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I bought mine about a year and a half ago, (March 2008) and I've been using it almost daily ever since. Its definitely been worth the investment and I would recommend it to anybody wanting to get started turning wood on a low budget. I've been turning mostly pens so I don't know how well it would perform turning something larger but its half hp motor should be able to handle almost anything that will fit between centers. I also have a Shop Smith Mark V and when running it in lathe mode, ( or any other) it makes so much noise that you can't hear anything else over it.
Don't waist your money on a cheaply made machine. All you hear is a soft hummm. And the on/off toggle switch for another. It does have a 3 step pulley in it giving it 3 speed ranges. The bearing went out in it after only 6 or 8 months of use. Impressive little lathe.
this little lathe is whisper quiet at all speeds. The variable speed on it has definitely spoiled me. I've had to replace it once, about six months ago and its starting to go out again already. The only complaints that I have about it is the live center that it came with for one. I love the way that its so quiet. After having it I can't imagine trying to run the lathe without it.
After trying this little lathe if you decide that your not that interested in wood turning it should still have a high resale value and you will be able to get most of your money back out of it. For the smaller items leaving it in the mid range or high will still give you enough speed variation to run a complete part from rough turning to finish polishing without having to change speed range.
This is a good piece of equipment. Woodturning is a great hobby, but good tools make it much better. The variable speed option is worth the money. If you are a newbie, get ready to spend some money for related tools.
I was so impressed with them that when I wanted a 10" wood lathe for my basement that I bought this lathe. I had a 6" jointer, a 14" bandsaw, and a 16" wood lathe. Like all my Jet tools the fit and finish was excellent. I also like the fact that it uses a #2 morse taper just like my large lathe so the attachments are interchangeable. I now have 4 Jet tools. Again I am so glad for my choice. Jet tools are an excellent value. It is plenty powerful and super quiet and smooth.
This lathe works terriffic and is well worth the money. Amazon did a terriffic on price and getting this lathe to me quickly. If you woodwork for money, you'll make a lot more because of the time you will save NOT being on the phone with customer service for days at the time. After yutzing around trying to save a penny here and there, I finally aborted the Grizzly mini lathe and bought a REAL tool. I have learned my lesson. It works 3-5 hours daily and has been FLAWLESS. No more Grizzly or the other junk, just go ahead and buy the Jet products.
I also have the same lathe that is not a variable speed. Well worth the money. They are both fine products. I recomend the variable speed if you turn differant sizes of wood.
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