How important is variable speed?

[Gary Cunningham]

I am about to crack open the wallet and buy my first lathe.

Space and budget limit me to either a Jet 1221, or a Nova 16/24.

The Nova has more hp, and more length. It does not have 'turn the knob' speed control.

So, what does the turning hive think?

[Damon McLaughlin]

Gary, I first started turning on a lathe that did not have variable speed and for the most part I didn't find changing belts to be all that cumbersome. There were times though that I got lazy and left the belt where it was when I probably would have benefited from changing it. Then I bought a Rikon 70-220VSR with the variable speed. The variable speed is something that made turning easier for me. Its nice to find just the right speed where as with belts there are times you will either be too slow or too fast. I should mention that most variable speed lathes will still have a belt that many need to be changed but it won't be as frequent of a change.

I have since moved up to a full size lathe which has the variable speed. I turn at the Vet's garage in Spokane once a week and they have four lathes. They have a Jet mini lathe that does not have variable speed and is rarely if ever used. The Jet 12-21 with variable speed is used quite frequently but the Rikon 70-220 (they bought my old one) is the most sought after lathe in the shop. I've heard good things about the Nova and I'm okay using the Jet as well but I'm partial to the Rikon. I don't know what the price is on the two lathes you mentioned or what your budget is but Woodcraft has the Rikon 70-220 VSR on sale until 12/24 for $499.99, best price I've ever seen for it. Maybe add it to your list of lathes to consider.

And welcome to turning!!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Variable speed is a convenience as thousands will tell you they learned and used a non-variable speed lathe.

That being said, variable is handy. When you mount an out of balance blank, it's nice to lower the speed until you are able to turn it into a better balanced blank and then be able to turn it up to a higher RPM that provides for smoother, faster turning. When I finish on the lathe, it's nice to adjust the speed to prevent the finish from being slung off the project. So, VS is useful.

I turn on a PM3520B which is a VS lather and I don't have any experience on the lathes you list. Good luck with your decision. Keep in mind, the lathe is the least expensive part of this hobby/addiction. It's peripherals, the accessories that will suck the green out of your wallet.

[David Bassett]

Changing belts isn't hard, but it is an interruption. I think variable speed is probably a bigger deal for a beginner because a more experienced turner can better judge where they want to be and better cope with slightly "off" settings. As a beginner, I find variable speed invaluable and fiddle with it quite a bit. Turn things down for safety, and so things happen a little more slowly, and then gradually turn up as the blank becomes better balanced, I become more sure about where I want to be, and as I have a little practice and gain confidence in the technique I'm using (trying.)

[Marvin Hasenak]

Variable speed won't make you a better turner, it is just a modern convenience. I would rather have more accessories. I have a Rikon mini with the belt changing, but I also have 2 of the 4 jaw chucks, a drill chuck, a collet chuck, bowl gouges and several homemade jigs that allow me to add "embellishments" to my turnings. The few seconds it takes to change the speed are not missed. My other lathe is a 1972 Delta 46-111 with 4 step pulleys on it.

[Terry Vaughan]

Variable speed won't make you a better turner, it is just a modern convenience. I would rather have more accessories.

I agree that variable speed is a great thing on a lathe. Although it's certainly not essential, I wouldn't be without it. You want VS that goes down to very low speed but still with torque. Also that will run in reverse.

Within a budget in the lower range, VS is just one of the points to look at. The same money might get you a machine that, although it doesn't have variable speed, is a more substantial and better made lathe. And I think reliability can be an issue for VS in cheap lathes.

[Dennis Ford]

Like others have said, variable speed is a convenience that lets you move the belt LESS. Lathes with variable speed also have multiple belt positions for a good reason. Another advantage is that it allows lower speeds than non-VS lathes are set up for. By starting slow, it is possible to turn out of balance pieces that would otherwise shake the lathe across a floor. The Nova 16-24/44 has a good range of speeds, I don't know what the speed selection is for a Nova 12-24.

[Don Jarvie]

Variable speed is the most important part of the lathe. The fact you can turn a knob and speed up or slow down the lathe makes turning so much enjoyable.

