JET 1220VS Mini Lathe
- Continuously variable speed operation from 270-4200 RPM
- Heavy-duty cast iron lathe bed adds stability while limiting vibration during operation
- Indexing mechanism allows for fluting and veining operations
- Self-ejecting tailstock for safe and easy removal of tooling
Includes 12-in X 20-in Variable Speed Wood Lathe – 708376VSThe Jet JWL-1220VS Mini Lathe is an efficient tool for stabilizing and rotating wood pieces. Built for heavy-duty use, this mini lathe is ideal for sanding, shaping, and drilling operations using stock up to 12 inches in diameter and 20 inches in length. Featuring variable continuous speed operation, a self-ejecting tailstock, and a compact frame, this is a high-quality machine well-suited for small work spaces..caption {font-family: Ver
List Price: $ 711.00
Price: $ 649.99
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at 10:40 pm
Great Lathe – Poor Frame Workmenship,
I purchased the 1220VS lathe in early Jan. 2009, and I’ve used it for several hundred hours since then.
I believe that this is the best lathe of its type on the market today!
I did lots of researching and testing before buying the Jet.
Pros: Solid construction – smooth vibration free operation – plenty of power for size of lathe – work light is helpful and well placed – extension bed and stand easy to assemble and heavy duty.
Cons: Poor craftsmanship on bed of lathe for a “Jet” named product (has many very sharp corners and pieces that should have been filed off at the factory) – poor quality “on / off variable speed control box” (plastic box that won’t remain closed when lathe is operating). I’ve tried adjusting metal friction latch with no success, so I “duct taped” it in the closed position {:<(} – “On / Off switch” quit after a few hours of work. Phoned customer support (spoke with a good experienced tech) and they sent another that arrived within 48 hours, that I installed with little effort.
Summary: Highly recommend this lathe to any beginner or intermediate experienced turner. Just be careful of the sharp edges on the lathe bed. Maybe mine, just slipped by the “quality control check” at their lunch break. ! {:<|} ?
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|at 10:50 pm
Top of it’s class!,
This is a great lathe with great features. The fit and finish on the lathe is very good. The 3/4 HP motor has enough power to turn anything you can fit on the lathe. The built in light is a nice addition. The variable speed is worth the extra money. It makes sanding and finishing projects much easier. The lathe includes both a 6″ and 10″ tool rests, storage tray, and a 3″ face plate.
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|at 11:46 pm
Another Chinese Lathe,
I have been using my 1220VS for nearly a year and have noticed several disappointing shortcomings. First the electronic speed control is marginal. I’m on my third on-off switch (when they fail you can’t turn the lathe off which is dangerous), the latch will not hold the control box in place and the lathe speeds up uncontrollably at times under heavy load. Note that you still have to change belt positions for a wide range of speed. The belt change is fast and easy.
Secondly the lever tighting screw used to hold the tool rest in place has a short lever and will not hold the rest securely. The internal splines strip if you use something to increase your leverage. A proper adjustable tension lever like the KIPP is a major inprovement, but will set you back $21 (Grainger PN 3GKG5).
Finally the adjustable neck on the light is too short making the light useless for anything other than simple spindle work or the exterior of a bowl.
The knockout rod knob broke because it is cheap plastic and had bottomed out when screwed on the rod – the top just popped off. Is this a terrible product? No; it is very usable for a first lathe for the hobbiest. What this is – is a typical, cost compeditive, Chinese lathe. If you can buy a Chinese lathe with another label for a cheaper price, you might want to consider it. On the plus side Jet customer service is very helpful and supportive and will send you new switches, at no cost, as fast as you can burn them up.
June 2010 update: I have continued to enjoy wood turning and highly recommend this hobby. After the somewhat problematic shakedown period, I haven’t had any additional problems and this little Jet has allowed me to turn large (~11 1/2 inch) natural edge bowls, platters and many dry wood bowls and neat little boxes. This lathe will let you have lots of fun for a reasonable price.
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