Mini Lathes

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lorbay

lorbay

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Just wanted to get some others thoughts on smaller lathes.
I am looking to buy a Mini (Midi) lathe and was looking at the Ricon 12-18 VS and the Jet JWL 1220VS. The jet is a $200.00 more at Woodcraft but thats not a big deal.

Lin,
 
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My experience is limited to the Shop Fox 1704. It seems to be ok, but there are a few things that could be better:

1. It didn't come with a handwheel on the headstock. Not a major problem - it's easy enough to make one.

2. The handwheel on the tailstock is a large, steel knob with a textured surface. That's ok, but a wheel would be a bit easier to use.

3. The 1/3 hp motor is quite adequate for making pens and other small turnings, but it's marginal when the workpiece is larger. This weekend I made a dibble from Trex and found that the heavier material tended to stall down the motor easily.
 
I also looked at the Jet 1220 with VS. I ended up buying the Delta 46-460. The Jet has a 3/4 hp motor while the Delta is 1 hp. The Jet has a 12-inch swing and the Delta is 12.5. I'm not 100% certain but I believe the Delta is also heavier which means better stability. They both retail for $599.
 
First you should look at quality over quantity when choosing any lathe. A lathe is no good if you have run out that you cannot correct. No motor is worth anything if it doesn't last. I could go on and on with items such as these. Another thing to consider is after market parts as well as accessories. I will not tell you what way I think you should go. I think it is more important for you to look at this from every possible angle then make your decision based on your needs.
 
MLKWoodWorking said:
First you should look at quality over quantity when choosing any lathe. A lathe is no good if you have run out that you cannot correct. No motor is worth anything if it doesn't last. I could go on and on with items such as these. Another thing to consider is after market parts as well as accessories. I will not tell you what way I think you should go. I think it is more important for you to look at this from every possible angle then make your decision based on your needs.
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Well as you can see by my avatar I am a bowl turner ( I have a big lathe for that) and just wanted to get into a smaller lathe for pens and other small stuff.
Lin.
 
Then I would suggest that the mini you choose has the same thread is you have accesories that you want to use on the mini/midi. Especially if you use a collet.
 
I'm curious... What's the benefit of having a small lathe for pens when you have a big lathe? Aside from just having two lathes that is...
 
The only experience I have with small lathes is the Delta 46-460 which I purchased a little over a month ago. I really like the lathe and would hope you add it to your list being considered. It has great reviews and when compared to the Jet in the Fall issue of Woodturning Design it was given a slight edge. Both are great lathes.
 
I have had my Jet 1220VS for a couple years now and love it. I started out on a Jet 1014, moved up to a 1220 non VS and now the VS they all have been great lathes.
 
I started with a Jet 1236, and now have a 1014VS. Solid workhorse of a lathe. I am tough on tools and this thing just takes my abuse happily.


Something to consider. It is likely that alot of the "parts" for the machines in question were made by the same company, if not the same factory, if not the same parts line. Just something to consider...


I do remember hearing someone talk about a machine a while back that was pretty sweet sounding, and i believe it was a midi. Delta maybe. Reversible direction, VS, seems like some other features as well. Might be worth looking into. The reverse would be pretty nice to have.
 
I've got the Jet 1020VS and think it is a great little lathe, the 3/4 HP is plenty for everything I do. I recently bought a HF 8x14VS for $129 just to take to craft shows (it's only 36#), and am pleasantly surprised on what a great job it does after a couple of minor modifications. #1 it doesn't have a hand wheel on the headstock, I made one from a 2" PVC Pipe Cap. #2 it is #1MTs and 3/4 x 16 on the headstock. I got a bushing from PSI 3/4" to 1"x8, and a #1MT Mandel Saver. I have bigger lathes in my shop but use these two for all my pens and smaller projects.
 
DurocShark said:
I'm curious... What's the benefit of having a small lathe for pens when you have a big lathe? Aside from just having two lathes that is...
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Duroc.......... whatever you can do on a small lathe you can do on a large lathe, so, in plain English, if you have a large lathe you are all set and don't need a small lathe.

I think for some folks having a mini or midi lathe, like me, gives me more flexibility and is more convenient.

Having two gives you the ability to have a dedicated, full time pen-lathe, and reserve the large lathe for bowl, plate, box and other large projects, which usually take more time.

I guess it boils down to convenience and how much space you have.
 
I have a Delta 46-460 and can recommend it highly. The variable speed and reverse come in real handy when turning pens.

I purchased mine from my local Woodcraft store after looking at the Jet, Rikon and Delta lathes they had on display.

Matthew
 
dtswebb said:
I have a Delta 46-460 and can recommend it highly. The variable speed and reverse come in real handy when turning pens.

I purchased mine from my local Woodcraft store after looking at the Jet, Rikon and Delta lathes they had on display.

Matthew
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Well its done, I forgot all about the Delta, So what did I end up with?? a Delta. I will have to get some adapters as all my chucks are 1 1/4"
Going to Seattle this weekend to pick it up from Woodcraft.

Lin.
 
lorbay said:
Just wanted to get some others thoughts on smaller lathes.
I am looking to buy a Mini (Midi) lathe and was looking at the Ricon 12-18 VS and the Jet JWL 1220VS. The jet is a $200.00 more at Woodcraft but thats not a big deal.

Lin,
Click to expand...

I'm sure both will fit your needs. I have the Rikon... but not VS. And what I can say is that I've had great customer service from them. If I have a problem or a part break. They've hopped on it right off the bat and took care of me.
 
If the Woodcraft store is far away from you, you may want to call and make sure they have it in stock. Some Woodcraft stores had their annual Woodcraft Show this past weekend. My Woodcraft sold out of all their 46-460's in about 4 hours and they're on order for the next 2 weeks.
 
I also have the Rikon and love it. It changes speeds very quickly so thats not an issue.

Good price to.

Grub
 
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