Best mini-lathe

My personal take as an owner of an early VL100 and a current 1014:

1. Portability: An integral motor, light weight and small footprint is good. The VL100 package is heavier and larger than the 1014.

1. Function: I find no significant differences in _actual use_ of either re quietness, stability, adjustability, alignment, or smoothness of operation.

2. Finish, Curb appeal, Snob quotient: a. VL100 was the first real mini lathe and early owners prized and kept them with pride as 'the little jewel'. b. Probably VL100's pedigree (VL200 & VL300 series) exceeds the reputation of the larger Jets, but perceptions do vary. c, White or Blue? My shop's decor is beyond classless anyway. VL100 does seem more like a professional's machine, but that's just in the 'eye of the beholder'. d. Castings: VL100's are perhaps made of better iron and nicer finished, but any 1040 roughness is easily cleaned up. Both lathe's castings are well machined and robust enough for the designed job.

1. Design, VL100 handles are heavier, 1014 easier to quickly adjust. Both lathe's cams move smoothly and lock down firmly. VL100's 'forward' tailstock is elegant but 1014's 'back slant' adds usable length between spindles. VL100's motorless option lends versatility and opportunity for adaptions, but just more work and expense for those who don't enjoy tinkering, just want to turn. a. On both lathes, bearings belts, centers, faceplates, tapers, thru-bores spindle threads, registers and tail spindle travels work equally well.

5, Company repute, dealer attitudes, parts availability, S&H costs: No significent differences for me. That was then, this is now, so YMMV. (On another forum the commitment and personality of Vimarc's top management was questioned.)

In summary then: The 1014 will turn wood just as well as the VL100 and is less expensive. Both are reliable and excel at smaller turning projects. 1014 is a 'middle class, working man's machine for turning wood. VL100 (altho it wears a blue collar) is an elegant wood turning lathe. For a few, VL100 adds pleasure and value in owning top of the line quality, but it doesn't turn their wood any better. For someone just beginning to turn wood but who intends to keep a mini for small turnings later, I suggest the 1014.

Turn to Safety, Arch

Fortiter,

I didn't know we were still debating this question. For me, the Jet 1014 cannot be beat for the money, especially now that it is hovering around $200. Heck, I paid sticker plus ($349) for mine and still consider it to be the deal of the century. Great machine. Hands down!

Barry