Jet 1642 EVS 2HP vs Laguna 18/47

[John Meade]

Hello from a newbie to the Creek. I have been a stalker for a while, but this is my first post. I am contemplating purchasing a new lathe. I have been using an old Shopsmith as my lathe for a long time, but it is neither heavy enough nor powerful enough. The Jet 1642 EVS appears to serve my purposes and will do so for a long time. Then I noticed the Laguna 18/47. Are there opinions as to which would be a better machine and why? Thanks.

[Roger Chandler]

The jet is a great lathe..........I have the Grizzly version of the 18/47 lathe........their G0698, which is now upgraded with a better inverter and a different motor and the new model is G0733. I have had mine for over two years and it has been superb! Good luck with your choice!

[Jim Burr]

Big Jet fan...although mine is a 1642 1.5...it hooks it up!

[Bill Bulloch]

Seems that there were some complaints about the Laguna posted on this forum a while back, but I can remember any of the specifics (maybe someone will). I have never heard a complaint about the Jet 1642.

[Jon McElwain]

I bought several Laguna tools after reading so much about their euro bandsaws a couple years ago. I was looking at the lathe as well. A couple of the tools were in the "Platinum" series. My opinion is that the "Platinum" qualities of the tools pretty much end with the name. The tools are good tools, but nothing like what I was expecting from the manufacturer of some really high end bandsaws. The tools (again, in my opinion) were of average quality. I would steer away from the Platinum Series Laguna tools in favor of something like the Jet that really has a good reputation.

Please note, all of this is not to say that Laguna makes lousy tools. It was just that I did not do my homework before buying, and when I thought I was buying premium tools, I was disappointed to find out that I was not. I have been very happy with my Laguna bandsaw.

Hope that helps!

Jon

[Jeff Myroup]

I have a jet 1642, 2HP, EVS. It is a great machine and will do everything you want. Great customer service as well. You can't go wrong with the jet.

[Jim Sebring]

You might want to take a hard look at Laguna's reputation for less than stellar customer service.

[Tom Winship]

I have decided on the Jet. Little dilemma between 1.5 and 2 horsepower because of the 110/220 availability. Just talked to ToolNut and their prices are only about $100 difference between the two models due to free shipping on the 2 hp.

[Roger Chandler]

John.......just for informational purposes.........and not trying to sell you on anything.....what lathe you get is entirely your business, but sometimes having a lot of info helps in making our decisions. I just thought I would let you know that there is a link in manufacturing with the Jet, Powermatic, Grizzly and Laguna lathes.

For example.........my lathe, the Grizzly 0698 has the same banjo and tool rest as the PM 4224 and the Jet 1642, as well as the locking handles. I have turned on 3 different PM 3520b's and been up close and personal with some Jet 1642 evs lathes. My lathe performs on par with either of them. If funds are not an issue, the PM 3520b is heavier and has more swing........about 2.5 times as expensive. The Jet and the Grizzly 0733 are about the same as far as features........with the exception that you don't get a cage [which most turners take off anyway] and the handwheel [which the way the 0733 is designed does not need one at all] just the way some turners prefer and how they got used to using theirs. [one can be made for it however]

The 0733 has the same inverter as the 3520b and the Jet 1642 evs...........you do get two more inches of swing with the 0733 and 5 more inches between centers. With the Jet you get a longer warranty. Those are pretty much the differences, and I hope this information is helpful to you whichever lathe you decide to buy. Happy hunting!

[Kyle Iwamoto]

The banjo on the Jet 1642 is definetly NOT the same as the 3520 or the 4224. Our club has a 3520, that banjo is much more substantial than the banjo on my 1642. The 3520 is a much better lathe. I'm very happy with my 1642 though. I would say the only weak point on the 1642 is that banjo. I get flex on it when I core. Get the 2 horse. 220v is not that hard to do. You won't wish you got the 1.5 horse.

[Roger Chandler]

The banjo on the Jet 1642 is definetly NOT the same as the 3520 or the 4224. Our club has a 3520, that banjo is much more substantial than the banjo on my 1642. The 3520 is a much better lathe. I'm very happy with my 1642 though. I would say the only weak point on the 1642 is that banjo. I get flex on it when I core. Get the 2 horse. 220v is not that hard to do. You won't wish you got the 1.5 horse.

