I have a Jet 1014I mini lathe and the Motor Plate Lock Handle has suddenly stopped functioning. It's the spring loaded handle that allows the belt to be repositioned on the pulleys as needed. It's basically a simple device ...pull out, tighten/loosen the bolt. For some strange reason, mine simply rotates without engaging. It hasn't been abused or mistreated and not overused. Unfortunately, it's one piece so I can't take it apart and see where the problem may be. I talked with Jet and landed up buying a new part. The lathe is less than a year old but parts are only warranted for 90 days. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem or can share some input/suggestions with a similar experience. Thanks for all your help.
Jet Mini Lathe mystery
- Thread starter kooster
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Ed McDonnell
Member
My guess is that you have some chips inside the handle assembly that are preventing the handle from returning to the point where it engages. So, it just spins. Given where that handle is located, it wouldn't surprise me.
I don't have a minilathe in front of me right now, but if the handle is like all the others used on jet lathes, it should be able to be taken apart and cleaned out. The problem you are going to have is that without the ability to get the handle to engage it will be hard to break the center screw loose if you have never had it apart before.
Did you try blowing the handle out with some compressed air? Pull the handle as far out as you can (compressing the spring). You should see a smaller diameter area below the handle if you have it out far enough and be able to shoot air in from below. Push the handle in as far as you can (while rotating and jiggling) and shoot air in from the top. If there is something in there, this may get it out.
If that didn't do it, then to take it apart. Since it isn't engaging, you will have to use jam nuts on the threaded part so you can get a grip while you try to unscrew the top.
So, that's what I would do. Not sure if it will solve your problem, but since you are going to replace the part anyway, you don't have a lot to loose by trying. Jet lathes have 5 year warranties. Lathe accessories have 90 day warranties. I'm surprised the handle wouldn't fall under the 5 year warranty. It's an integral part of the lathe, not something you added.
If you don't see where you would use a screwdriver to disassemble the handle, post a picture of the handle (looking at it from the right side of the lathe (showing the "top" of the assembly).
Ed
I don't have a minilathe in front of me right now, but if the handle is like all the others used on jet lathes, it should be able to be taken apart and cleaned out. The problem you are going to have is that without the ability to get the handle to engage it will be hard to break the center screw loose if you have never had it apart before.
Did you try blowing the handle out with some compressed air? Pull the handle as far out as you can (compressing the spring). You should see a smaller diameter area below the handle if you have it out far enough and be able to shoot air in from below. Push the handle in as far as you can (while rotating and jiggling) and shoot air in from the top. If there is something in there, this may get it out.
If that didn't do it, then to take it apart. Since it isn't engaging, you will have to use jam nuts on the threaded part so you can get a grip while you try to unscrew the top.
So, that's what I would do. Not sure if it will solve your problem, but since you are going to replace the part anyway, you don't have a lot to loose by trying. Jet lathes have 5 year warranties. Lathe accessories have 90 day warranties. I'm surprised the handle wouldn't fall under the 5 year warranty. It's an integral part of the lathe, not something you added.
If you don't see where you would use a screwdriver to disassemble the handle, post a picture of the handle (looking at it from the right side of the lathe (showing the "top" of the assembly).
Ed
Jet lathe mystery
Thanks Ed. I'll give it a try. As you said, the new part is ordered so nothing ventured. You are the second person who has mentioned the Jet warranty covering this part. Maybe things have tightened up or I just got some bad info. Do you have any suggestions as far as the possibility of replacing this part with something more functional and/or durable?? Say, simply a bolt with a ratchet wrench of sorts?
Thanks again.
steve
Thanks Ed. I'll give it a try. As you said, the new part is ordered so nothing ventured. You are the second person who has mentioned the Jet warranty covering this part. Maybe things have tightened up or I just got some bad info. Do you have any suggestions as far as the possibility of replacing this part with something more functional and/or durable?? Say, simply a bolt with a ratchet wrench of sorts?
Thanks again.
steve
Ed McDonnell
Member
The simplest would be to just use a socket head cap screw, but you would have to keep track of the wrench to use it. Kind of a pain if you change the belt a lot.
I've seen lathes where people have made really fancy wooden versions of the whole assembly. I'm not sure it's worth the effort though. If it was me, I would just make sure I blew or brushed any chips off the handle before using it. That should keep chips from finding their way into it and causing the problem.
It's possible that your problem is something other than chips on the inside, but it seems the most likely cause.
Ed
I've seen lathes where people have made really fancy wooden versions of the whole assembly. I'm not sure it's worth the effort though. If it was me, I would just make sure I blew or brushed any chips off the handle before using it. That should keep chips from finding their way into it and causing the problem.
