Is this Jet 12x21..or grizzly 12x18 Worth it? Better first ?

[FLTurn]

Morning,

Recently have become inspired to purchase my first wood turning lathe after buying some hand turned lathe goods from a local fellow off marketplace, thought if he could do it then maybe so could I.
Came across these 2 lathes on marketplace For turning pens, Billy clubs, and other smaller items. How would these be for a first lathe that wouldn't need much to get started other than wood itself? Don't really want to spend a ton and then have to upgrade or replace, or be out lots if not used much, what is this package really worth? Would like good customer service and reliable made lathe without worrying replacing parts. Would I need anything else to turn pens, what is this barracuda chuck? Billy clubs? Is there better recommendations or should I look for a different lathe, price ect? How about the grizzly? Would I need anything else to start turning far as an upgraded chuck spindle ect?tools?. Also shop only have 110 standard outlet power. Being central Florida, should I check the Rockler or Woodcraft bulletin boards for turners selling their machines or trade show if any. Thank you

 

[monophoto]

I would choose the Jet over the Grizzly based mainly on the horsepower. If you are doing any serious turning other than pens, you need at least one horsepower. Also, the Jet setup appears to offer more accessories - you will soon learn that buying the lathe is the least expensive part of turning, and you will find that the list of additional tools you 'need' is endless. (Note that the term 'need' takes on a different meaning when applied to turning and tools.)

The Jet is a benchtop lathe while the Grizzly has a stand. You can either build your own stand for the Jet, or you can purchase the stand that Jet offers as an accessory.

It appears that the Grizzly has a bed extension (and the 12x18 rating is a bits misleading) and bed length can be an issue if you want to get into longer turnings - baseball bats, pool cues, canes, etc. Be aware that bed length specifications have to be interpreted with some skepticism - when you account for fixings at the headstock and tailstock, you never get the working length that the specification would lead you to expect. In practice, the actual working length is at least 3" less than the specified bed length, and even shorter if you are drilling on the lathe.

Baracuda is the Penn State Industries house-brand chuck and they are OK - I've had one for years and it has served me well. In general, chucks are set up to use interchangeable jaws and in theory, you can expand your tool selection by merely adding jaw sets as long as you stay within one brand - jaws generally aren't interchangeable between brands. However, you should know that the Baracuda 2 is something of an orphan - it is sold in a kit that includes a several jaw sets, but it's not compatible with the jaw sets that fit the rest of the Baracuda chuck line. It appears from the pictures that the kit is complete which means it will get you started, but when you get to the point where you 'need' more jaws, you will have to start over with some other chuck.

 

[FLTurn]

I would choose the Jet over the Grizzly based mainly on the horsepower. If you are doing any serious turning other than pens, you need at least one horsepower. Also, the Jet setup appears to offer more accessories - you will soon learn that buying the lathe is the least expensive part of turning, and you will find that the list of additional tools you 'need' is endless. (Note that the term 'need' takes on a different meaning when applied to turning and tools.)

The Jet is a benchtop lathe while the Grizzly has a stand. You can either build your own stand for the Jet, or you can purchase the stand that Jet offers as an accessory.

It appears that the Grizzly has a bed extension (and the 12x18 rating is a bits misleading) and bed length can be an issue if you want to get into longer turnings - baseball bats, pool cues, canes, etc. Be aware that bed length specifications have to be interpreted with some skepticism - when you account for fixings at the headstock and tailstock, you never get the working length that the specification would lead you to expect. In practice, the actual working length is at least 3" less than the specified bed length, and even shorter if you are drilling on the lathe.

Baracuda is the Penn State Industries house-brand chuck and they are OK - I've had one for years and it has served me well. In general, chucks are set up to use interchangeable jaws and in theory, you can expand your tool selection by merely adding jaw sets as long as you stay within one brand - jaws generally aren't interchangeable between brands. However, you should know that the Baracuda 2 is something of an orphan - it is sold in a kit that includes a several jaw sets, but it's not compatible with the jaw sets that fit the rest of the Baracuda chuck line. It appears from the pictures that the kit is complete which means it will get you started, but when you get to the point where you 'need' more jaws, you will have to start over with some other chuck.

Thank you for the very helpful info, when you say need more jaws and different chucks to turn with them.. what would a good example of needing to buy another jaws and chuck?
Also how would you say the asking price for the Jet is the lathe and accessories? Great deal? Or just standard used selling price?
Thank you

 

[egnald]

I would go with the JET also, but just because I'm prejudice -- I love my JET 1221VS and in my small shop the stand I built for it is where I store all of my chucks, mandrels, turning tools, etc. where the storage options with traditional metal lathe stand are pretty limited. In either case though it looks like you would wind up with a pretty good machine. - Dave

 

[Twist&Click]

My vote would also be the Jet. I have other Grizzly tools and use them but my Jet has never missed a beat. The chuck is a good starter one and should last for many years and many projects beyond pens until you get a good feel for what one to upgrade to (my vote for that would be the Easy Wood chuck). I have the same Baracuda chuck and still use it occasionally.