Want opinions/reviews on mini lathes

[Thom Sturgill]

I have decided my very small shop could use a lathe. There is no room for a full sized lathe, but I don't want a toy either. Currently I am looking at either the Griz G0658 (12x20 3/4hp 3speed ranges) or the Jet JWL-1220 if I can find it (also 3/4 hp, comes in both six speed and VS models). The Rekon 70-100 is not out of the question, but is as small as I want to go both in length and motor size.

I have not seen reviews of either of the 12x20 lathes (but I don't generally read turning mags either). Does anyone have experience with the Griz lathe (or the G0657 10x16) or the Jet?

Besides tool handles and the occasional candlestick I expect to use this mainly for furniture and may get an extension in the future.

[Scott Hubl]

Get the JET, Grizz is NOT very well liked for their lathes.

[Thom Sturgill]

'Fraid that might be the case. Have to find a source for the Jet, its a new model according to their site.

[Mike Berndt]

I would the the Jet mini lathe for the win(FTW)!!!!!!:)

[Paul Douglass]

I'm looking real hard at the Nova 1624-44. Big lathe with small footprint.

[Dean Matthews]

I have the jet JWL-1220 and I have been very happy with it. I have done pens, bowls, goblets, kaleidoscopes, etc... Overall I have been very happy with the device.

Not to say that I would turn down one of the yellow monsters.

[Gordon Seto]

I would not consider the Grizzly. The tool post on this lathe is on the wrong side of the banjo. If you are turning a bowl close to the capacity of this lathe, you can't get the tool rest close when you hollow the interior of the bowl. If any of the engineers or designers at Grizzly is a wood turner, probably they would have caught this mistake.
A lot of places has the 1220 non VS model; I believe there is a $25 rebate also.
I think Osolnik may have the VS model; my friend just got a quote from them.
http://www.osolnikmachinery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=54
The Nova 1624 is also a good choice.

[Robert McGowen]

I have owned (and still do) a Jet 1014, Jet 1220, and Jet 1642 2HP. The 1220 is really a step up from the 1014 as far as what you can turn. I would highly recommend it. I can't comment on the other brands, as I have never turned on anything else.

[Tony Joyce]

I have the 12X20 Jet(plus ext. bed) and think it's well worth the few extra dollars for the increased capacity. I got mine from "Packard's" I think they are still running a special on them. I had the 10X14 prior to this, I resold it for more than I paid for it. The upgrade was a "no brainer" for me.

Tony

[Thom Sturgill]

I found the JET 1220 at Osolnik (thanks for the link Gordon). Next question is the VS worth the extra $100.

[Allen Neighbors]

I have a Vicmarc VL100 Bench Model. 1/2hp motor of my own. I really like the little Vic. It's taken everything I've thrown at it. It'll swing a 9.5" bowl, 14.75" spindle.

[Dean Matthews]

I found the JET 1220 at Osolnik (thanks for the link Gordon). Next question is the VS worth the extra $100.

I am not sure if it is worth $100 but I don't have it and I sure wish I did... There have been a couple of times that I wish I could adjust the speed more.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thom I have used both the belt changer and the VS. Yes it is worth the extra $100 in my book. It is real hard for me to go from my Nova DVR and then to the Rikon which you change speeds by changing belts. The LOML calls it lazy. :D:D

[Gordon Seto]

Tom,

It is your money. Only you can decide for yourself.

I would choose the VS model because it has the low speed starting at 270 rpm, instead of 500 rpm for the non-VS model. That is very helpful for turning slightly unbalanced bowl blank. 500 rpm on the 1014 mini is a little on the high side. Other than the obvious easy of changing speed.

Someone has posted the speed range on other forum. IMO, The range is very well designed. It still has several speed range belt positions. But I don't think I have to move the belt unless I change to totally different kind of project.

I have the Jet 1014VS which I like very much. I think I am going to upgrade to the 1220VS. I also have a Nova DVR, so I am in no hurry. I would wait till the supply catches up, when there is a rebate promotion. May be one year or ...

[Paul Douglass]

I just recieved an email from Jet two days ago, said more Jet 1220 VS will be available in June.


So the price for the VS may be $100, plus a little wait. If I decide not to get the Nova 1624 the 1220VS is my next choice. I will wait and pay the extra.

[Thom Sturgill]

Thanks all for your input. I just ordered the Jet 1220 from Osolnik. He had the VS for $100 more, but the shipping was an additional 75$ more (the VS is 25lbs heavier :confused:).

Now to start accumulating accessories...

[John Grabowski]

I am also a Rikon midi user. It changes belts quickly and efficiently, I think...I do have a VS Delta 14-40...Its super. I think you have to consider for yourself the 100$ for VS or buy 100$ worth of tools or chucks. I personally found the Rikon to change fast enough so I could waste the rest of the money somewhere else.

thats my 2 pennies

John G