Let me start by saying it`s a slippery slope........
Ok, I`ve got a Jet mini lathe. Step pulley model. Snagged it when Amazon had
`em on sale for 199.99
Now the local Lowes has one of the Delta`s left for the 169 (plus don't
forget Delta turning tool or bed extension promotion).
Is the Delta that much better of a tool to consider buying one to replace
the Jet ?
Figured I could sell the Jet and recoup some of the cost. But don`t want to
waste money on redundant tooling if there isn't much to be gained.
Now I don`t do a lot of turning and I do have a Powermatic 90 for big stuff.
But I do like taking the mini/midi on vacation and using it away from the
shop.
Thanks to all.
I have the Midi and used the jet in a pen turning class. I believe
them to be nearly the same. I liked the switch position on the Delta
a little better. When I purchased, Woodcraft had a Delta sale and
included the extension bed so I bought it. My personal advice would
be to keep the Jet and keep turning. If you want another small lathe
then pick up the Delta.
Rick
Albuquerque, NM
buying the Delta. At best the delta is almost as good as the
jet. I turn and teach on the jet and have turned on the
delta quite a bit. I also have help0 many customers to fix
there deltas when the bring them back to the store. and we
rarely have to do anything like that on the jet. I curently
have 5 jet leathes in the class room that are 4 years old
with out a single repair. One thing to concider is the
plastic handles on deltas, they break all the time. Delta is
supposed to be changing to the metal handles in the near
future. delta did have a problem with off center shafts in
the head stock for a shor time. We had to exchange all of
them for about 6 months to a year. We had one that the only
1x8tpi face plate that would go on the lathe was the one
that came with it. Nothing else would fit.
Sometimes a particular product just falls into place and for a while,
all things considered, it is ahead of its class. IMHO, the BMW 2002,
the Pfluger Supreme reel, the Glaser gouge.... and the Jet mini all
qualified. Arch
Fortiter,
No. IMO the Jet is superior to the Delta in terms of quality. That's just
my impression based on the fact(?) that I believe metal is superior to
plastic. I may not be right either.
Barry
Wayne,
Sorry, I missed the smiley face. Hope you got a lathe, either one should
make you happy. Actually I'd rather have a big Oneway, Stubby or Poolewood
but I don't have the space or money!
Harry
The Jet is the better machine. The Delta motor does not have the torque of the
Jet. I've turned on both and it's much easier to stall the Delta, and when you
do the motor is slow to ramp back up again. If you stall the Jet it starts
right back up to speed immediately. If you want to upgrade the Jet, get the Jet
Mini Variable Speed from Amazon.com for $174.99 (with the $25 online coupon)
and free shipping. Just did, and it's better than the original mini. The motor
is SUPER quiet and runs cooler than the original.
-Jim Gott-
San Jose, CA
Barry, Metal is not always superior to plastic. depends on the metal AND
the plastic! Also I've had my delta about as long as youv'e had you jet.
I've had no problems with delta's plastic knobs yet! O BTW Hi!
Keepem turnin!
Paul
I was a "Delta person" for years and have a fair mumber of their
machines in my shop. Then I had a design problem with a new jointer I
had just purchased. After many telephone calls and letters, they sent
two men in a truck to take it away and give me a full refund check. One
of the men remarked that they were taking all of this model back. I
replaced it with a Jet and have had no problems.
Rumor has it that that some of the engineers left Delta and formed the
Jet Company or at least joined them. Have you ever noticed the
similarity beween Delta and Jet designs?
I recently bought a Jet Model 1236 lathe and have no complaints. Yes,
the detent pin in the speed control handle does stick once in a while
but a little jiggle and it pops into place.
The only fly in the ointment is that I believe that Jet has joined a
conglomerate and I wonder what will be the result of that.
Peace ~ Sir Edgar
=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=
=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8
Every Lowes that hasn't sold out their stock--they're discontinuing either
Delta as a supplier or a significant part of the Delta product line and
they have it all marked way down.
I'd planned on getting into turning "someday" and when I saw that Delta for
$169 I couldn't pass it up.
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