It's possible that your problem is something other than chips on the inside, but it seems the most likely cause.
Ed
Talfalfa33
Member
I also concur to the wood chips, I have the jet 1220 with the same setup and the handle should be engaged at all time. To move it out of the way, you push in and twist. It is possible that the little notches inside could have stripped so there are times if you pull and twist you'll get just enough of a bite to release the bolt to remove it and use a regular bolt till the replacement comes. But also most hardware stores carry those knobs and handles.
TellicoTurning
Member
Another problem may be that the teeth on the inside of the handle have worn away... they are only a cast pot metal and not very strong... I've had to replace the tool lock handle on my 1014 for that reason... and now need a new tool rest bolt for my 1442 as it's also worn down and the teeth won't engage. Woodcraft carries some of these bolts, but not all... they don't carry the one I need for my 1442.... until I got a new one, when my 1014 tool rest handled broke, I took it to Lowe's and got a steel bolt that had a fixed wing nut on the end... solved my problem until I could get a new spring loaded bolt.
Carl Fisher
Member
I've also replaced the tail stock quill lock for the same reason. The good news is that it's readily available parts. I picked up a generic one from woodcraft after making sure the threads were correct.
Same design for the tool rest lock and motor lock so I could see them suffering the same fate eventually.
Same design for the tool rest lock and motor lock so I could see them suffering the same fate eventually.
underdog
Member
It's possible that the teeth have stripped out, but I've never had any problems with the lock handles on my Jet 1014.
I have however, flat broken off several similar handles on the HF 1236.
You want to make sure you don't overtighten these handles and make doubly sure the teeth are fully engaged before loosening or tightening the handle. If you don't, the teeth will surely strip out.
Defective, porous castings are one thing, but failing to engage the teeth is... well, abuse.
Hopefully it's just wood chips in the teeth.
These handles are easily disassembled by removing the screw out of the center, then the handle comes off the stud, and the spring will fall out. If the teeth aren't damaged, you'll want to clean the teeth off well, then re-assemble the handle.
I have however, flat broken off several similar handles on the HF 1236.
You want to make sure you don't overtighten these handles and make doubly sure the teeth are fully engaged before loosening or tightening the handle. If you don't, the teeth will surely strip out.
Defective, porous castings are one thing, but failing to engage the teeth is... well, abuse.
Hopefully it's just wood chips in the teeth.
These handles are easily disassembled by removing the screw out of the center, then the handle comes off the stud, and the spring will fall out. If the teeth aren't damaged, you'll want to clean the teeth off well, then re-assemble the handle.
Thanks all for the great feedback. I took the part to my local "mom n pop" hardware store and it was taken apart. As some of you mentioned, the teeth inside were in fact, worn. This surprising and disappointing as I haven't turned that many pens and have not used the part that much. What ever happened to quality ???? At any rate, I did find a bolt that works great. It is a bit of a pain to keep the wrench handy but, frankly, it's a lot easier on the hands. I may attach a magnet of sorts or some type of holder and have it readily available. Also, you'd think Jet would have the parts available separately instead of having to buy the entire part, at a premium $$.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Thanks again for all the advice.
Thanks to all for the great advice. I took the part to my local "mom n' pop" hardware store and it was taken apart to reveal that the teeth inside were, in fact, worn. This is very surprising and disappointing as I haven't turned that many pens and the part was not over/abused. What ever happened to quality??? I did get a bolt and it seems to work just fine. Having to keep the wrench handy is a bit of a pain but I'm thinking of using a manget or attaching a holder of sorts. Frankly, the wrench is a lot easier on the hands than the original part. You'd think someone like Jet would make the individual parts readily available instead of making one piece at a premium price !!!
Anyhow, thanks again for the help.
Anyhow, thanks again for the help.
underdog
Member
When was the lathe bought? Any of these Jet lathes now have like a 5 year warranty....
If you can't get satisfaction from Jet, then a replacement handle is available for a fraction of the cost from places like MSC, Grainger, or McMaster-Carr.
If you can't get satisfaction from Jet, then a replacement handle is available for a fraction of the cost from places like MSC, Grainger, or McMaster-Carr.
Thanks Jim. The lathe is less than a year old and, as I mentioned, I haven't turned that many pens on it. However, as a totally new turner, I must admit that "over-tensioning" was a major culprit. Most likely due to my ensuring that all belts, handles, & knobs are very secure prior to turning. Lesson learned !!! Thanks also for the advice on locating extra replacement handles if it happens again.