Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
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JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 1-1/2 Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 PhaseOffering a one-inch swing over the bench and 42-inch capacity between centers, the JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 Phase is ideal for home shop use. Boasting the versatility of a sliding headstock, electronic variable speed, and the necessary capacity for large projects, the JET JWL-1642EVS is a great lathe for beginning and serious craftspeople alike.
The multi ball bearing live center and screw on cone attachment make turning projects with a center hole easier and safer.The strong, three phase motor ennsures plenty of power for a wide range of projects.Three-Phase Motor with Electronic Inverter for Powerful PerformanceThe JWL-1642EVS comes equipped with a 1-1/2HP, three phase, 115-volt motor for shops that do not have 220-volt power available. An electronic inverter does all the work to convert from the "1 phase" to "3 phase." The inverter also provides the ability to vary the frequency of the motor, which in turn allows for variable speed.
Cast-Iron Castings for Stability and Smooth OperationBased on heavy-duty iron castings, the JWL-1642EVS provides long-term accuracy and smooth, vibration-free operation. Even the legs are made from an iron casting and include cast-in supports and adjustable pads at each foot to ensure a solid stance on uneven surfaces. With these legs, the spindle (center) height is a comfortable 44.5 inches above the floor.
The JWL-1642EVS headstock is also made from a massive iron casting that provides rigid support for the 1-1/2 HP, variable speed motor(0 to 3,200 RPM), and the high-strength spindle. After machining, the headstock is fitted with large diameter, high-quality ball bearings that support the precision-machined spindle for reliable performance.
Large-Diameter Spindle with Built-in Indexing for Drilling, Fluting, and MoreThe large-diameter spindle has a 1.25 x 8 threads-per-inch nose that supports the large chucks typically used with this type of lathe. Additionally, the outboard end of the spindle is fitted with a barrel-type grip for turning the spindle by hand. The spindle also has internal indexing built in that allows you to lock it in 36 positions (or 10-degree increments) for drilling, fluting, grooving, and other operations.
For added convenience, the spindle is indexed with a screw-in pin provided with the lathe. There's also a push-button spindle lock on the front of the headstock for a simple, tool-free way to temporarily lock the spindle when you install or remove the faceplate, chuck, or other screw-on accessories.
Heavy-Gauge Wire Guard for SafetyA special mount on the rear of the headstock accepts a heavy-gauge wire guard (included), and a spring-loaded pin indexes the guard up or down to make mounting and removing turned objects easy. This guard also serves as a protective shield between the work and the operator, when large chips and chunks generated while turning blanks can turn into dangerous projectiles.
User-Friendly Controls, LED, and Toggle SwitchDesigned to be user-friendly, the JWL-1642EVS features dial-operated, infinite speed controls conveniently located on the front of the headstock. A large digital LED readout makes monitoring the spindle speed easy and very accurate, while the toggle switch on the front panel allows selecting forward and reverse spindle directions. Finally, a large-diameter pull on/push off button (also on the front panel) is easily accessible no matter your operating position.
Large Tailstock for StabilityThe JWL-1642EVS has a large tailstock with the mass and wide base to generate the stability you need. The large ram has a full four-inch travel, operated by an easy-to-turn, five-inch diameter handwheel fitted with a spinner handle, the popular #2 Morse taper, and a 3/8-inch diameter through hole, which is convenient for drilling lamp bases. Finally, like the tool-rest base, a large handle makes it easy to lock the tailstock securely in place.
Ball bearing Live Center and Cast Iron Tool Rest Base for VersatilityThe JWL-1642EVS comes with a high-end, multi-row ball bearing live center with a screw-on, large-diameter cone for projects like peppermills and boxes, and a cast-iron tool-rest base designed to be very rigid, easy to position, and thanks to its comfortably long handle, very easy to lock in position.
The JWL-1642EVS measures 29 x 28 x 59 inches (WxHxL), weighs 410 pounds, and is covered by a five-year warranty.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich ProductsOpened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the BoxOne lathe, two cast legs, one tailstock, one headstock, one tool-rest body, one tool basket, one guard assembly, one accessory package, one owner's manual, and warranty card.
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