I am considering buying a Jet 1442 and would appreciate opinions on this lathe. I primarily turn bowls and want a lathe with outboard turning capabilities. I know the headstock rotates in various positions, but this this lathe come with an outboard banjo so larger bowls can be turned. I appreciate your comments in advance.
STEMO
I have been woodworking for quite a few years but just started turning when I bought my 1442 about a year ago. I still consider myself a rank amateur but the machine is a good teacher. While I haven't done any bowl turning yet the machine seems to have plenty of power, low vibration and is massive (I bought the cast-iron legs).
The only "sticky" point I have had is the lever on the speed control sticks from time-to-time. Only seems to do in the minutes after startup and it has subsided with time (or I have learned a touch). I spoke to a Jet rep, at a sale, a couple of weeks ago and he said they had this fixed. I also noticed that the price has gone up about $115 since I bought mine - supposedly price of iron.
Overall, very pleased with quality, fit and function.
RonB
My original speed control did the same. Ultimately I bent the indexing pin, and had to replace the entire unit. I believe the cost was minor--less than $20--and the new one works perfectly. Might be a good investment if yours continues to stick.
Max
Bought a 1442 last August and I've been turning like a fiend ever since, a good mix of faceplate and between-centers work. I'm very happy with it. I was worried that the 450rpm wouldn't be low enough for some bowl blanks, but so far it's been fine.
There's no true outboard banjo (like a with a Nova or a Oneway), but mine did come with a cast iron extension that lets you set the tool rest another eight inches or so outboard from the max. the banjo allows without it. It works, but it flexes some.
I agree with the other post about the speed control handle location--it is in the way for some bowl cuts. I can see that the motor could be in the way, believe it or not, with some of my after-market faceplates that don't extend as far from the headstock as the (somewhat useless) faceplate it comes with. A spacer or two makes the difference, still leaving plenty of spindle length to support the work IMHO.
That's pretty much been my take on the 1442. Oddly enough, this is the best lathe I've ever used for any period of time. I began turning in high school--back in the dark ages--and later did some turning on another school-owned lathe. The 1442 is clearly superior to either of those lathes. Obviously it would be nice to own a more expensive, more capable machine, but I'm very pleased with my Jet for the time being.
Having tried a number of other options with limited success, I finally attached a piece of MDF to that 6" faceplate that came with the lathe and use it for honing tools. I've got a PS 150 grit SC disc on the MDF and it works fine for tuning up a tool that's just beginning to dull.
Max
I also own a Jet 1442 lathe and agree that it is a very good lathe and has done everything I have asked of it. I agree that the slow speed could be a little slower and the speed control gets in the way on some cuts, but overall I am very well pleased. I use it every day and the quality of my work improves weekly. IMHO
My first lathe was a $129 Harbor Freight which I bought just to see if I had any ability for woodturning. As it turned out the HF was a good buy for the purpose I had intended. Sold it to another beginner for $75.
My second lathe was a Delta 1440, not such a good buy.
In my opinion the Jet 1442 is the best buy in it's price range and am looking forward to many years of enjoyable turning.
Lem Bledsoe
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