Jet 1220VS speed range

[Chris Bar]

A Jet1220VS lathe was recently added to the shop as a backup to a Powermatic 3520. Before use, I noticed that belt changes are apparently required to achieve the full range of speeds [although the manufacturer's description states continuously variable speed from 270 to the maximum speed]. Question: is the speed range sufficiently wide to enable pen (or larger) turnings and subsequent high speed polishing etc without having to change the belts.

I am quite spoiled by the really continuously variable speed control on the Powermatic and am thus concerned that the Jet 1220VS might not be suitable. The lathe has not yet been used, thus the option does exist to return it; but if I try out the lathe to determine suitability, that option would no longer be available.

What do the users of the Jet 1220VS say.

 

[Knucklefish]

I have a 1220 and love it

I actually have a 1220 VS that I bought when I decided to upgrade from a 1014 last fall. The VS option is great and I love this product but I DO have to change the belt on the pullys to go at the slowest and highest possible speeds occasionally. I turn both pens and bowls (and a few other doo-dads). That said, probably 75% of the time I keep in somewhere in the midrange pulley and use the VS to adjust up and down in that range. Just my 02.

 

[Chris Bar]

Thanks for the comment. Is there a mini-size lathe (low weight for portability) that is truly continuously variable from min to max speed?

 

[65GTMustang]

I have a Jet 1220 without the VS
I am always changing the belts.
I would love to have the new PowerMatic myself.
As for a mini VS check out the Delta - I'm not sure about the belt changing but I have heard good things about this lathe and it is small enough if you need to take it out somewhere.
Good Luck

 

[Knucklefish]

I personally do not know.

Thanks for the comment. Is there a mini-size lathe (low weight for portability) that is truly continuously variable from min to max speed?

 

[seamus7227]

Thanks for the comment. Is there a mini-size lathe (low weight for portability) that is truly continuously variable from min to max speed?

Your favorite person here, to answer your question,yes, but the only one i know of right off hand is the HF MINI mini lathe. great for pens, that is what i made my first 200 on and loved it.

 

[KenV]

Thanks for the comment. Is there a mini-size lathe (low weight for portability) that is truly continuously variable from min to max speed?

Chris -- this is a power/torque and cost market tradeoff --

The midi lathe market will not support the cost at a low price point for a variable frequency drive like you have on the powermatic. The lower cost controllers and motors need the pulleys to get the torque up a bit at the lower end of the motor speed. If you look a the power curves for the motors, there his a huge fall off on torque below 50% motor speed and it get awsome loss at speeds below 25%.

Even with VFD, there is degrading of torque at low motor speeds -- My Stubby has two pulleys and I do my low end (and almost everything else) on the lower speed sheeve.

You can retrofit a midi lathe with a new 3 phase motor (about 1 HP) iand a VFD control unit but will likely spend about the cost of the lathe to repower it.

 

[Chris Bar]

Thanks guys for the info. As I said, I am spoiled by the PM but it is far from being portable. My idea of enjoyment would be camping, overlooking a [too small for skidoos ] lake or trout stream, and have my lathe on the picnic table with an iced tea or other beverage nearby, and turning something...maybe just about anything....on days when the fish are not biting or already have my limit would even be better.
Will check out the HF...did not think about them and have looked at mostly everything else. I might be considering changing belts as too high an annoyance factor....might not be too bad, particularly when I already have my limit and just waiting for dinner .
DW is from Wichita Falls so will spot you one on that liberty nickel, and offer here a public apology for my being way too much of an a$$ and too critical. I never did think too much of the guys hollowing out the mercury head dime to make an ornament to hang on their dogtags. But everyone has their likes and dislikes, opinions and other parts as well.

 

[sbarton22]

I have that lathe and I love it. I find that I usually only have to change belts with the project type. So if I am making a pen, the range of speed on "5th gear" is great for me.

If I am doing a bowl, then I usually have to move the belt one time after I rough it to round. That only takes about 15 seconds, so it doesn't bother me.

The most annoying part is remembering to move the belt before you start, but once you make it part of your routine, like hand spinning to check for clearance, it's no big deal.

 

[KenBrasier]

VS Mini Lathe

I personally do not know.

Thanks for the comment. Is there a mini-size lathe (low weight for portability) that is truly continuously variable from min to max speed?

I have the Jet 2010 and love it, but I purchased this to do demos at craft shows. Benchtop Wood Lathe - 8" x 12" Not a great fan of Harbor Freight tools but this little lathe is continuous VS and weighs about 40 pounds. It not practical for anything much larger than Bottle Stoppers, but at $119 it has done me a great job as a take along lathe. Note it is #1MT

 

[carpblaster]

I bought the Delta 46-460 and have a jet with a little belt, the Delta is variable speed, but still have to change the belt to 3 different speeds only one time , i have never changed it from full speed, i can slow it down till nearly stopped, the belt is easy to move and is a sturdy about 1/2 " wide instead of 1/4, youjust pull a lever down to change the belt, I love the delta ,itis a 1hp motor and will do all you want
carpblaster