Jet 1642 Help Needed.

[Andy Howard]

If anyone has a Jet 1642 and could help me out I would be very grateful.

I am thinking about buying one of these lathes, but currently do not have room for it in the garage if I use the included leg set. I have a cart/stand that my jet midi + extension bed sits on, and would have to put the 1642 on top of this stand instead of using the legs.

If an owner of a 1642 could measure the length of the bed only, not including any overhang of the motor, etc.

Also, if anyone knows the height of the spindle above the bottom of the bed I would appreciate knowing that too. Just imagine if the legs were not there, and let me know how high the spindle is.

Thanks,
Andy

[Loy Hawes]

Length of the bed is 56 7/8"

Height of the spindle above the bottom of the bed is 12 7/8"

[Andy Howard]

Thanks Loy!!

I assume you have one since you responded. Any input on the lathe you can give would be appreciated.

Trying to decide between a 1442, 1642, and Powermatic 3520B!

Thanks,
Andy

[Kurt Rosenzweig]

If money isn't the problem then it's a no brainer! 3520BBBBBBBBB! You'll find the room once the addiction takes hold!

[Loy Hawes]

Thanks Loy!!

I assume you have one since you responded. Any input on the lathe you can give would be appreciated.

Trying to decide between a 1442, 1642, and Powermatic 3520B!

Thanks,
Andy

Stubby 1000!

Seriously, I would go for the 3520a or b if you are going to turn bowls and hollow forms. If you are going to do mostly spindle work then the 1442 and 1642 would be a better choice.

[Dominic Greco]

Any input on the lathe you can give would be appreciated.

Andy,
I wrote a review of the Jet JWL-1642 for SMC when I first got the lathe. I also wrote another article (also on SMC) on adding a ballast box and a set of trestle legs to my lathe.

It's been almost three years since then and I still love it. I predominantly turn bowls, but I also turn pens and bottle stoppers. What I'm saying is that this lathe handles anything from small stuff to large bowls. For the price, it's worth it.

However, if you have the extra dough (and room) go for the Powermatic. You get 20" of swing vs the 16" the 1642 has. The motor is larger, and it weighs about 400 lbs more.

I know you have room restrictions but I have to say that taking the 1642 off of it's legs would be my LAST resort. The cast iron legs add a good deal of mass to the body.

[Andy Howard]

Dominic,

I have read both of your articles numerous times. They are both great and are starting to sway me towards the 1642. Thanks for writing them!

The "cart" I have is 54" wide, 20" tall, and 18" deep. It is made up of 3 full sheets of 3/4"MDF, a sheet of 1/4" baltic birch, and 2 sheets of 1/2" baltic birch. It also has 11 full extension drawer slides in it, and is full of various items. I guess what I am trying to get at is it weighs a "ton" also. I wouldnt be suprised if my cart weighed in at over 300 lbs empty.

The legs weigh about 160lbs if I am not mistaken correct?

Now, if only my lathe fund had 1600 dollars in it I would be hitting amazon right now! Or for 850 I could be turning on a 1442!

Andy

[Dominic Greco]

The "cart" I have is 54" wide, 20" tall, and 18" deep. ....I wouldn't be surprised if my cart weighed in at over 300 lbs empty....The legs weigh about 160lbs if I am not mistaken correct?


Andy,
That sounds like a pretty substantial stand!

However, it's not so much the weight of the cast legs, as their "stance". I believe that the cast iron leg assembly has a width of approx. 24" to 28". This helps to steady the lathe when turning large pieces, or out of round blanks.

[George Troy Hurlburt]

Andy if space is a concern go with the DVR. 16" swing. Swivel head. Works on 110. Just set on top of bench or bracket in your garage. It only weighs 200 lbs. Electronic variable speed. GT