Help? Grizly or Jet lathe?

Bob, I have read on other forums that Woodcraft will be offering 20% off Jet tools the first week of May…that would get the 1.5hp Jet 1642 down to the same price as the grizzly clone…pretty good deal if you ask me.

-- If it wasn't for misplacing things, my shop would never get cleaned up.

I have read every review of lathes I can find or the last few months and the Jet series always comes out ranked at or near the top. In addition to those you mentioned the 1442 is also well liked and is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. In that same vein of thought I have a question that maybe someone can help me with. The Rikon 70-100 Mini lathe is also at the top of its class but much smaller. What do those of you who use lathes regularly think of buying the smaller lathe that I can afford now Vs. saving up a couple of years for the larger one?

-- Hiding from housework in my shop every chance I get.

Bob, I did a lot of research on lathes before I bought my Powermatic (made by Jet by the way).

If Grizzly and Jet are your two choices, Jet is far and away the better choice.

-- Chip -- Manchester, Connecticut "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."

Last year I was looking at lathes and finally decided on the Jet 1642. After using it for a little over a year now, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I got the 1.5hp version (so I didn’t have to add another 220 circuit) and it has plenty of power. I’ve only turned bowls up to around 12” so far, but even when roughing these out and hogging the wood, it didn’t struggle. The fit and finish were great out of the crate, but for some reason the paint has been chipping easily on the headstock. No big deal about that though…

Jet all the way

-- Hrolfr

Hey Bob, I own the grizzly lathe. You can read my review here http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/624

I would go with the Jet.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Thanks for all of the great input. My decision is made, and it’s final!. JET . . . I think!

The question is: the 1642, or the 1442?? Does anyone have experience with the 1442? Craigslist has a 1442 for $500 down in Richmond – about 1 1/2 hrs south of me. On the other hand, I finally got my Maryland income tax refund yesterday . . . And there is a Woodcraft store over in Springfield, VA – 35 min away. And there is the big 20% off sale comng up . . . Woe is me – whatever shall I do. ;-)

Again, I appreciate your help in this. Cheers!

-- Bob, Waldorf, Md.

Well, if you’re sure you’re not ever going to do large bowls then the 1442 would probably do just fine, however, I say go with the 1642. The 1442 uses a Reeves drive for the variable speed and those have a tendency to wear out, plus the speed lever can end up in your way. If you’ve got the money, go with the lathe with EVS. As far as reversing goes, I’ve worked with several people in my shop who are left handed and they can use the lathe just fine running normally, where reversing is real nice is when it comes to sanding. As far as pen turning goes, just find out what type of taper is in the headstock spindle (usually a # 2 Morris Taper) and you just get the mandrel that fits. Anyway, good luck and I hope what you get is the best for you.

-- "At its best, life is completely unpredictable." - Christopher Walken

I’m a grizzly fan but for lathes I’d go with the jet

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Thanks Jim – my sentiments exactly. I went over to Alexandria on Saturday, and talked at length with the staff about lathes. Fortunately for me, the fellow who teaches the woodturning workshops over there was in the store and spent nearly an hour coaching me. I’m getting ready to phone-in my order for the Jet 2-ho 1642 EVS.

Now the big question is which turning tools? Suggestions? I plan to turn mainly spindals to start out, and pens/pepper mills, etc. Do I really need regular and mini tools? I would like to buy high quality tools, but only the 2 or 3 that are really used.

Thanks again to all of you. Cheers!

Bob Hendry
“Southeren Murlland”

-- Bob, Waldorf, Md.

Well, I did a review of the Benjamin’s Best 8 piece wood turning set. If you’ve got a good grinder set up to touch up the grinds, they are great and only $70.

-- "At its best, life is completely unpredictable." - Christopher Walken