Hi Lou!
I have both of these lathes, and have used them both. I started with the 1236, and have done a lot of work on it. It is a good solid beginner's lathe. Then later I got a 1014, non VS, so I could do some turning in my basement during the cold Winter months. Last Winter I traded this in on the 1014VS.
What the 1236 has going for it over the 1014 is the 12" swing instead of 10", and the 36" length instead of 14". With the bed extension on the 1014, that almost eliminates the bed length advantage. So you have to choose whether 2" more swing is of that much use to you?
I have described the 1236 as a "good solid beginner's lathe". And that it is. But it is clearly at the "low" end of full size lathes. On the other hand I would describe the 1014VS as being a "high end" mini lathe. It is about as well made as a mini lathe can be. Oh, there are higher end mini's, such as the Oneway 1224, but I would, off the cuff, describe the Jet 1014VS as being 3/4 of the lathe the Oneway is, while being 1/5 the price! I have a Oneway 1224 as well. (I know - I'm sick!)
Now understand, this is just my opinion, but I would encourage anyone to invest in a Jet 1014VS, and then if and when you're ready to move up to something bigger, go for the 16" Jet, or the 20" Powermatic, or the 20" General, etc., etc. Odds are that when you "move up" you will keep your Jet Mini, because it is such a nice machine, and it's so handy to have a second, smaller lathe in the shop!
Now, as for the stands, the stand on the 1236 is a serviceable sheet metal stand. You can beef it up with some sandbags, and it will work just fine. The stand for the 1014 made of heavy square tubular steel, and in my opinion is much more solid and sturdy. But it does not have any storage. I'm sure it can be modified, but I haven't gone there. If you want a lathe stand that has storage, get the Oneway 1236 (or Oneway 1018) - the stands that come with these lathes is massive, and has plenty of storage!
I hope this helps!
Scott.