VS retro kit for JET mini

[Petricore]

I am considering buying one of the retro kits for my JET mini lathe and have a few questions for owners of the kit: 708351-VSR.
I noticed it still has 3 belts on it, do you have to move the belts around still to change ranges ? If so what are the rpm ranges per belt ?
Do you find that a hassle, do you still get alot of usable RPM range from a single belt or will I be changing belts alot like I am now ?
Does it have a readout to tell you where your at RPM wise, or do you just have to wing it ?

Thanks in advance,
Linc

 

[stevers]

The VS Jet has the ability to change speeds with the dial and change ranges with the belts. Mine stays in high range most times. I do most of my changes with the dial. It seems to be enough for what I do. The VS conversion kit should do the same for you.
I am very happy that I went with the VS model.

 

[GoodTurns]

I put the kit on in about 45 minutes (I am NOT mechanically inclined, my idea of repairing a car involves embarrasment and a VISA card). You set the belts per instructions and are set to go. You can change them if you need a different speed, but the ranges seem pretty accurate (I usually lose count of the mark spinning around at about 2 or 3, so can't verify) and give you a good variety of speeds.

 

[Petricore]

That is exciting news, once I sell a couple more pens I'm going to have to get this

 

[BruceK]

The speed ranges are:
500-1200 (500, 580, 680, 900, 1200)
1100-2600 (1100, 1200, 1400, 1850, 2600)
1700-3900 (1700, 1800, 2050, 2750, 3900)

I turn on the high setting and switch to the low setting for sanding and finishing.

 

[Petricore]

BruceK, do you mean you have it on the highest belt, and use the 1700 rpm for sanding and finishing ?

 

[BruceK]

No, I switch belts to the 500-1200 range for sanding and finishing. Sorry for the confusion. All in all I am pleased with the conversion and think it was worth the money spent. Sometimes I might sand a bit at 1700 (before going to the belt change) but not for long as I try to avoid heating up the blanks too much.

 

[Petricore]

It seems a bit less worth it if I'd still need to change belts to go down and sand I was hoping to never touch the belts again, but I think I sand/finish in the 900-1100 range....

 

[monkeynutz]

I know several folks who have kept the belt in the middle range and learned to cope with sanding a little faster than they'd like and turning a little slower. Done it that way myself a few times.

 

[Randy_]

Within the last week or so, there was an auction on eBay for those kits and they were going for $60-$80. You can see the thread I posted in the business classified section.

 

[Petricore]

Yeah thanks to you Randy, thats why I've been seriously considering it