Im an old iron guy but certain tools like a lathe have improved so much with variable speed and other features old iron can’t compare.

[Michael Mills]

I'm going to assume you meant the Nova 1624. I have never heard of a Nova 12-24. They do have a 12" x 16 which is the Comet II but it is 3/4 hp not the 1.5 as the 1624 has.
I have the 1624 but I also purchased the Comet II for my daughter and grandson.
Many of the things I turn I would not try on a mini/midi lathe. I typically only set the speed once for spindle work; for bowl or platter I normally only change the speed once during turning, twice at the very most.

The Comet II and the Jet are variable but both have three belt positions with variable speeds within that setting.
For the Jet it is ...... Speed Ranges (RPM): 60-900, 110-1800, 220-3600
So going from a bowl to a spindle you would most likely need to move the belt anyway.

[John K Jordan]

I am about to crack open the wallet and buy my first lathe.
Space and budget limit me to either a Jet 1221, or a Nova 12/24.
The Nova has more hp, and more length. It does not have 'turn the knob' speed control.
So, what does the turning hive think?

I've turned successfully on both fixed (belt speed change) and variable speed lathes. When I carry my non-VS mini lathe somewhere I very quickly get used to not having variable speed. When I use the lathes in the shop I very quickly get used to the variable speed. However, the variable speed gives me a lot more flexibility and is more efficient - I think nothing of cranking on the speed when with the pulley speed change I sometimes don't bother to change the speed even though a different speed would be better. Turning at too high or too low a speed can require compromises in speed, safety, and quality of cut.

How the variable speed is implemented on the lathe can make a big difference. A mechanical method (reeves drive) is the least desirable - I don't want one. An electronic VDF allows a smooth speed adjustment within a range with a turn of the knob AND allows for reverse - this is what I want.

Some reasons I use different speeds and like using a VS lathe:
- use a low speed when sanding
- turn the speed up all the way for small things and thin spindles
- turn bowls and platters at a moderate speed
- adjust the speed a tiny bit one way or the other to calm vibrations in an out-of-balance piece
- use a high speed when cutting "air" (wings on a piece, e.g., a square platter)
- use a low speed with texturing tools
- apply some finishes at a low speed
- apply friction polish at a high speed
- crank the speed up when using a wire to friction burn a line in a spindle
- a very low speed is great during one step in teaching the skew to beginners
- reverse the direction for sanding
- reverse the direction for applying friction polish and some other finishes
- reverse the direction for certain cuts

What kind of things do you want to turn? Since I like to turn spindles the length of the lathe is more important than the power and the VS. For most other things the variable speed is more important to me than the length or the power. I can get by with less power for larger things with sharp tools and good technique.

JKJ

[david privett]

once you get it you will never go without it ! that and being able to go in reverse makes life better too.

[Gary Cunningham]

Like others have said, variable speed is a convenience that lets you move the belt LESS. Lathes with variable speed also have multiple belt positions for a good reason. Another advantage is that it allows lower speeds than non-VS lathes are set up for. By starting slow, it is possible to turn out of balance pieces that would otherwise shake the lathe across a floor. The Nova 16-24/44 has a good range of speeds, I don't know what the speed selection is for a Nova 12-24.


16/24 is what I meant to type.

[Brice Rogers]

I started on a Craftsman 1950's lathe. It's lowest speed was 950 rpm. Thank goodness that I could only chuck up a 9" bowl in it. When I first turned on a blank that I had tried to make round, and it immediately spun up to 950 rpm it was exciting and probably dangerous.

For doing spindle and pen work, I would think that starting out at 950 rpm isn't going to be a problem. But for bowls larger than perhaps 6 or 8 inches, I think that it is a safety issue. If you intend to do bowl (especially medium to larger ones) you would be advised, for safety purposes, to get a lathe where you can turn it down (VS or not) to perhaps 300 rpm. I haven't seen very many belt lathes that run that low.

[Gary Cunningham]

@jkj:

l like to build foot stools & coffee tables. So, primarily leg of 18 inches or less. After watching videos on turned boxes I want to give that a whirl.

The spousal unit likes bowls and plates, so that is another idea.

