Jet 12/21 Maintenance

[MainelyPens]

I noticed that my pen blanks were becoming out of round. Thinking my skill level to be deteriorating I forged on. Then I noticed my PSI "Turn Between Centers Mandrel System" bearing was worn out.
Inserting two live centers and bringing them together I could easily see the Jet was not in alignment. Having read about Rick Herrell's (salute!) replacement solution to the tailstock clamp could help the accuracy issue. Note: If you own a Jet 12/21you really should purchase it, what a difference in clamping. Did it solve my problem....somewhat. Sadly, there is no adjustment.
So I loosened the four bolts holding the headstock to the beds and shimmed one side with a .047mm plastic cut from a milk jug. Tightened the bolts....Success!
My wife is very pleased, I was mumbling about purchasing the Powermatic 20/14.

 

[leehljp]

Good solution.You did a great job getting to the root of the problem quickly. Thanks for posting it.

I have long felt that the more parts involved in turning a pen (mandrel and even mandrel saver), 1. the more problems will crop up, and 2. the more difficult it is to find the solution. You got to it quickly!

 

[RobS]

100% agree with the Rick Herrell upgrade. I did upgrade for my JET 1221 VS
Congratulations on the quick fix.

Love the the PM 2014

 

[KenB259]

I also bought that tail stop clamp solution from Rick, it was well worth it.

 

[Sly Dog]

I bought the tail stock clamp from Rick for my JET and love it. I also bought that tbc mandrel system and finally threw it out for reasons you experienced.