I just got my first lathe. A Jet JWL 1221SP. does anyone know if I can mod this up the be equivalent to the VS model? I know that I would still need change the belt settings, but I would like to have more precise control over the speed before having to change the belt. Is there a kit that I can buy to make this upgrade?
Personally I love my EVS, but I'd not go to all that trouble for a small lathe. It wouldn't be worth it for me. I'd just as soon buy something already configured.
I just got my first lathe. A Jet JWL 1221SP. does anyone know if I can mod this up the be equivalent to the VS model? I know that I would still need change the belt settings, but I would like to have more precise control over the speed before having to change the belt. Is there a kit that I can buy to make this upgrade?
- BushKArp
Have you used the lathe yet? Variable speed is nice, but it will probably cost you quite a bit to retrofit, when you probably don't really need to. That is what, a 6 step pulley system? My first lathe had a 4 step pulley, and I used it to turn everything from tiny parts to bowls and everything in between - and I only ever used 3 of the 4 speeds. Even on my variable speed lathes, I still typically only use 2 or three speeds.
Use the lathe for a while and get a feel for it. It's not like you are changing speeds every 30 seconds or anything… you start out as slow as it will go until you have it roughed out, then the next speed up for shaping and a bit faster for final finishing before dropping back down to slow for sanding. There is a good long time between belt changes, and on mine, that was a one handed 5 second operation.
I have the same lathe and I thought about adding this https://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLVSKIT2.html
But I don't think it would be worth the investment, I think I would just buy a bigger better lathe.
"My first lathe" doesn't mean I've never turned before. I didn't ask for an unsolicited exposé on Turning 101. I asked if I could mod my rig. The lathes I used to use at my job have VS and I prefer to have it. Since I don't have a job now, and likely won't have one until February, I found a cheap set up to supplement my income at home.
even with variable speed you will eventually be dialing in same speeds all the time. one could just about make do with one speed, 1000 rpm. then there is the VSR woopee ! I have one! a Rikon Brand ! is VSR nice? barely ! most stuff wants to screw itself off , so one needs a face plate, n chucks that have a set screw for that purpose.
yep use the one ya have for a while. Changing belt/steps are not time consuming. I have 2 midi lathes that that is what I have to do and now with the VSR do not miss having it when I use them. here IS one particular thing I don't like about variable speed ! one stands there a 2-3 seconds maybe waiting for it to get to speed. my older lathes are INSTANT ON !
In my experience, the lathe is either going as slow as it can (not quite balanced blank) or for spindles, pretty fast.
Not sure it is worth converting either, although if you want to do it for fun, go for it.
The one posted above from Penn State Industries is probably your best bet. I was in the same boat several years ago and I just purchased a new lathe, it was easier. I also wanted the reverse option. If you didn't want people trying to help you by offering advice to what appeared to be a new turner, perhaps you shouldn't have started your post with "I just got my first lathe". People were offering advice based on a valid assumption.
I have a similar lathe, used to be a step pulley. I added the PSI upgrade that Davevand suggested, with absolutely no trouble, mounting holes, etc. were the same. Since you've already spent $600-900 for the lathe, a $170 upgrade is a moderate investment in my opinion. I have found the VS to be very useful. The PSI link again is:
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