After looking at gadgets and gizmo's I can see how much $$$ turning can cost.

[Barry McFadden]

I just replaced my 30 year old lathe (no vs) with a Laguna Revo 18/36 with VS. I love it....I do mostly all bowl turning and starting an out of balance blank off at a slow speed instead of 500 rpm is great. Also ...as mentioned.... I can put a WOP finish on a bowl at 50 rpm and save turning it by hand to do it. It has a belt with 2 ranges but I doubt if I will ever move it off the position of 50 rpm to 1350 rpm for bowls....even if I do a little spindle turning that is fast enough for me.

[Bill Blasic]

If you buy the Jet 1221 and stand your close to $1200. I have a Powermatic and a Jet lathe but I have not been impressed with the 1221. Although I would not own one (because of the lathes I already own) if I were you I would seriously look at the Grizzly G0766 for about $500 more than the Jet 1221. The reason is that for most folks who start turning and thus start with a mini/midi lathe soon want a bigger more powerful lathe. I had one of my students facing this exact question and pointed to the G0766 which he bought and for the most part is happy with it. He has had a few minor problems and says that they can sell it so cheap because the owner is their unpaid labor to fix issues. I have actually used the lathe and checked it out and I would not hesitate to tell a student about it. Now as far as variable speed you don't need it but once you have it you will always want it.

[Michael Mills]

I haven't used the Jet but in amps it is only slightly larger than the Comet II ( 6 amp vs 5.5 amp).
Those who have used the Jet may disagree but in the Jet vs Nova 1624 I think the time saved in possibly not moving the belt compared to the time needed with lighter cuts and frustration of the smaller lathe would save no time in the long run. This is based on my usage of the Comet vs the 1624. For spindle work I don't think it makes any difference but for the bowl or platters it makes a lot of difference.

[Frank Drew]

If I bought another lathe I'd want variable speed and reversing, but as much as I like vs, I think that of the two reversing is the more useful for face plate and bowl work.

[John K Jordan]

@jkj:
l like to build foot stools & coffee tables. So, primarily leg of 18 inches or less. After watching videos on turned boxes I want to give that a whirl.
The spousal unit likes bowls and plates, so that is another idea.
After looking at gadgets and gizmo's I can see how much $$$ turning can cost.

Gary,
(Yikes, I wrote this hours ago and just noticed I forgot to send it. Sorry if it is made invalid or duplicates something posted since then.)

From your first message I'm assuming you don't yet have much experience with a lathe - forgive me if that's not right.

For turning spindles you have to allow a few extra inches for different live centers, perhaps a jacobs chuck with a drill bit, and maybe 3" more for a chuck. (holding one end of a spindle blank in a chuck has some distinct advantages) You may also want a bit of extra wood on either end, depending. It is far better to have a lathe much longer than needed than one a little bit too short! :)

I'll tell you my experience. At least 15 years ago I wanted to make one thing for my son in architecture school. I had no experience, didn't know about forums or clubs, and knew no turners. I bought a cheap lathe from Home Depot - a copy of the old Craftsman tube lathe. I learned enough from the manual to make the thing I bought it for on my first try. I later glued together pieces of an oak board and turned a small bowl. This lathe was sorely substandard but I didn't realized that until I made a few things. I saved up and soon bought a new Jet 1642 variable speed lathe which was the difference between night and day - it was wonderful! I used it for thousands of things over the years and eventually bought a second one used. I still keep two lathes in my shop although one is now a big Powermatic 3520b. (I also have a couple of Jet mini lathes I can easily take places.) I gave the first lathe to a friend. I keep the second 1642 in storage as a spare.

I've heard many others tell the same story - bought one lathe and then soon after discovered that although it was good to learn and turn a bit, it was the wrong choice. You have the chance to avoid all that! My advice: if you have no experience with a lathe start by not buying one at all. Take a class, attend some demonstrations at a club, meet some turners and visit their shops and try out their lathes. (turners LOVE that!) See what kinds of tools others find necessary and useful. Try turning or just an 18" table leg blank on several lathes. Read everything you can. Borrow a small lathe for a while. (I've loaned out a mini before and I suspect others would too.) This way you can see for yourself what you like, don't like, and what you could get by on. You can even see if you like turning at all! (It's almost guaranteed you will but occasionally I hear of someone who doesn't) When you do buy, buy a used lathe instead of a new one.

