anyone have a jet 1220vs??

[drumpriest]

Anyone have a jet 1220vs? If so, how do you like it? I don't do a ton of turning, but I currently have a M power 1018 mini. It's worked ok, but has more run out than I'd like. I was thinking that the 1220vs might work well for me for quite a while, well into my next shop where I may get room for a big lathe if I ever really get into turning. For small bowls, spindles, legs and of course pens/pencils, I was thinking the 3/4 hp 1220 would probably be ok, any thoughts??

Thanks,

Keith

[Tom Hintz]

I have a review of the 1220 at the link below.
It really is a nice machine with more capability than I expected. I think JET more or less swelled up their 1014 to make the 1220 and that is a good thing.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/jet1220rvu.html

[Whaler]

I bought a Jet 1220 when they first hit the market, it's not the VS model though. I have had it for about 1 1/2 years now and love it. Tom's review is a must read and was instrumental in my decision.

[leehljp]

Below is the link to the Manual. I was disappointed when it came out and advertised as "continuously variable" which technically in English" means "without steps". However the "continuously variable" on the 1220VS means with steps-pulleys in addition to the VS electronics.

http://content.jettools.com/manuals/708376VS_man.pdf

I have been researching this lately and there are no lathes in the below $800 -$900 range that will go below 450 RPM. I would like to be able to go down to 200 RPM at the least.

[Uncle Cracker]

Biggest problem with the Jet VS models is the chintzy toggle switch that turns the thing on and off. This is an oft used part, and it's durability is questionable. Failure rates have been very high, and replacement switches from WMH are apparently not any better than the originals. I've replaced mine twice in less than 10 months. This problem does not affect the non-VS models.