Where can I get a JET Bed Extension #708355

Hi Miles,

Duh, I forgot to put my location in the original post. I'm in rural Minnesota, 50 miles east of Fargo. I have no idea what shipping would be on the extension - you'd very likely be able to find a better deal in a city the size of Tacoma. If I ask $35 for the extension and it's $15 to ship, neither of us is really ahead much. If you like I can check on shipping costs.

Ron E. Detroit Lakes, MN

Fred- Thanks for the info. I am now "good to go".... the JET 1014 and extension will be delivered in a couple of days. Yes, I have found that the extension is somewhat hard to find. I received an email yesterday from woodworkersshop.com and they said they had the extension in stock and could ship immediately for anyone who is looking. How long were you spindle turning that you needed a spindle steady? And why don't you like the extension? Also, I would guess that your soon to be had 900 pound gorilla should be big enough for some pens....

Thanks

Jacksonville,

You will enjoy the Jet mini-lathe. My wife and I both use it and find it a rock-steady machine. We make pens, bottle-stoppers and will shortly be making Christmas ornaments. I want to get into small bowls and boxes (bowls with lids and even threaded lids) She took a spindle-turning class at our Woodcraft store and made a bench-chisel mallet. We both made our croquet mallets (the November project for the Northeast Florida Woodturners Assoc. was a croquet mallet and handle for the annual croquet match -- which neither of us won) and used the bed extension for the handle. I do not have the spindle steady and we both had a terrible time keeping the speed down low enough to gently turn a few designs onto the spindle. Since I don't have the floor space in my garage (shop isn't yet built) the bed-extension was unhandy. Also, we really prefer using the mini for the small stuff for which it is very well suited. I just figure that if I want bigger (or, longer) stuff, it would be more manageable on a more substantial lathe. The bed extension on the mini is quite serviceable if you have the floor/bench top space since it mounts easily and does function well. I also think that a longer project may call for more than the 1/2 hp which is more than adequate for our smaller projects.

My differences with the extension really rest around lack of space and desire for greater capability when needed.

Again, you will be thoroughly pleased with your mini. We paid the full $349 in July and don't regret it a bit! Changing the belt speed takes only a minute and isn't at all a nuisance. Remember, the weight of the motor is ALL the tension that is needed. Don't push down on the handle to add more tension. It will prematurely wear the belt and might harm the motor spindle assembly.

Have fun turning. You're in for a treat.

Fred- Thank you for the encouragement. It sounds like you have found your passion.... or at least one of them. Have a Happy Holiday.