

Once you have one of these you are going to wonder how you managed without one. Or two, if you are crazy like me. Teknatool also makes some lighter weight chucks that are perfect for smaller and mini size lathes. Their service is excellent as well.

Being relatively new to woodturning and wanting something to turn other than pens I bought this item. It is a nice solid piece of equipment. The hex t-handle is very easy to use to tighten with only one hand. So far the standard 2 inch jaws are all I have used but they work well when gripping a 1/4 inch dovetailed grip in the wood. The woodworm screw is also very solid in the wood. have not had a wobble arise while using it. When setting it up be careful not to loste the gasket material in one of the bags. This is meant to go into the set-screw channel to help holding the chuck to the insert. The jaws are easy to put on and change, I also bought a set of the mini cole jaws. Each piece of the jaws is numbered to match one of the pieces on the chuck, to fit they really need to go on their respective place. the finish on this chuck is nice and clean without any palpable rough areas.
From the reading I did I went with this as it seems to be a good mid range chuck with lots of available accessories. So far I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone.

I need a small press for forming aluminum sheets 1/8" thick.

this press loks like an excellent poassibility.

willard L. Kern

Lathe arrived in good shape except the lock for the tool rest was broken. I had a metric bolt the correct size to use in its' place. The lathe works well and am having a ball making wood bowls from native Birch. They are beautiful. Also turned a rolling pin from a glue-up lamination of four different hardwoods. Am really enjoying it.

First of all the specs were accurate. The dimensions were true. With a little tuneup and adjusting it was as advertised, except for the 1/2 horse motor. Don't expect half of a horse in that little motor. The value is still good for dollar spent.

When I was looking at lathes, I talked with many people who had tried and liked either the Jet Mini or the PSI Turncrafter Pro lathe. I could not find many that had used both, to get an idea of the differences between them. Now owning a PSI Turncrafter Pro and having taken a class and used a Jet Mini for 5 hours or so, I decided to summarize the differences.

Both lathes look deceptively similar. The PSI is 4" longer in the bed at 18", vs 14" for the Jet. The Jet also has one higher speed. The first 5 speed ranges seem to be very close. The beds look almost exactly the same, as do the banjo and steadyrest. The tail stock wheel contains a handle (just a steel rod) on the Jet, where the PSI is only a wheel. The handle does make adjusting the tail stock depth faster for far moves. The motor height adjustment is almost exactly the same. (EDIT: After posting this, I found the tailstock handle in the spare belt bag. It actually works a little better than the Jet, so this is definitely not a disadvantage.)

Quality wise, the Jet has a nicer finish and features. By this, I mean the machining is a little better cleaned up and parts are more thought out. The threads on my PSI headstock looked like there were cut and never touched again. There are burrs and sharp edges that I will be dressing down. While the Jet lathe I was using had been in use at the classroom for a while, I haven't noticed this on Jet minis out on display at shops either.

The major difference, which will affect daily use, are the belt access doors. The Jet has a nice flip open door for both top and bottom access. Although the spring handle setup for the bottom door seems a little strange to me, it works fast once you get used to it. The access to the belts are in exactly the same spot, but the PSI has a thumb screw to undo and then a little plastic piece which is lifted and removed. This piece has slits on the bottom that sits on bolts screwed in below the opening. The piece would be set down for the change then replaced. It makes for a piece to lose and takes over twice as long to change the belt speed as on the Jet. I will be replacing my plastic pieces with doors that have a spring clip, similar to the Jet's. Currently my access panels are off, because they are annoying to remove and replace.

The locking handle on the steady rest and the tail stock depth lock are both a plastic handles on the PSI. The operation is the same, both spring loaded handles which can be lifted to change position without rotating the bolt. The plastic handles don't feel flimsy, but I doubt they will last quite as long as the metal handles on the Jet.

Point to point, my PSI is slightly off (1/32" tail is closer to me than the head point). While a thin shim under the tail will fix this, I'm not sure if this is typical with PSI or not. My sample size is 1. I did not see this with the 4 Jet lathes I looked at.

I couldn't find any real difference in power or vibration between the two lathes. Both ran very smooth and had enough power for everything but the largest task. An out of balance, green, hugh bowl blank is a little much for a lathe this small. :)

I am still happy with my PSI purchase. After I spend a little bit of time to polish off some of the rough edges and I will have a nice lathe for about $100 less than the Jet. I don't see the loss of the high end (3800 rpm or so) on the Jet as too much of a problem. 3200 rpm is fast enough and both have the 500 rpm low end. But there is no doubt, the Jet is a better finished machine, with a few "upgrades" over the PSI. If I could have found the Jet on special for within $20-40 of the PSI, I would have paid the difference.