Jet mini lathe $199

[paulstenlund]

Got an E-mail from Woodcraft - Jet Mini Lathe $199 with free shipping - any comments or suggestions ?? Would this lathe be suitable for bowl turning it has 10" swing over bed.

(posted to bargains and turning)

Paul

[Tom Miller]

Got an E-mail from Woodcraft - Jet Mini Lathe $199 with free shipping - any comments or suggestions ?? Would this lathe be suitable for bowl turning it has 10" swing over bed.

(posted to bargains and turning)

Paul

I've been very happy with mine over the last couple years I've had it. You won't be making huge bowls with it, but I've turned bowls at least up to 8" in diameter quite easily. I think that's a great deal; free delivery puts it over the top!

Regards,
Tom

[gad5264]

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

Sounds like a good piece of equipment.

[softop41]

Paul,
I have had mine for a couple months and have turned several things on the faeplate, including a bowl of about 7.5" diameter finished. I think it is a great deal for the price. I got mine at Woodcraft for $209.99 so your find is even better. However, BE AWARE, BE VERY AWARE, the lathe is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. So far, I have about $750 into turning; that includes the lathe, a 6 pc. midi set of Robert Sorby turning tools, a Nova G3 chuck, an extra parting tool and a Woodcraft tool rest system. But...it sure is fun!!!!!!!
Good Luck and Happy Turning
Jerry

[paulstenlund]

He who hesitates is lost

Thanks for the help guys, decided to order the lathe. Just called and they are sold out. I'm depressed.

Paul

[paulstenlund]

whoopee

Got one -- Some responded to the thread in bargain alerts and said they just ordered - 4pm today PST - so I called backed and a different order person said "Yes we sold out but we will have more on the Feb 1" so I pulled the trigger. Just have to figure out how to tell my financial manager. ohboyohboy

Paul

[paulstenlund]

I got my order confirmation from Woodstock and it says "Jet mini lathe with w/index head", its backordered 'till feb 1st. Maybe I got lucky. I've been dealing with pulleys so ong it's hardly an issue. BTW whats an indexing head.

Paul

[DeanKC]

BTW whats an indexing head.

Nifty little device, built in, that will allow you to stop your work at specific intervals for things like routing or drilling.

It's also handy if you need a third hand to hold your spindle still while mounting things in a tommy-bar style chuck.

I think the Jet mini is a 12 position index. On some of the bigger lathes, they offer a 24 position. Or you can purchase a special indexing wheel that will give you choices up into the ridiculous range. At least ridiculous for me.

You can see a commercially available wheel at: INDEXING WHEEL. You have to build a jig to cause it to stop, but that's not really hard.

Congrats on the new acquisition. You'll love it, I'm sure. Great little machine. If you or a friend have welding skills, you can create a couple of additional toolrests for it. I've got big hands, and the rest that comes with it can be annoying. Use 3/4" or 1" round, cold-rolled steel, and weld an appropriate post to it at exactly 90º, and you're good to go. Had a couple done while I was teaching little boys to turn over the last 18 months.