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help selecting a lathe for a newbie

3K views 24 replies 18 participants last post by  DTrak 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I need to do some woodturning for table lamps and of course need to start w/ a lathe. I have narrowed it down to these two but they are the same price and I don't understand all the differences and why I might choose one over the other. All advice welcome, thanks

Jet 719115 JWL-1221SP Step Pulley Wood Lathe

Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe
 
#2 ·
I need to do some woodturning for table lamps and of course need to start w/ a lathe. I have narrowed it down to these two but they are the same price and I don t understand all the differences and why I might choose one over the other. All advice welcome, thanks

Jet 719115 JWL-1221SP Step Pulley Wood Lathe

Jet JWL-1015 Wood Working Lathe

- DTrak
 
#3 ·
Most of these LJ's would tell you to buy the best lathe you can afford. I just bought a new one after suffering with my old one for decades. The first issue to consider is size. I thought you wanted to turn a 20" bowl. That would take a very big machine. Next is hp and speed, speed is a very limiting factor. No two projects use the same speed. Horse power and spindle size should be considered as the size and weight of the project increases. There are a lot of quality machines out there, your hardest job now is to chose one.
 
#5 ·
I have an older Jet 1221 and love it. Get an indexing jig to go with it (alisam.com). Small footprint and very easy to operate. Then, focus on good chisels and sharpening. I think you'll want the slightly larger lathe (1221), but these are both small and low power. However, it's about sharp tools, control, smoothness of the rotation, and solid connections. You might think about the tool rest more than capacity, and the older 1221's are probably better in this regard than the new ones. Don't worry about variable speed just yet. Belts are reliable.

If you get hooked, I would upgrade later to just what you want, and keep the smaller jet. You might consider joining a class at a turning club - so many talented turners around, and that's a good way to start. There are some router-based turning jigs you can make, too - might be screwy when you have access to a lathe.
 
#6 ·
This is an easy one for me. I would get the 1221sp. I looked the prices up and they are each around $500. Both are manual belt drive, not electronic variable speed. The main difference is the size and the hp. HP on the 1221sp is 3/4 while only 1/2 on the 1015. The weight of the 1221 is also greater which is a good thing, unless you are carrying it around to do turning demos. Another important factor is the available speeds. The 1221 has a lower bottom speed while the top speed is the same on both.

I have the Jet 1221VS and a Jet 1640EVS, both excellent lathes. The 1221 serves me well. and for the type of turning I generally do (lidded containers), the smaller 1221vs is more than adequate. In fact, I probably don't need the 1640. Nonetheless, the 1640EVS is more pleasant to use.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
I need to do some woodturning for table lamps …
- DTrak
Hope you don't plan on making very big lamps, as both of those are in the mini/midi range… The larger one won't do over 21" long, and realistically, less than that. A better option in the $500+/- category would be the JWL-1236, however it appears that has been discontinued. Fortunately, an almost identical lathe, although in a different color, can be found at Harbor Freight for about $300. Lots of folks got their start on that HF lathe, and quite a few members here have given it a lot of praise.

Note: I have a JWL-1236 and have compared it to the HF lathe. While not 100% identical, it is darn close and there are just a few minor differences between the two.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#13 ·
I have done a lot of learning on the HF lathe. Has its frustrating points, too high of a low speed and not very heavy, but for the price point you learn what is important to you without breaking the bank from the beginning. Here are some other suggestions I would make.

Get a chuck early on. One with an insert is best so you cam move it to a larger lathe later.
Take a class or read some books/articles on workholding.
Before you buy an expensive lathe, get you hands on some to see what you like.
Look into local woodturning groups. I know you are around DC so this may be too far for you, but I can vouch for Chesapeake Woodturners being a great group of turners who are always eager to help.
Get some cheap tools and learn to sharpen. Replace the ones you wear out with good tools.
Look up Capt. Eddie on youtube.
 
#15 ·
Don't know where you live but might check local Woodcraft store for sales on new Jet lathes. You can check and see if this have a Woodworking Shop close enough might find what you want on sale.

Got a flier in the mail today from Cary store all woodworking equipment 10% to 15% off on Laguna & 15% off on Jet, Powermatic, Rikon, & trend tools starting 13 thru 23 Sept 2019.
https://www.woodworkingshop.com/cary/
 
#16 ·
i have the jwl 1015 with vs and love it,i mostly used for pen making but i have done some spindles with it.if it's a budget issue go with the step pulley not as convenient but a lot cheaper.as for size if you need to do real long spindles just get the bed enxtension as i did when i made a maloof rocker.for lamp work these little lathes will serve you well,and i love the quality of jet tools.
 
#19 ·
#22 ·
Definitely look for a variable speed lathe. If you use it frequently, the step pulleys are enough of a pain that you will tend to use the wrong speed or you need a speed that the step pulley cannot achieve, especially on the low end.

I looked at the lamps you posted in your other post where you were looking for someone to help with making them. I don't remember any designs that needed long spindles but there were a couple that look like there are shades or other parts that might require more than a 12" swing if you plan to turn those on the lathe. While a significant step up in cost, the Nova DVR lathes would be a good option for that. The Nova Galaxy has a longer bed and therefore larger footprint while the Nova Saturn has the shorter bed so it will fit better into a tight workshop. I think that they can both be rigged for outboard turning for up to 29" diameter turnings. If you don't want or need the larger swing, the Nova Galaxy will probably suite you well. Laguna has a relatively new midi lathe that would probably also suit your needs if you don't need the longer swing or length.
 
#24 ·
Just reread my previous post. In my second to last sentence, I meant to say that the Nova Comet would probably suit you well. The Delta that Rick (Woodknack) mentioned also gets excellent reviews, though frankly, if you are just turning some small parts for your lamps, nearly any of the small lathes mentioned will handle it just fine, especially if you do not intend to do a bunch other turning.
 
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