Lathe Has the Power for Big Turnings

Jet’s new JWL-1440VSK Lathe has plenty of power for large bowl turnings as well as long, thick spindles. I did what I could to push the lathe’s 1-hp motor to its limits, testing its low-speed power and resistance to rocking under a heavy, unbalanced load. It took a lot to stall the motor. Aggressive cuts with spindle and bowl gouges were not a problem, and the lathe faltered only once, when I used a scraper near the rim of a 4-in.-thick by 12-in.-dia. bowl blank.

The lathe has a 141⁄2-in. swing and 40 in. between centers. At 12 in. long, the tool rest needs repositioning only a few times to turn a long spindle like a table leg. The headstock rotates for outboard turning, and slides to the tailstock end for bowl turning. An auxiliary tool rest for outboard turning is supplied.

The Jet is a variable-speed lathe, with a range from 400 to 3,000 rpm. Speed changes, controlled by a Reeves drive (an oldtime design), are made by turning a knob at the front of the headstock. The knob turned smoothly at high speeds, but felt tight and balky when slowing from 800 to 400 rpm. I found the speed dial hard to read, too. Overall, I’d prefer an electronic speed control. Nonetheless, at $1,600, including the cast-iron stand, the JWL-1440VSK is an economical lathe that performs well.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

JessEm Mite-R Excel II Miter Gauge

The gauge has a quick and easy method for fitting the guide bar precisely to your tablesaw’s miter slot. This means the gauge can be recalibrated if necessary for continued accuracy. The face of the protractor head can be adjusted square to the table and also square to the guide bar. This ensures accurate cuts, and it, too, can be readjusted if the need arises. The protractor head has stainless-steel knobs and fittings and high-contrast, easy-to-read white numbers and increments.

Buy at Amazon

Oneida’s Super Cell Dust Collector

30-Gal with Wall Mount

Buy at Amazon

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon