tyez
Member
what is the most popular used lathe. Have a small jet looking to upgrade.
lathe
- Thread starter tyez
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
- Status
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
ericw95
Member
Whatever you get, get variable speed and not the kind where you adjust the pulleys.
LostintheWoods
Member
For pens and small turnings, the Jet midi (1014) is probably hands-down the most popular. I'd bet that at least 60% of the people on here own one, even if they have more than one lathe. I recently got a new one, the 1014-vsi, which is variable speed, as mentioned by eric, and am very pleased with it. And, welcome to the group!
Randy_
Member
Depends upon what type of turning you intend to do and how deep your pockets are!!
toolcrazy
Member
I have a Jet variable, and love it. But, I have found that some times I would like a larger lathe. turning bowls and such can be a chore with the under powered motor. But, like I said, I love the lathe. Remember to look at what your going to do. Just pens, Jet VS midi is great. If your gonna do more, you may need something bigger.
Fred
Member
I also highly recommend the variable speed controlled lathe. Get the biggest your budget will allow [within reason] as I am sure you will do like many of us have done and that is quickly out growing he smaller lathes capabilities. Besides, bigger also means more goodies are available and the extra room is definitely a plus if you be a good sized gent - or if you just have large hands!
Look the Jet VS 1642. That's what I added to my shop in place of the Jet Mini lathe. I am so happy with it that I haven't looked back at the mini lately. The variable speed control is MOST handy and is used all the time I am turning.
Just my two cents worth... [
]
Look the Jet VS 1642. That's what I added to my shop in place of the Jet Mini lathe. I am so happy with it that I haven't looked back at the mini lately. The variable speed control is MOST handy and is used all the time I am turning.
Just my two cents worth... [
]
johncrane
Member
Welcome!![]
]
bob393
Member
Hi and welcome.
This was my first question on the site.
The Jet is the most popular period.
I have a Vickmark and have never looked back, I love it!
This was my first question on the site.
The Jet is the most popular period.
I have a Vickmark and have never looked back, I love it!
Dario
Member
WELCOME!!!
In my observation from various forums, it looks like Jet mini dominates the mini market and Powermatic 3520 dominates the big lathe market. This is most likely due to value (bang for the buck) and definitely NOT based on best price or quality.
Lots of people with disagree but again, this is just my observation and not based on any scientific research, study or sales data.
In my observation from various forums, it looks like Jet mini dominates the mini market and Powermatic 3520 dominates the big lathe market. This is most likely due to value (bang for the buck) and definitely NOT based on best price or quality.
Lots of people with disagree but again, this is just my observation and not based on any scientific research, study or sales data.
Pompeyite
Member
Hi from the sunny south of the UK.[8D]
Sorry but being from the other side of the water, I can't advise on lathes for you, but I am sure that these other guys will give good advice to you.[
]
Happy turning matey.[]
Sorry but being from the other side of the water, I can't advise on lathes for you, but I am sure that these other guys will give good advice to you.[
]Happy turning matey.[
]exoticwo
Member
Will have to put a plug in for my Delta Midi 5 speed not Variable speed. Small enough to work pens yet big enough to work bowls and vessels 8x8" with little trouble.
For an upgrade you might want to think about what you will work in the future. Keep the Mini and stretch the budget to get one that will work large bowls/vessels (16-24")and long enough to produce spindles for various applications (42-56")
Powermatics are good all-around, Delta has a good large lathe, Robust and Stubby have great bowl lathes, Oneways are very expensive!!
Amazon.com has this on sale: Delta 46-715 9.8 Amp 14-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 3/4-Horsepower, Variable speed
List Price: $1,194.92
SALE PRICE: $344.96
For an upgrade you might want to think about what you will work in the future. Keep the Mini and stretch the budget to get one that will work large bowls/vessels (16-24")and long enough to produce spindles for various applications (42-56")
Powermatics are good all-around, Delta has a good large lathe, Robust and Stubby have great bowl lathes, Oneways are very expensive!!
Amazon.com has this on sale: Delta 46-715 9.8 Amp 14-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 3/4-Horsepower, Variable speed
List Price: $1,194.92
SALE PRICE: $344.96
rickbw
Member
I looked a long time at what lathe to upgrade to (had a Jet mini and an older Jet 1236). Boiled down my decision to the Nova DVR XP or the Powermatic 3520 (BTW - the June issue of Fine Woodworking does a good article on reviewing these lathes).
I wanted a larger lathe with variable speed. Based on my space limitations, I decided on the Nova DVR XP. I built a strong table and filled the base with sand to overcome any stability concerns. I really liked the idea of direct drive and constant torque.
Anyway I am very satisfied with my decision and would highly recommend the Nova lathe.
However, ultimately you need to decide what you want in a lathe and how much you are willing to pay.
I wanted a larger lathe with variable speed. Based on my space limitations, I decided on the Nova DVR XP. I built a strong table and filled the base with sand to overcome any stability concerns. I really liked the idea of direct drive and constant torque.
Anyway I am very satisfied with my decision and would highly recommend the Nova lathe.
However, ultimately you need to decide what you want in a lathe and how much you are willing to pay.
vick
Member
I am assuming since you already have a mini you want to go up to at least a 14 or 16 inch swing.
Unfotunately good used lathes are few and far between. You will see a lot of Harbor freight, grizzy, and jet 12 inchers. Also the high end lathes tend to hold their value pretty well so you do not see the huge savings you would like.
Don't get me wrong I got a really good deal on a very nice lathe, the deals are out their but like I said hard to come by. Check with your local turning club(s) to see if they list used lathes by club members for sale in a news letter or something like that. Many will sell a 14 or 16 incher to upgrade. You will have better luck checking out what is available then looking for something specific.
From what I have seen most popluar lathes for hobby turners under $3000
10 Inch Jet mini
14 inch Jet
16 Inch Nova and jet
20 Inch Powermatic
- Status