Replies

1. 
   RonK | Feb 10, 2009 09:38pm | #1

   I've had one for a couple of years and i think it's the best bargain out there.

   You should be aware of a few things. The motor is three phase 220 as is powered through a  VFD from either 120 or 220 single phase. You have to choose at the time of purchase and unlike many motors which can be switched between 120 and 220 you will have to live with the configuration that you buy. Because I didn't have 220 available to be at the time of purchase I got the 120 1 1/2 hp version instead of the 220 2 hp version. I haven't found a reason to need the 220's extra 1/2 hp but if I had 220 available at the time of purchase I probably would have picked that one up.

   There is a 2 position drive belt which gives two ranges 0 - 1200 and 0 - 3200 although at the lower end it really can't fine tune to 1 to around maybe 20 rpm. You can get it to go slow you are just not able to fine tune the rpm.

   I have purchased a steady rest and a couple of different drive centers. They do have a 20" and a 54" extension available along with  an outboard turning stand which is very similar to the Powermatic one. I am beginning to get into some larger turning (tabletops etc) and will be looking at the outboard stand in the near future.

   I own four different Jet products: a Bandsaw, Spindle Sander, the Lathe and a floor mortising machine. I can't give an opinion on Jet service because I never had to use them. I do buy all my products locally so I have a chance to examine for shipping damage and the like before I accept the product. This may help explain some of not have to use their service.

   My local dealers have let me in on some good deals so I feel that in the long run I probably saved some money and because I have a truck and can pick up I often save on local shipping charges if there are any.

    

    

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 2/10/2009 5:04 pm ET by RonK

2. 
   THintz | Feb 10, 2009 10:47pm | #2

   I used one for  a while in my shop for review and it turned out to be a nice machine. Lots of features for that size machine and plenty of power. I have a review of it at the link below with photos and more details on it if that would help.

    

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/j1642rvu.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   artagain | Feb 11, 2009 03:02am | #3

   Actually Tom, I printed and read your review on the train ride home from work last night!!

   It's your review that's put this machine in my sites.   Thanks.