I have a Jet 1236. Prior to Thansksgiving weekend last year I had no issues with it, turning pens, other kits, handles, and bowls. (Bowls is the real issue here). That weekend I put a very large, heavy piece on that was pretty badly out of balance and apparently damaged the lathe. Unfortunately, a few seconds later, in and un-related incident, I badly sprained my ankle. Anyway, When I was finally able to get back on the lathe I couldn't turn a bowl because of 'spin-out' (out-of-round). I tried and tried assuming that I was the problem. Finally I took it into the shop and they replaced the bearings and the drive shaft. That was a couple of weeks ago that I finally got it back. I turned some smaller projects without incident but this weekend I tried bowls again, and I'm having the same problem - I just can't the a bowl round, no matter how many passes I make, there is still chatter against the surface - worse the farther from center I get. If I run the tailstick up to a spur chuck mounted in the drive and then spin the head by hand I can see a tiny variance in the drive, .25 mm or less, but I saw this before I took it to the shop. Advice? Is it likely that I have re-damaged it? It wasn't fixed properly? Some other problem? Help! I'll take it back to the shop, but would like to go ready for pushback.
Lathe problems
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nativewooder
Member
Many possibilities! Mechanically, is the lathe level? Do the headstock and tailstock align properly? While the Jet 1236 doesn't have a glowing reputation, mine is 9 years old and other than wear and tear there are no problems. Then I would look at your techniques: lots of experience? do you have a mentor? are you a club member?
If you are turning green wood, it could be warping as you turn, causing the continual chatter. Are you turning with face plates or with a chuck? With a chuck, you should mark your original mounting position so that you can remount in the same position. (The tenon will warp also)
Were I you, I would ask someone who has been turning a long time to come and see if they can determine what the problem might be. Keep turnin' and learnin'! Good Luck! and have a GREAT DAY!:biggrin:
P.S. It is not a good idea to attempt to turn a large out-of-balance piece on a 1236, the stand is not sufficient. I used to "balance" a piece with an electric chainsaw and spin the piece by hand until the "balance" was improved. DAMHIKAT!!!
If you are turning green wood, it could be warping as you turn, causing the continual chatter. Are you turning with face plates or with a chuck? With a chuck, you should mark your original mounting position so that you can remount in the same position. (The tenon will warp also)
Were I you, I would ask someone who has been turning a long time to come and see if they can determine what the problem might be. Keep turnin' and learnin'! Good Luck! and have a GREAT DAY!:biggrin:
P.S. It is not a good idea to attempt to turn a large out-of-balance piece on a 1236, the stand is not sufficient. I used to "balance" a piece with an electric chainsaw and spin the piece by hand until the "balance" was improved. DAMHIKAT!!!