Jet mini vs larger Jet?

I've had both and kept the mini. You can add an extension to the mini and do a longer length spindle than the 1236. The mini is smoother running with less vibration. The advantage for the 1236 is that you can change speeds with the lathe running.

Space. I have a full size lathe out in my work shop (No heat) and a Jet Mini in my indoor workshop. I hated having to stop turning during the winter and I didn't want to tie up the space that a full size lathe would take.

Terry

I have the 1236. It is the only "real" lathe I have ever used. I used to have a monotube Craftsman that was modified by my wife's grandfather. It had a leather washer and a nut that took the place of a thrust bearing. The tailstock was very loose... Then I had a HF monotube. Again it was not the best. The headstock had lots of movement in it and I got plenty of vibration especially when hollowing endgrain.

Now I have a Jet 1236. I still have some vibration. I know it is not a Stubby. I still salivate when I look through the Crafts Supply Catalog at the One Way, Stubby... I really like the variable speed feature. That alone for me is a big convenience. It isn't all I would want. The stand could use some serious stiffening and weighing down. But I'm pleased with it for what it does.

-Andy

Evenin' Andy:

I bought my 6 speed Mini right at the time when they were introducing the variable speed. My local dealer had a VERY good price on it. With the included adapter, I will be adding the extention this month. Since my shop is small, it's portability was important. I just built a stand for it. Until now, it's been Sitting (Note: I didn't say connected) on my work bench. I have started with out of balance wood and it did not walk or bounce. The only thing I see that you get for your extra $100.00 is an additional 2" in diameter of your piece. I have turned

10" platters on my mini. The variable speed isn't that important to me. I stop the lathe to see how things are going, anyway, so doing it to change speeds is no big thing.

All of this said, if you have the money to spend, the space for it, and the need to make bigger pieces, try all of them out and get the one YOU like best.

"Just one OLD man's opinion."

The Other Bruce

In September I bought the 1236 from Amazon.com for $399 (including free shipping). It took about 4 weeks to arrive and I was starting to think it was a lost cause when I got an email saying the shipment was delayed (I've heard some bad stories about non-delivery of tools from Amazon.com) but it came and I love it. My decision to get the 1236 was easy. I turn bowls so the larger 12" swing was the clincher. I hardly ever turn spindles. There's certainly a lot better lathes out there but for the money, I think it's a great deal.

...Jane

I'm wondering if the 1442 is going to be the same way as the 1236? It appears to be the same thing but just increased capacity. Apparently, that's something that one of my local clubs is going to have available to us soon. We're on the lookout for something else that we can own ourselves and get what we really want.

- Andrew (loves the Jet mini and stresses it in every conceivable way)

I just turned on the 1236 about a month ago, after having used my Mini for the past 2+ years. I love my Mini....I think the 1236 would make a great boat anchor. I thought the variable speed was noisy, unreliable and just basically crappy, the headstock tightening-down gizmo worked poorly, it was underpowered for its size, the tailstock is a piece of crap with crappy knobs, the stand is flimsy and it is basically just a Mini on steroids. What makes the Mini a good lathe doesn't work for the 1236. It should tell you something if you can get this "full-sized" lathe for just $100 more than their excellent Mini lathe...in this case, you _do_ get what you pay for.

Personally, I'd avoid it.

-- Chuck *#:^) chaz3913(AT)yahoo(DOT)com Anti-spam sig: please remove "NO SPAM" from e-mail address to reply. <

September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

I just got the 1442 assembled and set up today. Another poster and I were discussing the merits of this lathe vs. his Delta 46-714. He was under the impression that the Delta was about 100lbs. heavier than the Jet. I believe that the stated weight of the Jet is the cast legs, as it comes that way in the standard package. With the cast legs, I'm estimating it's weight to be around 300lbs. or maybe a little more, as each leg assembly feels about 50lbs.give or take. It feels comparable in mass to my Grizzly

3hp shaper, which weighs about 320lbs.

I haven't had an opportunity to turn anything yet, so I really can't comment beyond what I've said above.

Max

Weeellll, you can put much bigger lopsided things on the big Woodfast too. Still, I'm like Silvan and am impressed at just how much that Jet Mini can take. It's certainly not perfect but it's one heck of a quality machine.

- Andrew