TIME TO UPGRADE !!!!!

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JAB1

JAB1

Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
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204
Location
Utopia, Texas
I am ready to upgrade to a larger lathe.....I have been using a cheap Craftsman mini lathe and it is wearing out. I want to do bowls to 16 inches at some point in time, but not right away. For those of you in the know with lathes, which one would you buy? I want a variable speed ( rheostat controlled). I do not want to spend over 450.00.......which one?
 
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For that kind of money your talking about making candy dishes!

Look at the Jet 1220 mini lathe for around $444.99 with free shipping.

If you got a few more bucks look at Jet 1220 VS around $544.99 with free shipping.

Seriously either lathe will serve you well without breaking the bank. You might want to add a little more money to get the VS model.
 
For that kind of dough you won't get anything new bigger than a mini-lathe, at least that you would want to own. If you want to make large items, you need a large lathe, and they cost a few more bucks than that. Personally, I think the best VALUE on the market today for power, strength, and size is still a Powermatic 3520B. Of course, I'm biased, I've had an A model for 3 years now and stole it off of Amazon for 1800 bucks delivered into my garage right before they were switching to the B model. My kids will be using that lathe when they're teaching their kids how to turn!

Dale
 
You'll have to give up something - the price limit, the size, or the rheostat variable speed.

There are cheap lathes from Grizzly and/or Harbor freight which would somewhat fit the bill, and cost less than a "brand name" lathe, but you'll find quality and fit/finish issues, there is a reason why they are cheaper.

Also, while 16" doesn't sound "that much" bigger than 12", it certainly is. The difference between 8" and 12" diameters is very noticeable, and from 12" to 16" even more so. You need something with a beefy motor and headstock for that, and beefy motors with electronic speed control means expensive.
 
I would suggest you check local turning clubs to see if someone might have a used one they are looking to upgrade from. Also check craigslist. Maybe you will get lucky.
 
Don't see a problem recommending either Jet 1220 model if don't have much money to spend. Your getting a lathe with ¾ hp, 9 ½" swing over the tool rest base, 12" over the bed. Those lathes come with a 5 year warranty.

Only problem is shipping if you don't have a store nearby that has them in stock. Many stores which don't have these lathes in stock will factory order for you and tack on a shipping & handling fees. Those fees can vary a great deal.

Amazon.com has the Jet 708376 JWL 1220 for $444.99 and free shipping to your door. If you want the VS model 708376VS, they send you to Tool Guy which wants $544.99 + $70.65 for shipping to you. CPO Jet wants $599.99 + $29.29 for shipping. Woodcraft, sells this lathe for $599.99, but with shipping & handling charges $713.98 out the door.
Packard Woodworks list the VS model for $544.95 and $40. shipppping fee.

If wanted that lathe might be tempted to buy the non-VS model and use money saved to buy a 3 or 4 pound scroll chuck. Or wait till in store sale or Amazon or other place offers free shipping on the VS model.
 
After a lot of hunting and searching ..... I decided on the Delta 46-715.

14 inch swing, variable speed, 40 inch between centers, 3/4 hp that is way more powerful than listed listed for $800 in Amazon.

But, after repeatedly (and I do mean repeatedly) searching for the best price ... day after day in Amazon .... I got it for $340 and free shipping. (two years ago)

http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34521&highlight=Amazon

The headstock swivels ...... :smile::smile:
 
I have the grizzly and I'm liking it. It's a little noisier then the more expensive models but I don't need earplugs. It's lighter straight out of the box then the more expensive ones. But add a homemade shelf and some sandbags and its just as heavy. or you can bolt it down to keep it from walking with the big bowls. For the price, I don't know if you can beat it.
 
Do no forget Craigslist for your area. A few members here have posted lathes post there for their areas. When I purchased my Jet 1014 (before the 1220 came out) I listened to everyones suggestions about making sure to get one with variable speed. I know we can all change belts but the more pens that you make the more time that you save in turning and finishing them by being able to control the speed without having to stop. JMHO:smile:
 
Hi
I have a Delta Ironbed 14" Wood lathe that i would let go for $450.00. It has variable speed but not on a reostat. It also can do outboard turning on it. I bought it new because i thought i would do some 'bigger' turnings but go so involved with pen turning that it is standing here and just collects dust.The lathe is about 2 years old but has seen only about 30h of working time on it. It is in almost new condition,besides the dust, and i'm selling it only because i'm not using it and i need the space.The Lathe is located in Greer,SC what is right outside of Greenville of I85.
Pick up only. Sorry.
Please pm me,I give you first pick,if you don't want it,it is available to anybody who wants it.

Robert
 
rherrell said:
AMEN BRO'
Click to expand...


Don't give up on finding a bigger lathe for around 450. I'm tellin' ya that I got a dang nice lathe for 340 and free shipping. It's that Delta 46-715. No ... it's not a $2500 bowl lathe ... but I can turn decent size bowls on it with that 14 inch swing .... plus, the headstock swivels.

Don't give up looking. Remember ...... patience ...... time .... persistence.
 
Wildman said:
Don't see a problem recommending either Jet 1220 model if don't have much money to spend. Your getting a lathe with ¾ hp, 9 ½" swing over the tool rest base, 12" over the bed. Those lathes come with a 5 year warranty.

Only problem is shipping if you don't have a store nearby that has them in stock. Many stores which don't have these lathes in stock will factory order for you and tack on a shipping & handling fees. Those fees can vary a great deal.

Amazon.com has the Jet 708376 JWL 1220 for $444.99 and free shipping to your door. If you want the VS model 708376VS, they send you to Tool Guy which wants $544.99 + $70.65 for shipping to you. CPO Jet wants $599.99 + $29.29 for shipping. Woodcraft, sells this lathe for $599.99, but with shipping & handling charges $713.98 out the door.
Packard Woodworks list the VS model for $544.95 and $40. shipppping fee.

If wanted that lathe might be tempted to buy the non-VS model and use money saved to buy a 3 or 4 pound scroll chuck. Or wait till in store sale or Amazon or other place offers free shipping on the VS model.
Click to expand...


I want to do bowls to 16 inches at some point in time


Might be a bit tough to do those bowls with a Jet 1220. :wink:
 
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