Mini lathe

Go for the Jet mini. I wouldn't bother with the variable speed model. Woodcraft has had the standard model on sale for $199. Can't beat that!

Barry

Get a Jet mini, but don't buy small tools. Just get standard size tools. Standard sized tools can be used on some pretty small work and they are easier for a beginner to control. Then, when they upgrade to a larger lathe..........they've already got the tools. I only use small tools on very small stuff.......ornaments or even smaller detail work.

Barry

Thanks all - Sounds like the Jet is the way to go.

Wonder if my Woodcraft 10% off card applies to sale items? Just checked the website but no mention of the sale. Wonder if it's walk-in only?

I've already got plenty of tools and they won't be turning w/o me there so I'm not worried about limiting them with small tools. Easy, simple projects first, and over time they'll graduate on to bigger and more complicated things...

...Kevin

Kevin,

An afterthought on the Jet Mini: The toolrest is predisposed to easily break right where the post meets the top, so I would have a backup handy. The one our club owns has a simple homemade "T" made of welded 5/8" stock that works well.

-Jim Gott- San Jose, CA

Looks like the Jet mini is $249 at Woodcraft now, but there is a $50 off coupon on your next Jet purchase.

Craft Supplies has the standard Jet Mini for $199 and the variable speed model for $299.

PS I gave $349 for mine and still consider it the deal of the century!

Good thought. I have a 6" Woodfast rest that I use on my Nova. Don't know if the post will fit, but think not. It's probably too thick. I'll look into getting another one - might actually want one longer than

6". Sometimes that just seems too short...

...Kevin

Hi Kevin I just put up 2 Pic. on wood central after someone asked to have a look at the small tool rest I made. I made all my tool rest and they can be made very easy if you have a few pieces of steel and a welder or someone to weld it for you, the tool rest in the pictures is made of 3 1/2" of 1"D round bar and 7" of 2"X

1/4" flat steel, I used about 1/2 weld I have a 6" Woodfast rest that I use on my Nova. Don't

The December 04 issue of Popular Woodworking has an article comparing several small lathes. It considers the Jet without variable speed to be the best value.

I am very new to woodturning. In fact, I ordered my Jet mini lathe last night and haven't ever even used one. Amazon has them for $219.99 minus a $25 instant savings on JET. That puts it at $195ish. They don't charge tax and offer free shipping. I went ahead and splurged on the extension. I'm not sure when or if I'll need it but what the heck. The whole deal for $245.

As I said, I'm new to turning and am here to learn more than to contribute. Hopefully, someday, I'll have something to contribute. For now, I'll just post the above deal on the lathe.

By the way, I based much of my purchase decision on information obtained on this site and from the article in Popular Woodworking that Jgklr2732 mentions. They really like the VS model but said that the basic is exactly the same without the variable speed option. I guess if I feel the need to upgrade, I'll swap out the motor with a three phase motor and use a variable frequency drive.

Eric T. in MN

Hands down, no question, Jet Mini, and skip the VS in favor of the belts.

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September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Nope. Cannot be used with any other discount. Also cannot be used on power tools or workbenches.

Peter Teubel Milford, MA

Don't know what people are doing to them that are breaking them. I'm murder on tools and in 3 years of abuse mine hasn't given a shimmy.

-- 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've broken at least 6 toolrests. One catch when the tool in near the edge will do it.

Peter Teubel Milford, MA