Buying a used Jet 1642 EVS?

[Kenny Jacobson]

I've been saving my turning earnings for a reconditioned Nova 1624-44 (~$950 including shipping) and I'm pretty much there. But today I see a guy selling his Jet 1642 for $1300 on craigslist. It's less than an hours drive away. I don't have a big shop (a third of the garage) and so the Nova seemed like a great fit, but I know the Jet owners sure love their 1642's. I'm sure I can reconfigure my shop to fit it in an it sure seems like a screamin' deal.

Oh yeah, I mainly turn bowls and hollow forms and pens. I currently have a Jet 1014 which has been great to me, but I just want to turn bigger bowls and have more stability.

So what do you all think? And what should I be taking note of when and if I go out to look at the lathe? I know I'll want to slide the tailstock up to the headstock and make sure the drive center and live centers line up. Unfortunately, I don't have a gauge to test the runout on the headstock (are there any shop tricks to make sure the headstock is not wobbly?). What else should I be looking at? I know Jet makes great products, but every company has an occasional lemon, or, perhaps more to the point, some machines get abused by their owners. I just want to make sure I'm not buying a used headache, if I indeed buy it.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Gary Max]

It would be hard to find a modern lathe that is worn out.

You would be able to see the wear.

With the Jet you can get parts----service is a real big deal to me.

[Jim Burr]

1.5 or 2hp model? If you don't grab it...I'll be right behind you! Jets are built like tanks. I finally wore the head bearings out of my 1014 after 6 years of nasty work. It would be prudent to have a look see, but make room in the garage and bring a friend... hard to load on your own!

[Rich Aldrich]

I have a Jet 1642 EVS 1 1/2 hp. I bought it in Feb 2010 new for $1650. I dont know what the new price is now, but $1300 probably isnt that bad. It is definitely worth a look. I really like mine.

[Kenny Jacobson]

1.5 or 2hp model? If you don't grab it...I'll be right behind you! Jets are built like tanks. I finally wore the head bearings out of my 1014 after 6 years of nasty work. It would be prudent to have a look see, but make room in the garage and bring a friend... hard to load on your own!

It's the 1.5 HP model.


I have a Jet 1642 EVS 1 1/2 hp. I bought it in Feb 2010 new for $1650. I dont know what the new price is now, but $1300 probably isnt that bad. It is definitely worth a look. I really like mine.

Where did you get yours, if I might asked?

I keep hearing about people getting killer deals on new stuff, but when I look around online, it all seems pretty pricey. The cheapest I see is on amazon for $1,920 with free shipping for prime members (which I am). Did the price of everything just shoot up in the past two years?!?!?

[Russell Eaton]

If the headstock and tailstock don't line up, just check the bed and see if it is level. Listen close to the motor and you should be good. Not a bad price.

[John Keeton]

Kenny, when I bought my 1642 earlier this year, I did a little research trying to decide if I was better off waiting a year. But, it seems they have been going up about $250-300/year for the 2 hp unit, and a little less for the 1.5. I don't think you will see many decent used 1.5's for less than $1500.

[Rich Aldrich]

It's the 1.5 HP model.



Where did you get yours, if I might asked?

I keep hearing about people getting killer deals on new stuff, but when I look around online, it all seems pretty pricey. The cheapest I see is on amazon for $1,920 with free shipping for prime members (which I am). Did the price of everything just shoot up in the past two years?!?!?

I got mine off Amazon with free shipping. I bought it through the link on the Creek. I have seen a few deals better since, but you would have to wait. It depends on how long you want to wait.

[Josh Bowman]

Kenny, I'm certain grabbing the spindle and giving it a good push back and forth and up and down then in and out ought to give you some bearing conditions, along with a good listen. The 1642 is very quite as it spins up, so a bad bearing should reveal itself. As far as the run out, that's cheap enough, go to Harbor Freight and pick up a dial indicator on sale now for $11.99 and magnetic stand for $10. But honestly, I don't think you have to go that far.
These lathes are very simple. The real problem would be in the VFD, (motor and box). Several of us have had switch problems due to dust, but I know some PM folks that have the same issues. It's not that big of a deal to blow the dust out. You might find out how old it is and give Jet a call and see if it's still warranted and if it transfers. Good luck.

[Kenny Jacobson]

Thank you everyone for your input! I think you all confirmed what I suspected: that this is a good deal if it's in good working condition and I won't be sorry. I'm going to take a look at it tonight. I'll report back what happens.

Thanks again!

[George Morris]

For new try the tool nut! Great prices and service! I got a PM 3520 from them.

[Bernie Weishapl]

If that was a hour from me I would be on that. That is a good deal.

[Michelle Rich]

I have both a Nova & the jet..the new Jet is about 2,000.00 today. I like both of the lathes. If $ an issue, you will not be at any disadvantage buying the Nova. they are tough. If you can save for the jet, so be it, it's a terrific lathe. Either choice gives you a terrific lathe.

[Russell Neyman]

Isn't the Jet 1642 available in both 120v and 240v versions?

[Jim Underwood]

Yes. The 120V is 1-1/2 HP and the 240V is 2 HP.

[Russell Neyman]

Yes. The 120V is 1-1/2 HP and the 240V is 2 HP.

Is the bottom end rpm higher on the 2 hp model?

[Rich Aldrich]

Is the bottom end rpm higher on the 2 hp model?

The speed range is the same. The 2 hp just has more torque.

[Kenny Jacobson]

WOOO-HOOOO!!! I got it! I went out last night to look at it and it was in pristine condition. The guy came by today and delivered it to my house for me! Now that's service.

Thanks again everybody for your help.

I know what I'm doing this Saturday :)

[charlie knighton]

congratulations, Kenny, enjoy

[Josh Bowman]

Kenny,
Congratulations!!! You'll really enjoy it. Post your first turning soon.

[Greg Just]

You're going to love it!

[John Keeton]

Good score!! Congrats!

[Roger Chandler]

Cool! Congrats on your new toy.............you will love it!

[Baxter Smith]

Good deal! Enjoy!

[dennis kranz]

I hope you like yours as much as I do mine.
Dennis

[Russell Eaton]

Hey Kenny, I think you forgot something......PICTURES! Congrats on a sweet lathe, I know you will love it.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Kenny - Congrats on your new lathe! You are going to love it! Looking forward to the photos!

[James Combs]

Congrats on the new toy Kenny. You will love it. Not sure how I got along without mine.

[Alan Trout]

Congratulations on the lathe and now go have fun.

Alan