I’m sure this topic has been beat to death, but I can’t seem to make the search function come up with what I’m looking for, so here goes yet again:
I’m looking to get my first lathe. First of all, I know from the reasearch I’ve done that I’ll wish I had a bigger/better machine almost right off. But my reasons for going smaller and cheaper to start are: 1) I am very space limited right now and I can’t fit a large machine in my shop until I do an addition. 2) I plan to do small turnings initially that a small to mid size machine should be able to handle. 3) Price (of course).
The Jet 1442 Looks like about the most machine for the money. Is there a better option?
Thanks
Replies
Lathe accessories should factor into your budget. Accessories that you probably will want/need -- depending upon what you're turning -- include:
-- Gouges, skews, scrapers, ... Best to buy individual HSS tools, not carbon steel sets.
-- Sharpening equipment for same. Many choose a low-speed bench grinder equiped with white wheels and a jig such as the Oneway Wolverine.
-- A chuck.
-- Misc. accessories (face shield, dust mask, french curl tool rest, ...).
You might consider the Delta 1440 as well if you're rethinking your budget. Same capabilities as the Jet (range of speeds, swing, distance between centers).
I have regretted anything Jet that I have bought. Although I have not dealt w/ their lathes specifically, I was very dissapionted witht the quality of their bandsaws, planer, and mortiser. I personally would buy Delta over Jet any day.
For 1k, you can find a good used lathe--an old powermatic or delta or something of that nature. Look on Ebay, although depending on where you are and where the machine is, you might have to pay too much shipping $. Also, check the paper classifieds for tools or auctions.
Good luck
Peter
jpswoodworking.com
Consider looking for used at this point. Used lathes don't get the prices that planers, jointers and table saws get so when you upgrade you will probably get all your money back with a used machine. Might even be possible to make money.
My local tool store carries the delta 1440. I looked at it yesterday. It is actually a little long for my space but I could make it work barely. It seemed a solid machine with the notable exception of the chinsey sheet metal stand.
With regard to the Jet vs Delta debate, my experience is that they are both substandard, and a lot comes down to luck of the draw. I always feel bad whenever I buy any of the cheap imports, but it often comes down to money and convenience. My 30+ year old PM planer and jointer are beautiful machines, but they cost me a lot in shipping and time. Sometimes you just want/need it now, so you cringe and go get the shiney new import and hope for the best.
The old tools don't come around here too often, and when they do, they often need new bearings and other parts, and when I finally get them working they have cost me much more than I thought.
I'd love to get a new PM or Oneway, but $2,500 is just beyond me right now.
How about the Nova 3000? I haven't been able to find anyone who carries it (I've found the DVR, but not the 3000), so I don't even know how much it costs. Any leads on that one?
Thanks for the help
NorthB....If small is on your event horizon, both in terms of machine size and projects to be done, consider a mini lathe. You'd be surprised at what all you can do with one of these. Plus they're an inexpensive way to get into turning and learn the basics of tool use, finishing and so forth. Jet, of course, Fisch (Australian I think and carried by Rockler), to name a couple mfr's. Then don't be foolish like I was when you decide to upgrade: Don't sell the little guy! I've often wished I still had my original Delta benchtop although it was a little big for a second lathe.Sorry I can't give you any resource 'source' for the Nova line. Nor do I have any first hand experience with them. But all comments I've read here and elsewhere (not counting marketing hype of course -grin-) seem to be positive.If you get a smallish benchtop lathe, even one that comes with a stand, you'll want to add as much ballast as you can to help stabalize it. The big lathes weigh a lot for a reason. Get several concrete (not pumice) blocks to weight the thing down with.Buy the best tools you can afford. HSS edge tools hold their edge a bit longer than ordinary steel and are less prone to 'burning' if you're sharpening on a fast grinding wheel.
I went throught this about a year ago and asked the same questions. At that time I got a lot of advice to buy a mini(midi) lathe. I purchased a Jet mini and it has been terrific. Having not had a lot of experience turning the mini was just the ticket. I have done pens, ornaments, boxes, ect..... I probably have more in the tools and accy for the lathe than what the lathe cost - so watch your budget.
The Jet 1442 was my choice when I purchased it two years ago. In the under $1000 range it seemed far more substantial than the Nova 3000 or the Delta at my Woodcraft store. More iron, legs included, and mechanical variable speed. I have no regrets, although I'd love to have a bigger machine with true variable speed. I've got my eye on the Powermatic.
[URL=http://www.jameseddywoodworks.com]James Eddy Woodworks[/URL]
I myself bought the 1442 ,about a year ago. Was pondering if you just order the 16"x42 " w/ 11/2 hp motor , and interchange the head/ tailstock with the legs. Am i over thinking this , dont know the price?? but it was a small question, any thoughts??.." we judge ourselves by our motives, and others by their actions........."
Edited 11/20/2005 3:53 pm ET by alias
Northbound -
I just rec'd a flyer in the mail from Woodcraft Supply (as I recall) that was promoting some small mini lathes for under or around US$200.00! OK, these are pretty small lathes to be sure but for the price, I think they would be great for your situation. First they're quite small. Second they're quite inexpensive. They offer the opportunity to develop some tool technique that is viable no matter what size lathe you have. And when you build your addition and have the bux saved for that "dream lathe" whatever it might turn out to be, this little mini lathe will still come in handy for those tiny little things you'd like to make like thin delicate finials for little boxes, Christmas tree ornaments and that sort of thing.
Perhaps you might want to consider one of them? I know, it seems like taking second or third or even fourth best but at this point - it would make sense to me if I were in your shoes. You'd be surprised at what you can do on these little lathes.
Well, I bought the Jet 1442 a few days ago. I was just able to shoehorn it into my shop. I'm impressed with it's weight; I think I'll be satisfied with it for a while at least.
Thanks for all the input
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled