New lathe or not

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JCochrun

JCochrun

Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2010
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230
Location
Penn Valley, CA
I currently have a Jet JML-1014, 10x14. I got it at a great price and I was new to turning so it didn't really matter that it wasn't variable speed. Now, I am wanting the variable speed. Would it better to get the variable speed conversion kit or to get a new lathe with the variable speed on it? If I get a new one, I am looking at probably the same size. I'm wanting to spend no more that 500. And yes, I did get the boss's approval. She even suggested it. Guess I should be scared since she suggested it.

Jim
 
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JCochrun said:
I currently have a Jet JML-1014, 10x14. I got it at a great price and I was new to turning so it didn't really matter that it wasn't variable speed. Now, I am wanting the variable speed. Would it better to get the variable speed conversion kit or to get a new lathe with the variable speed on it? If I get a new one, I am looking at probably the same size. I'm wanting to spend no more that 500. And yes, I did get the boss's approval. She even suggested it. Guess I should be scared since she suggested it.

Jim
Click to expand...

Jim yes indeed; buy a new VS lathe, use the old one to drill and finish with buffing wheels.
 
JCochrun said:
I currently have a Jet JML-1014, 10x14. I got it at a great price and I was new to turning so it didn't really matter that it wasn't variable speed. Now, I am wanting the variable speed. Would it better to get the variable speed conversion kit or to get a new lathe with the variable speed on it? If I get a new one, I am looking at probably the same size. I'm wanting to spend no more that 500. And yes, I did get the boss's approval. She even suggested it. Guess I should be scared since she suggested it.

Jim
Click to expand...

Variable speed is the only way to go. I might suggest the PSI variable speed upgrade kit. Several members here have had good luck with it. But, if you have many years on your current lathe, maybe just replace it.
 
randyrls said:
JCochrun said:
I currently have a Jet JML-1014, 10x14. I got it at a great price and I was new to turning so it didn't really matter that it wasn't variable speed. Now, I am wanting the variable speed. Would it better to get the variable speed conversion kit or to get a new lathe with the variable speed on it? If I get a new one, I am looking at probably the same size. I'm wanting to spend no more that 500. And yes, I did get the boss's approval. She even suggested it. Guess I should be scared since she suggested it.

Jim
Click to expand...

Jim yes indeed; buy a new VS lathe, use the old one to drill and finish with buffing wheels.
Click to expand...

Darn, I didn't even think of that. I've been wanting a second lathe just for that. So, buy the new lathe, NOW. :)
 
I think getting new EVS (electronic vairable speed) way to go. Delta, Jet, think Rikon all have EVS models. You can increase lathe swing, HP, and with optional bed extension almost full size lathe.
 
I just upgraded from Jet 1220VS to a Nova DVR-XP and kept the jet as a buffing station. Having a second lathe is sure handy.

Woodcraft has the Jet 1220VS on sale right now for $559.99 so that is close to what you want to spend and it is one heck of a lathe.
 
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I have the add on VS from PSI and it is good for pens. It still has three steps. That is OK but not great. I would get a new lathe that had a better variance than that, if i could afford it.

Also, the VS upgrade motor from PSI (1/2 HP) does not have the power to turn bowls well in the 10 in to 12 in size. It can do it but its lack of power is very noticeable.

I wouldn't settle for less than a 3/4 HP or 1 HP on either an upgrade or a new lathe. The VS certainly is sweet.

One thing to watch for - some Electronic VS lathes come with 3 to 5 stepped pulleys, so watch that. Even though - those have a VS, the VS does not range as much as a two step pulley system on EV and you will still be changing belts, just not as often.
 
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Lee,
Just finished doing my fifth conversion with the PSI vs kit.
In four of the five, I have taken the original pully off the original motor, and now have either the five or six ranges, This should slow down enough to get good torque for bowl workhowever, the flip side is the top end is now over 5000 rpms, and I think only myself and Jimmy Clewes are nuts enought to turn that fast, and I aint sure about Jimmy.
 
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