Jet Lathe HP?

[Bob Espy]

My 1.5 HP Jet 1642 handles 16" bowls and the McNaughton coring system. It may be slower than a 2 HP but how much. I guess if your in the production business you'ld want something bigger than even the 2 HP, but how many of us do this for a living? If it takes me ten minutes longer to produce three bowls who cares?

[steven carter]

I have the 1.5 hp model and have turned some very large and heavy blanks without any problem. I do put the belt on the lower range for roughing though, it has less speed and more torque. I'm sure that if I had the 2 hp I would like it, but in over 3 years I haven't had the occasion to rue the fact that I have the 1.5 hp version.

[Thom Sturgill]

I have the 1.5 hp model and recently had it bog down with a 12" cherry bowl - but then realized that I had not set the belt into the lower range. Probably would have been fine. OTOH, having turned on a 2hp powermatic I find that I lust for one!!!

[charlie knighton]

i have the 1.5 and unless i win the lottery i am not considering an upgrade, the $ difference between 2.0 and 1.5 went for outboard turning stand

[Tom Caldwell]

Thanks for all the great input. I placed an order today for 2HP model. I figure this will be my last lathe purchase so go for all the budget can stand. There will be a nice Woodfast lathe on the market soon.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Congrats on your new lathe Tom! You will love it! Looking forward to seeing the photos!!

[Richard Jones]

Tom,

Hard to go wrong with more power. I've had my Jet several years now and just love it.

Wilmington, huh? In a former life, I used to work at a boatyard down in Masonboro.......small world.....

And, of course, photos are not optional....

Rich

[Tom Caldwell]

Tom,

Wilmington, huh? In a former life, I used to work at a boatyard down in Masonboro.......small world.....

Rich

Sadly, the old Masonboro Boat yard is strictly a marina and private club now. No more craftsmen there.