I have never turned before but am going to start. So...
I have read some post in re to the two lathes I mentioned in subj. They are both in my (SWMBO's) price range for a starter lathe.
I prefer the HF(Harbor Freight) 34706 because I think it would have a wider range of capabilities, i.e. larger turnings. But can it do the smaller turnings also and as well, i.e. pens? (SWMBO loves pens). And what a sale price for a full sized Jet clone.
The mini Jet is probably a better product but how much better really. And is that worth the trade off in reduced capabilities?
I appreciate any/all feedback/input. And look forward to gleaning the archives and possibly seeking further guidance. And maybe someday sharing.
I can't comment on this lathe, because I've never used it. I used to think that the way to go was to get the largest lathe you could afford, regardless of brand. I've learned otherwise, just through reading other people's posts to the contrary; ie. buying knockoff lathes and the problems that arise therefrom.
I have a Jet mini that I use almost every day, and have used for the past 2 years, from 4-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. The only thing I have ever had to do to this lathe is to tighten the nut on one of the motor mount bolts, because it was vibrating. Oh, and I am not a person to take exceptionally good care of tools. I'm not big on cleaning, oiling or anything that might be considered "maintenance."
With careful cutting of your blanks, you can turn very close to the maximum swing of 10" and at least 14" in length. This lathe will handle pretty much any piece of wood within those dimensions.
Point is, you probably won't have any problems with your Jet, at least as far as my experience with them goes, and to me, that's worth quite a lot, especially when you're just learning, and are all excited about learning a new skill (or set of skills, in this case) and want to be able to rely on your tools not making it harder to learn than it needs to be.
But, I'm just one person...
-- Chuck *#:^) chaz3913(AT)yahoo(DOT)com Anti-spam sig: please remove "NO SPAM" from e-mail address to reply. <
I can't speak about the Harbor Freight, but I have a Jet Mini. It will be two years old this Christmas. When I got it, I was expecting it to be somewhat of a small toy with very limited capabilities. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Jet Mini has quite adequate power. The belt drive is simple, smooth and quiet. Even the 1236 Jet can't boast of that. The Reeves drive is quite noisy. I actually prefer my Jet Mini to the 1236. I looked at both and chose the Mini. Certainly, the Jet 1236 or HF clone has more capability in terms of capacity. Please remember that there is more to capability than simple capacity.
You would be surprised at how much stuff you can turn with a lathe of this size. Paperweights, ornaments, wine stoppers, pens, lidded boxes, and small bowls. A bowl that is nearly 10" in diameter is a fairly large bowl. Don't make your decision based on capacity alone. Look at both lathes closely and assess the quality and how well the tailstock, tool rest and other parts of the lathe actually work. Then decide.
I am not sure what a Harbor Freight 34706 is, but my son got a Harbor freight lathe because it was cheap. The ways were stamped steel in a box shape if I have said it right not cast iron. He had problems with pieces coming loose and then he would have to put it back on. Frustration level was way up there. I think what was happening is, as the tail stock put more pressure on the wood connected to the head stock the ways would flex ,bow to were the tail and head stock came out of alignment and out poped the wood. Harbor freight bearings may not be as good as the jet. My vote would be for the jet. I have a jet 1236 and am happy with it. I could do the small stuff, but would need a shorter tool rest. I over powered it with trying to do a 14" bowl out board for my dad. I got one catch and it broke the cast iron tool rest extention that came with it. That put a stop to outboard turning. What is the phrase I am looking for????? "bigger lathe, more power ugh,ugh, ugh,ugh"
Your son's lathe was a much cheaper model than the 34706. The 34706 is almost an exact copy of your Jet 1236. It has cast iron ways and a 3/4 HP motor. I looked at the one you son has, and immediately passed on it. I could flex the ways with minimal hand pressure on them.
Here is the 34706:
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got mine this summer and have had nothing but good luck with it. tim
I have the HF and a friend has the Jet version. Other than the difference in the headstaock design (Jet has a locking pin the HF does not. The HF has a hex nut behind the threads the Jet does not) they are the same. Same berings (to the number) the tool post on the HF is 25mm 1" on the JET. The HF will do pens and larger objects nicely. The HF is Variable Speed the Jet Mini is not you have to change the speed with the belt on the pullys unless you replace the motor with a Var Speed. As a starter lathe the HF is worth it.
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