| Review by teenagewoodworker | posted 338 days ago | 952 views | 0 times favorited | 12 comments |  |
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- JET Mini Lathe
- Brand: JET | Category: Lathes
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i have had my Jet mini lathe for about 5 months now and it is a solid performer. there is a lot to consider when looking at lather so this will be a pretty long review but worth it.
Power
Power is a big thing when looking into a lathe. this lathe is 1/2 hp which is underpowered. this lathe does do quite well though. i find that i can stall it up up usually i am good. the only times that i have been able to stall it up is when roughing out very large out of true logs. other than that it has the power to handle most anything you can fit on it.
Variable Speed
Variable speed is always a nice thing to have on a lathe but is not on this lathe so i will go over changing the speed. it is a belt and pulley system and i find it really easy to change. the only problem with this is that the places for you to put your hands in are very small especially if you have big hands. and to get the lowest speed can be a challenge.
Stand
the stand that i got with this lathe is very nice. it is solid and holds up well. on most small pieces i don’t have much vibration at all. the only times i have got vibration is when i am roughing out logs. most notably when i was roughing out a 10” log. (don’t ask how i did it) it was literally moving but for most work that is usually done on a lathe like this it is very good.
Fit and Finish
this is a very good lathe as far as fit and finish go. it is a good looker but not the best. but it really doesn’t matter how it looks but how it is built. this is a very sturdy lathe with the exception of the nuts and bolts. this is where most tools made over seas are lacking. they think they can skimp on quality there but they are very improtant. for example the nut that works the clamping action of the tail stock got stripped so i added another high quality nut and it clamps wonderfully now.
Rating
this lathe is a solid performer. the only reason why i gave is a 4 is because the nut that does the tail stock clamping action stripped and because it is underpowered. other than that it is a solid performer and i would highly recommend it.
12 comments so far
Karson
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25806 posts in 1298 days
posted 338 days ago
I’ve got the Penn State industries lathe and it looks like a carbon copy of what you got. Even down to the adjustment for moving the motor up to loosen the belt.
I ordered the variable speed because I had it on an earlier Ryobi and I liked that feature. I also got an extension bed so that I can turn 36” items.
My first was a cane for my mother-in-law, and the only thing I’ve turned on my lathe.
On mine the tail stock wouldn’t got from the original table to the extension table without filing some cast iron from the inside of the bed on both pieces. The chisel holder had the same problem going across the two beds.
Great review.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
lew
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4500 posts in 653 days
posted 338 days ago
Nice writeup Denis.
I like where Jet put the On-Off switch.
Lew
Beginningwoodworker
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4208 posts in 570 days
posted 338 days ago
Congrats on the lathe, Denis.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
mmh
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1392 posts in 620 days
posted 338 days ago
Nice toy! Enjoy using it. I hope to see some projects soon.
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
Bill Akins
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236 posts in 596 days
posted 338 days ago
Nice lathe. I have played with my Dad’s and hope to get one after the holidays. Looking forward to your turnings.
-- Bill from Lithia Springs, GA I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.
ShannonRogers
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370 posts in 685 days
posted 338 days ago
Dennis,
I have been working on this lathe for over 5 years now. I agree with many of your points. Keep in mind though that if you are stalling out the lathe too much you may need to sharpen your tools and lighten up the cut. I know what your talking about but I use it as a tutor to improve my technique. I figure I will upgrade one of these days but so far this lathe has covered everything from pens to bowls. I bought the extension and I table legs on it too. Great write up and if you recent work is any sign then I think this lathe works great.
-- Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog
teenagewoodworker
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2482 posts in 666 days
posted 338 days ago
thanks Shannon. i do keep my tools sharp though like i said the only time i’ve stalled it is when i am roughing out big logs. ones that have it hopping around the floor. in any regular situation it has been fine.
rikkor
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11335 posts in 772 days
posted 338 days ago
I have this lathe, too, and I really like it. I do find that sometimes the tool rest is a little tricky to move unless I reach down and move the hold-down beneath the lathe with my other hand.
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 877 days
posted 337 days ago
Good review Denis.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
pitchnsplinters
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252 posts in 335 days
posted 335 days ago
Great review, all the points that sold me on picking one up. found the 1014vsi on Craigslist, just brought it home today. Can’t wait to make shavings!
-- Just 'cause a cat has kittens in the oven, it don't make 'em biscuits.
cabinetmaster
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8652 posts in 456 days
posted 335 days ago
Great review Dennis. I have one just like it too. I use it for small projects and have a Delta for all my other projects. How do you sharpen your tools? I just got a Worksharp WS3000 for Christmas and will be getting it setup today I hope. Will have to do a review on it after I use it.
-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps
teenagewoodworker
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2482 posts in 666 days
posted 335 days ago
cabinet master i have a grinder to sharpen. works nice. its not really a grinder though. just a grinding wheel on a motor LOL