Jet Mini Lathe

[RJD2]

I am planning on purchasing a Jet Mini Lathe as a christmas present. Is the variable speed version worth the extra money which is approximately $100? I have never owned or operated a lathe before so your advice would be appreciated.

[Tom Miller]

I own a non-VS Jet mini, and have never used a VS, so keep that in mind.

It's only VS within several ranges, IIRC, so there's still some belt changing going on. And, from what I recall of the ranges, it seems like most of my speed changing would require crossing those ranges (i.e. belt changing).

I don't find belt changing to be any difficulty, especially after I installed a couple mirrors so I don't have to lean over the machine. This view is looking down on the lathe headstock; there's a mirror on both access doors:





Regards,
Tom

[CrashResq]

RJ. I'm in the same boat as Tom. I own the non VS version and have never regretted not getting the VS one. Changing the speed by moving the belt on the non VS one is very simple and quick. I adopted Tom's mirror idea (Thanx Tom) and now I can actually do it by feel. Bottom line, IMHO, use the $100 to buy a decent chuck or a good grinder and jig or some good tools, etc

[Whaler]

I have the non vs lathe and belt changes are so quick and easy that I can't see a reason for the vs.

[Tom Hintz]

I also use the JET Mini without VS. My larger lathe has variable speed but I don't miss it on the Mini, in part because it is so easy to change speeds. See the link below for my review of this machine that includes a video showing the speed change process. It takes way longer to show/explain it that it does to actually do it.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/jwl1014rvu.html

[Rob R]

My local woodcraft is selling the jet midi for 199.99 right now. the non VS one. that's a great buy, and what my wife bought me for christmas. while you are there, grab the midi chuck on sale for $70

rob

[sacherjj]

Although I don't have the Jet, I have to jump on the bandwagon here. I've used the Jet mini regular and played with the VS. I currently own the PSI Turncrafter, which is almost exactly like the Jet in speed control. I don't even look when changing speeds, just loosen and set the belt position by feel. It only takes a few seconds. There is also less to go wrong with the non-VS model (electronics wise.)

[broschultz]

is there an extension bed for the jet mini. I notice other makes advertise that their beds can be extended.

[BigguyZ]

Yes, there is a bed available. It's $50 from Amazon, I think.

I got the Jet mini non VS for $150 from a used tool store. Had to buy a live center, but that was only $20 on eBay. Asked for the Nova chuck for x-mas. Now, all I need is some wood....

[RayintheUK]

Is the variable speed version worth the extra money which is approximately $100?

A useful feature of variable speed is the ability to "fine tune" the vibrations caused by an out-of-balance workpiece and get it running smoothly and safely. This is a feature of my variable speed lathe that I use quite a bit, as I make my own blanks.

Belt-changing and variable speed do go together, because having a range of fixed belt speeds retains the torque better, then the VS handles the fine (or intermediate) speed control.

Given the size of the lathe and the fact that the workpieces will generally be fairly small, out-of-balance tuning might never be an issue. The extra electronics account for the price hike. It would be worth it to me, as I like the fine control (admittedly on a full-size heavy-duty lathe) - but it may not be as important a feature to you.

HTH

Ray.

[RJD2]

Thanks everyone for the useful information. I purchased the non-VS from Amazon for $199.99, and the Nova Midi Chuck from Woodcraft for $70.