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I received it slightly damaged, it was missing the live center and the instruction manual. I haven't turned any bowls yet on it, so I can't comment on that. The machine is great for pens and bottle stoppers and free-form stuff. I recently bought this mini lathe on Amazon because the price was better than I had seen elsewhere. A few days later I requested from Amazon that this be rectified, which they did. I feel that the torque is a little underpowered, but hey, it's a mini. I had my replacement a day later.
The class was taught on an older model Jet variable speed. A note of caution. Anyway, the new model has a combination of a speed control and belt changes to get the full range of available speeds. It was solid, stable and simple to use. Don't ask me what I am going to use the indexing for. When I took the class, my very exerienced instructor suggested another brand even thouh we were being trained on the Jet.
It is the same size as the one I used in the class but does not appear to be machined as well. He cited the difficulties in changing the variable speed on the older model. It is adjustable in height. The tallest setting ended up being perfect for me. The stand is solidly built and went together easily. Stilol, it is only an irritation. It was delivered in perfect condition and I had it up and running before I finished my first cup of morning coffee. I note two negatives: 1) The housing for the speed control has a tendency to swing open if not shut firmly.
I have had the lathe for a little less than 2 weeks now and probably have about 25-30 hours of smooth running, vibration free turning on it. Not enough to say that I love it or that it will last a lifetime but I am VERY satisfied so far. I would probably have replaced it with a longer one eventually but it does detract from what otherwise seems to be a very nice machine. Happy turning.
Anyway, I am now taking a multiweek class and I am loving every minute of it. This is a function of the, at best adequate, tension locking mechanism used. I recently took an introductory class and was immediately hooked. It was a good decision.
I have wanted to try turning for some time. The lathe didn't disappoint either. The cost of the lathe is only about half the entry level cost. I figured if it could stand up to the rigours of a classroom, it would certainly be able to take whatever I threw at it. The second is the tool rest.
Having made the mistake many years ago of buying a grinder without the accompanying stand, I made the decision to shell out the extra bucks for the Jet stand as well. BEcasue of the price difference and the ease of ordering from Amazon I decieded on the Jet anyway and went with the new variable speed indexing model. (pretty simple really). SO far, I have only had to move the belts twice and it is not exactly arduous.
i received it quickly and it works like a champ I have used jet products before and will recommend it to any one
This is a very useful and efficient lathe for small spindle and internal turning. I am very impressed.
With a 10" swing x 14" (expandable) bed length, it's big enough for 99+% of all projects. About the only downside compared to more expensive, albeit larger, lathes is the lack of electronic speed control, but the belt system is easier to use than I had expected and can be changed with one hand. Has been perfect in all respects, no hint of a design or manufacturing issue. The Jet is my second lathe, and although smaller, it's the one I'll keep and take with me into the retirement home. It's well-designed, manufactured to close tolerances, heavy, solid, and stout, especially for its size, runs true, operates smoothly, and performs well over the full (and adequate) speed range. Highly recommended. It's very capable of handling eccentric blanks or out-of-balance logs provided that it's securely anchored to something massive.
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