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View Full Version : Jet Mini vs. Grizzly VS lathe


Harry Thornton
03-03-2005, 10:09 AM
I am new to this forum but the first question I asked helped my pocket $100 for a RAS that was a boat anchor. I need some help with a wood lathe to turn slate type turkey calls. Here are my questions:

1) Is the Grizzly VS at $139 a reasonable substitute for the Jet mini? If not what are its limitations?

2) What are the best sources for used mini lathes? (I went to ebay and there was nothing).

3) Are there any other brands that are great bargains with suitable quality?

Thanks
Bob Winkler
03-03-2005, 10:29 AM
Hi Harry,

Welcome to the Creek. This question may get more response from the turners in the Creek Woodturning Forum.

BTW, I have the Jet Mini (non VS), and have been impressed thus far. One things to consider is availability of accessories, aftermarket or from JET. The Mini is very well supported out there. I don't know about the Griz.

Bob
Harry Thornton
03-03-2005, 10:35 AM
BTW, I posted this on the turner forum and got little feedback. There is nearly the traffic over there. Plus, I figured that most folks over here have some kind of lathe in there shop even if tuning is not their primary hobby.

Thanks for the welcome. This is a pretty neat forum...lots of traffic.
Tom LaRussa
03-03-2005, 10:50 AM
3) Are there any other brands that are great bargains with suitable quality?
Hi Harry,

Welcome to the 'Creek! :)

I just bought my very first lathe, a Shop Fox Mini, for $139 at http://www.northwestpowertools.com/lathe/w1704.htm

It's very similar to the Jet except that it's $110 cheaper. :D

It's not as powerful as the Jet -- 1/3 hp vs 1/2 hp -- but it has continuously variable speed, which the jet does not. (In other words, you don't have to move belts from one pulley to another to change the speed, you just turn a little dial.)

I really like it, but then I'm no expert and don't have much to compare it to, since I'm a brand new turner. Also, I've only used it for spindle turning so far, so I can't say how it does at face turning -- but then it sounds like you'll be doing much the same.
Bob Winkler
03-03-2005, 10:55 AM
Oh no Tom,

Hope this doesn't impact your supplying us with wonderful chisels and planes.
Bob
Tom LaRussa
03-03-2005, 11:06 AM
Oh no Tom,

Hope this doesn't impact your supplying us with wonderful chisels and planes.
Bob
Not to worry Bob,

Can you guess what I've been turning? :p

http://home.earthlink.net/~tomlarussa/4stanleystyle.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~tomlarussa/3fulton01.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~tomlarussa/everything.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~tomlarussa/ohiofirmer01.jpghttp://home.earthlink.net/~tomlarussa/swanfirmer01.jpg
Harry Thornton
03-03-2005, 1:14 PM
It is very similar to the Penn State Industries lathe that has only 1/4 HP. Are you sure the Shop Fox has 1/3 HP? I think I am down to the Shop Fox or the Jet mini if I can get it for $188 (on sale "scratch & dent"). Thanks for the info.
Tom LaRussa
03-03-2005, 2:30 PM
Are you sure the Shop Fox has 1/3 HP?
Now that you ask, no I'm not sure. Lemme go check.
Tom LaRussa
03-03-2005, 2:32 PM
It is very similar to the Penn State Industries lathe that has only 1/4 HP. Are you sure the Shop Fox has 1/3 HP? I think I am down to the Shop Fox or the Jet mini if I can get it for $188 (on sale "scratch & dent"). Thanks for the info.
The plate on the machine says 1/3 hp & 4 amps.