Delta or Jet or ???

[David Warkentin]

I would like to buy another lathe to use mainly for turning pens. Was thinking of the Delta or Jet 1220-vs. Any reason to buy one or the other or something else? David

[John Keeton]

David, I really don't have any knowledge of the Jet 1220, but I really, really loved my Delta 46-460!! If you are going to do just pens, though, it seems like one could get by with a less expensive option - though I am not familiar with what is out there in that range.

[David Warkentin]

Well I might use it for other stuff. I do have my venerable pm 90 but it is a gap bed and that makes it hard to get the rest up to the headstock.

[Jamie Donaldson]

I agree with John about the Delta Midi, or I wouldn't have added it to my shop. It is a much better "user" lathe than the little Jets, because it has more power and other features just like a real lathe, rather than a limited use toy.

[Donny Lawson]

Delta 46-460 all the way. With the 1hp VS with reverse you cannot go wrong. I've had mine for about a year now and it has survived a fire and still turns great.

[David Warkentin]

So where is the best place to buy? Will need to be shipped as Woodcraft is 2 hours away...

[Roger Chandler]

So where is the best place to buy? Will need to be shipped as Woodcraft is 2 hours away...

Try Sean at ToolNut............usually the best prices and great service.......

[Jeff Fagen]

With what I saved at Woodcraft the 2 hour drive was worth it to pick up my 46-460 and extras.I just love that machine!

[Jim Burr]

I've paid for my Jet 1014 and my 1642 and my motorcycle by making pens on a 1014...and making other stuff too! Check IPA for good pen advice.

[Tim Thiebaut]

I have had my Jet 1220VS for 5 1/2 months now and love it....admitedly I have nothing else to compare it to, but I turn pretty much daily and it has done everything I have asked of it...even if I do upgrade at some point in a few years I dont think I will get rid of my Jet....just my 2 cents on Jets.

[John Keeton]

Try Sean at ToolNut............usually the best prices and great service.......David, both my Delta and my new Jet 1642 came from Sean. Good folks.

[Joe Kieve]

Check this out...http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Industrial-46-460-2-Inch-Variable-Speed/dp/B00309ZZRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307276096&sr=8-1
A few bucks cheaper and free shipping. I looked at the Jet 1220 and the Delta 46-460 recently at a Woodcraft store. The fit and finish, ease of changing speeds, etc. on the Delta is far and above the Jet. Just my 2 cents.

joe

[Gary Max]

Try Sean at ToolNut............usually the best prices and great service.......


Plus Toolnut has great service should you have any trouble--------that's worth a bunch to me.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I think the Jet is far from a "toy". I've had my 1014 for years. If you just want pens, that has withstood the test of time. Save you a couple bucks. That being said, I've turned on the new Delta. It is a nice unit, IF I didn't have a big lathe I'd get that. BUT, since you have a big lathe, you could save a few bucks with the small Jet. Takes up way less space. You can just put it down on your bench. It has enough mass to stay put for pens and small stuff. Which is all it can turn. For us space challenged folks that may be a consideration. Just my $0.02.
Good luck deciding...:)

[David E Keller]

I think either lathe would serve you well for pens, but I'd get VS regardless of the brand you choose. I'd shop around a bit, and then call Sean at Toolnut... Tell him the best deal you've found, and he'll beat it if he can. If he can't, he'll tell you to go with the deal you found. I've never met Sean in person, but I've never had anyone deal with me more fairly.

[James Combs]

Another option for a nice VS midi lathe is the Grizzly VS G0658 12x20. It is $524 shipped. http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-x-20-Heavy-Duty-Bench-Top-Wood-Lathe/G0658

I have it and I use it almost exclusively for pens. I have the Jet 1642 for larger items.