Jet vs Delta 14" lathe

For the extra money for the Jet you get a heavier lathe, drive center/live center than line up properly, a quite vibration free lathe plus a much better/heavier stand. The Delta 1440 I owned had none of the above attributes. I unloaded it for half what I paid.

You won't be sorry if you buy the Jet 1442.

LB

After adding an additional 100lbs. in sandbags to my Jet 1442, it is about as quiet and vibration-free as a 14" lathe can be. The basic lathe with the legs weighs 350 lbs., and with the sand it tops at roughly 450 lbs. The Delta weighs less than half that.

Technical details aside, it's been a nearly flawless lathe and has performed so well that while I've sought to replace it with something larger, I haven't pursued this with much enthusiasm, the Jet is working so well.

Max

I have had the Jet 1442 for about 15 months and overall I am quite pleased.

Pro's

- Easy to assemble

- Cast iron legs are very heavy and add to the already heavy bed and other components

- Quiet, low vibration.

- Easy to learn with (I am a newbie)

Con's

- I share your motor placement opinion but not a real problem yet.

- Speed control is kind of sticky, especially when cold. I am told this is fixed.

- Price is going up. Paid $799. Recently saw same machine-same shop for $915.

I would buy it again. RonB

Thank you LB for the reply. I guess it just seems that Delta would make the necessary improvements to take care of some of these problems. Some people seem to be quite satisfied with the Delta and others are not. I still do not care for the motor placement with the Jet. Also, I am going to have to mobilize whatever lathe I get. So the stand may not make that much difference since it won't stay put.

Ed

Ed--

I am a new Jet 1442 owner, and highly pleased with it after 6 months. My previous lathe was so old the name plate was worn down, so I can't compare what I have with others on the market.

It does everything I ask it to. I agree with the pros and cons of others. One more con, I have found that the paint chips fairly easily when I hit the frame with the tool rest. Not intentionally--yet.

One other strong pro--I am working on turning bowls, and I like to do my hollowing with the head turned at 30 or so degrees to the bed. Of course you have to use the extra arm on the tool rest when you do this. The result is rock steady. Any vibration or chatter I get is because of my use of the tool, not the rest wiggling.

I've not had a problem with the motor mount--it is indeed close--except for one piece of firewood I face plate mounted to try to make a bowl out of it. It had a hook that bumped the moter. I turned it around--and had to turn it off anyway--so it was a small problem.

I'm not sure about having it mobile--unless you don't turn unbalanced stuff. Mine isn't. But if I did have to move it, I think I would keep the legs, and put a castered platform under it. TThe legs are fairly cheap, and they are really rigid. I did have to put a 2x4 under mine to get the lathe to comfortable turning height (I'm 6') so there is a bit of room for some sort of wheeled contraption.

On the Wood Magazine Woodturning forum there have been lots of complaints about problems with Delta machines, and problems with Delta's customer relations. Scared me off. I can't tell you how customer relations with Jet work--haven't had any problems. Hope you love it.

Walt C

Ron,

What is the fix for a sticky speed control? I had to quit turning in

Walt C

the motor placement is not a problem. i turn a lot of 12-14 inch bowls using a super nova or face plate with no problem. the face plate supplied with the jet is thicker to allow for motor clearance. I do question the motor location when sanding a piece on the lathe. the dust can be drawn into the motor if you don't use dust collection. i use dust collection...more worried about my lungs that the motor.

you could not buy the jet leg set and build your own stand with mobility built in.

LB

Ye, they are more pricey now. However Amazon has it (with legs) for 849.99 less 25$ promotion for any tool over $199. Free shipping brings me to 824.99 delivered.

Given the recent increases in big-iron tools I think this is a pretty good deal.

The extra bonus is that *I think* this qualifies for 3% rebate points on my amazon card.

Other vendors I have found are cheaper, but they want up to $155 for residential delivery

-Steve

If you are paying nearly $900 for a Delta or Jet you would have to be nuts not to get a Nova 3000 for the same price. Woodcraft 1 HP AC just under $900.

Nova is not variable speed plus it is very light. not even in the same ballpark as the jet.

LB

I bent the detent pin on my speed control the first day. Replaced the whole control unit with a new one from Jet--only about $20--and it works fine. I think the original units had holes a bit small for the pins, thus the sticking. Also the lever works more smoothly if you apply some oil. FWIW.

Max

See my note to Ron. I think the holes for the detent pin are too small on the original speed control units. I ruined mine, and the replacement works far superiorly. I also lubed the level pivot and everything now seems slick and smooth.

Max

So far nothing but the best support and assistance.

Max

I thought so. Went to Woodcraft site and checked the price of Nova. Also heard that Delta was being bought by Black and Decker. Don't kno if it is true or what it really means for the future of Delta products.

You must be thinking of the 16" Jet. The 3K is an order of magnitude better than either 14". Machining & engineering. Weight alone isn't everything and any amount can be added. Variable speed is (mostly) hype. The range on the 3K is more than needed and belt drive doesn't suffer from low speed torque problems of electronic VS nor the noise adjustment & cleaning problems of a Reeves drive.

I have talked to Jet a couple of times about their motor being on backwards, and they don't care. When I do a natural edge bowl, I make a flat spot on top (forstner bit and depth stop on the drill press) and then put a face plate on. The motor is in the way, unless the bowl is small. As long as nothing extends over the faceplate, you can turn as big as the lathe can handle. The intake of the motor will pull in dust while turning, not just while sanding. Other than that, it is a good lathe. robo hippy

ebd wrote:

I have talked to Jet a couple of times about their motor being on backwards, and they don't care. When I do a natural edge bowl, I make a flat spot on top (forstner bit and depth stop on the drill press) and then put a face plate on. The motor is in the way, unless the bowl is small. As long as nothing extends over the faceplate, you can turn as big as the lathe can handle. The intake of the motor will pull in dust while turning, not just while sanding. Other than that, it is a good lathe. robo hippy

ebd wrote:

I have talked to Jet a couple of times about their motor being on backwards, and they don't care. When I do a natural edge bowl, I make a flat spot on top (forstner bit and depth stop on the drill press) and then put a face plate on. The motor is in the way, unless the bowl is small. As long as nothing extends over the faceplate, you can turn as big as the lathe can handle. The intake of the motor will pull in dust while turning, not just while sanding. Other than that, it is a good lathe. robo hippy

ebd wrote:

Try using your chuck and pin jaws. Gives you more room.