Kyle,
I have a friend who has a PM 4224 and his banjo is identical to mine on the Grizzly G0698...[just painted with the mustard color.........and it might be sized for the bigger swing, but same design]

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?184272-The-Powermatic-4224-has-landed-(in-my-shop)

.....the 3520b banjo is different and better than both the 4224 and 0698. Look at Bill Wyko's recent pics of his new PM 4224 and the banjo is very similar the one on my lathe. Not trying to have an argument, but just trying to set the record straight.

My only point was to let John know that there is a close connection in manufacturing with all these, and that if one worries that somehow they might get an inferior lathe, then that fear is unfounded.

[John Meade]

Gents: I appreciate all the feedback, and it is always helpful to learn from the knowledge and experience of others. I started with the idea that the Jet was what I wanted, but it is an investment, and I would rather get the facts and opinions up front, than have to learn the hard way after the damage is done (measure twice, cut once).

My next question is, knowing that the Jet 1642 fits my needs and price range, is there any other lathe that I should be considering?

Thanks.

--John.

[Rich Aldrich]

I have the Jet 1642 EVS 1 1/2 hp and really like it. It is the only lathe I have owned. I was very close to buying the Grizzly that Roger has, but they were back ordered at the time. I have heard the new Grizzly is decent. I havent had any experience with Laguana, but have heard a number of negatives and positives.

[Gary Max]

The biggie you see posted-----Jet has great service.

[James Combs]

I have the Jet 1642 2hp and a small Grizzly. Got no complaints with either one. I don't think you can go wrong with the Jet. Just make sure you check with Toolnut before you commit to buy, what ever the brand.

[Gary Max]

Heck, I bought my Delta 46-460 from Toolnut------------great folks

[Richard Allen]

Used price. Which lathe sells for more on the used market? That is something which tells a lot about value.

[Jack Mincey]

The Jet is a good lathe as others have said. I've turned on one quite a bit and would want the 2HP version. I can stall out the 1 1/2 HP motel with a heavy cut using a bowl gouge. I also turn on 3520 PM's and my Oneway which both have 2HP and it is very hard to stall them out. I would also consider putting a oneway 1640 banjo on the Jet down the road. As others have said the banjo on the Jet is not great. I feel it is simply to short for larger bowls. The Oneway 1640 banjo is great and long enough to use on a 24" swing lathe since it was designed for outboard turning on this lathe which is 24" swing. The banjo can be added to it at any time.
Jack

[Dale Miner]

I agree with everything Jack is saying. While the 3520 and the 2436 Oneway are bigger and better, there is nothing wrong with the 1640, except the banjo is perhaps two inches to short for a 16" swing lathe. A bit longer banjo would allow for getting around the backside of blanks that are near max diameter on the lathe.

As to resale value, the 3520 probably has the greatest percentage of resale value/new value, and likely would sell at that higher percentage faster than other 20" swing and above lathes.

[John Keeton]

Regarding the banjo issue, it would be nice were the 1642 banjo longer, but I usually just remove the chuck (w/turning) and slide the banjo behind the turning, replace the chucked turning and finish the back. It is an inconvenience, but I don't turn 16" items enough to justify the expenditure for the longer banjo. I can easily see that for Dale, who does a lot of platters and larger work, as well as others, this would be a significant issue.

[Montgomery Scott]

Kyle,
My only point was to let John know that there is a close connection in manufacturing with all these, and that if one worries that somehow they might get an inferior lathe, then that fear is unfounded.

I would disagree with this statement. The PM and Jet are manufactured in Taiwan. The grizzly lathes are made in China. Based on that fact alone I wouldn't touch a Grizzly, along my opinion that the grizzly tools I have are mediocre.

[John Keeton]

Many manufacturer's outsource their work to various off shore factories, using specs that are similar. This sometimes results in interchangeable parts, and visual similarities between or among various brands.

The OP has asked for thoughts on comparing the Jet vs. the Laguna. Please don't let this thread get into another Tiawan vs. China thread, nor let it become a bashing thread for any manufacturer. If there are legitimate concerns regarding customer service, features, or warranty, then those topics are relevant. Sweeping comments regarding the country of origin without some definitive information as to why that makes a product inferior simply are not germane.

Thanks!

[Roger Chandler]

I would disagree with this statement. The PM and Jet are manufactured in Taiwan. The grizzly lathes are made in China. Based on that fact alone I wouldn't touch a Grizzly, along my opinion that the grizzly tools I have are mediocre.

