As you all said, Jet's CS was excellent. Bobby in TN took good care of me.
This is what he said:
Don't worry about the squeaking in terms of damaging the lathe.
Make sure your lathe is leveled (point to point).
It should be bolted down, otherwise you will be chasing its center all over the place
Yes, the live-center (I don't have a mandrel saver yet), should be snug enough to where it makes a small hole in the mandrel. Obviously, not snug to where it bends/deforms the mandrel.
Last night, I did snug-up the mandrel and there was no squeaking. The live center also got stuck for a short time in the mandrel, but it dropped right out. Bobby (of Jet) said that is normal.
I am just repeated hi words. I am too new to tell if he knows what he is talking about. He suer was a nice guy though.
I hope this helps all.
I have JWL-1212EVS, if that means anything to you.
Have a great day!