This way you can avoid making the mistake many of us made - buying one then getting a better one soon after! In the long run you will save enough money that way to get some very nice accessories.

Another thing - it's probably not wise to get excited and immediately buy every tool that you think you might need. A few things will let you turn almost anything:
- scroll chuck
- parting tool, spindle gouge, skew chisel, roughing gouge, maybe later a bowl gouge (learn spindle turning first!)
- bench grinder
- sharpening jig ("you can't turn if you can't sharpen")
- dust mask or respirator
- face shield
Pay no attention to the energetic salesman at Woodcraft. High end tools are wonderful but cheaper tools are sufficient (get tools made from High Speed Steel). You might even borrow tools from friendly turners. (I keep a box of old tools I acquired just for that.)

That's my opinion! Everyone is entitled to one. :)

JKJ

[Len Mullin]

Gary, VS on a lathe isn't important, but I'd never buy another lathe without it. Just the convenience of it, makes it worth the extra money it costs. I don't know of any turner, who ever regretted having it once they got it. There's lots of turner's who will claim that they have no issues, with manually switching from one speed to another, on non-variable speed lathes. But those same turner's have nothing negative to say about a lathe with VS, most of them actually admit that they would never go back to non VS. So, no it's not important, but it is awfully damn convenient to have.
Len

[Gary Baler]

I have a Nova 16-24 belt change and a PM 3520 B variable speed. At 200 rpm I can put about any out of balance piece that will fit and be safe on the Nova. I got the PM after turning a couple of thousand bowls on the Nova. The speed change with the belt takes less than ten seconds once you get it down. I finish most of my pieces with lacquer and the 48 rpm minimum speed on the PM will let me spray lacquer and let it dry without running while turning at that speed.

I use both lathes almost every day, often with projects going on both. If cost is important I would get the Nova. Best value for the $ available. If cost is no object ... American Beauty

[Jack Lilley]

I would ask how frequently will you be turning? Is it something you will be doing a lot of? If it is you will want the variable speed. It is a convenience as everyone has already stated but it also speeds up your turning. No stopping to change belts, always turning at the most beneficial speed, better resale value and really, really convenient. My first 2 lathes I had to change belts, then I had a dvr with push button speed control and now a laguna with a knob to adjust the speed. My recommendation would be get the variable speed if it is in your budget.

[Roy Petersen]

I have a Delta with a Reeves drive on it, and though it's difficult changing speeds, I found once I hit the right speed, I left it on that pretty much all the time. I turn mainly goblets, steins, lidded boxes and the like, so it's all kind of the same type of actions. Aside from roughing the blanks, I never felt I needed to slow it down or go a lot higher than where I was. Stayed at that so long I found the guts froze up from disuse and needed penetrating oil to loosen it. ;)

If I had it to do again, I'd spend for the dial type, and something with a more solid build. Though the Delta's fine for what I do, there are far better.

[Harold Walsh]

I've owned the Nova 1624 and it's a great lathe and it was no problem (to me) to change the belt speed.What I like about the Nova's the head rotates and to me it makes wood turning easier on the back, not having to lean over the work to turn. Nova makes an upgrade motor with a variable speed for the 1624 also. Having said that, I just upgraded to the Nova Galaxi DVR 1644. It's a variable speed lathe but it hasn't made me a better turner, just lighter in the wallet.:)

Jet makes good products but the head doesn't rotate on their lathes either. Good luck.

[Clint Bach]

I like the vfd (variable frequency drive). It seems to have a more stable speed. It adjusts the torque to the load so it doesn't bog down or over speed. On a heavy cut I can feel it add more oomph. Is that a real word? Anyway oomph is good for large turnings.

c

[Dennis Ford]

Between a Jet 1221 with VS and a Nova 1624 without VS, I would take the Nova without a doubt. More capacity, more HP, more weight and good speed range selection. Those items are more important than variable speed IMO.