Actually Montgomery............the Grizzly G0733 has the same Delta Taiwanese inverter as the 3520b and Jet 1642, and the motor is Taiwanese as well according to the Burt Group info on their website............all I know is that I have gotten superb performance and reliability out of my G0698 so far, and have turned on the PM's and Jets...........mine performs just as well...............not trying to be argumentative.......each of us has our own experiences good and bad............I wish everyone got great performance and reliability from whatever machine they have..........

[Roger Chandler]

Regarding the banjo issue, it would be nice were the 1642 banjo longer, but I usually just remove the chuck (w/turning) and slide the banjo behind the turning, replace the chucked turning and finish the back. It is an inconvenience, but I don't turn 16" items enough to justify the expenditure for the longer banjo. I can easily see that for Dale, who does a lot of platters and larger work, as well as others, this would be a significant issue.


John,

I agree about a longer banjo for my lathe as well..........getting to the backside of a platter [like the one I posted earlier in the week] is a chore........must remove the chuck, and put it on the back of a turning which is too large for the banjo to slide underneath. That is about the only design feature that could be better about it, and maybe a bit longer so as to give extra length for large turnings.

I suppose the designers felt that folks who want to turn large would just slide the headstock to the end and turn out board, but not everyone has room in their shop/studio for that set up.

[Jason Ritchie]

I just had a terrible experience with the Jet 1642 1.5 model and after going through 2 that each had different issues and a lack of customer service support I decided to return it. It was a very very nice and capable lathe but the two that I had tried were riddled with defects. My reason for returning it was due to the lack of service from Jet and my local store was just as surprised as I was about how this went down. They were very supportive and happy to work with me on my return. I won't say any more because I got banned from another forum for posting the whole story and it seems Jet was a major supporter of that forum. I'm now looking at the Grizzly G0733 lathe and will probably order it within the next week. I'm a bit worried about running 220 service to my shop and that was the major reason I had chosen the Jet 1.5 110v model but we shall see how expensive or difficult this turns out to be. Best of luck with your decision and if you went with or plan to go with Jet, I pray you have a much better experience than I did.

[Roger Chandler]

Jason,

Running 220V is a snap........providing you have the amperage coming to your shop. Just take the neutral wire and move it to the hot side , so you have two hot wires and one neutral wire on a new 220 NEMA 6-15 plug [I used a 6-20] plug with mine because I have a 20 amp line. Of course ground the thing...........you should have a qualified electrician to rewire the outlet for you in case you are not familiar with code or inexperienced in working with electricity.

In the grand scheme of things...........making a 220 line is easy and just requires a bit of knowledge. You can look at the manual online on the Grizzly website for the 0733 and go to the section "circuit requirements" to see a drawing of the correct plug in outlet, as well as other wiring issues you may be interested in later in the manual..........hope this helps!

[Jason Ritchie]

Hey thanks for the tip Roger. That is a good point, if you are interested in a Grizzly lathe they do post the manual PDF file right there which is really nice. I took a look at it and it is quite detailed. Unfortunately I only have a single 110v line going to my detached shop so I will need to run a new line with buried conduit.

[Steven Green]

One vote for the Jet. I just got mine and I love it. Plenty of power and lots of features including outboard turning with a stand. I asked a lot of questions and came down on the Jet.

[Cary Falk]

John,
I don't post in the turning section much but I went through the same decision about a year ago. I thought I would chime in with my thought process. You can take it for what it is worth. I am not trying to get you to buy one tool over the other. My decision was really between the Jet and the Grizzly. Laguna wasn't even in the running for several reasons. I have alwasy heard bad CS stroies about them. About 5 years ago I calld them asking for some information on their JET16/32 sander clone. The rep could not tell me anything about it. When he did send me some info 2 months later, it was about every other platinum series tool but the sander. Their lathe looks exactly like the Grizzly. It is probably at least 90% the same. I had heard mixed reviews on both the Laguna and the Grizzly. If I had to choose between the 2 I would go with the better CS and cheaper price of Grizzly. I have a lot of Grizzly tools and am happy with them. The Jet won out for several reasons. Grizzly has never been known for theri lathes. I hope this new breed changes that. The Grizzly is a new design and there can always be a risk with that. I have never heard a bad thing about the Jet. I ended up with the 2 hp one. When it was all said and done with shipping of the Grizzly and the Jet sale, there was just not enough difference in price to take the chance. The 5 year warrenty is nice but I doubt I will have to use it. I don't regret my decision. With Jet prices rising like they have been in the last 2 years, I will likely be able to sell mine for what I paid for it. Not that I ever plan on selling it.