To woodworkers who know the reputation of Jet products, the merit of this 12-inch variable-speed lathe should come as no surprise. Start with the guts of any tool, the motor. Prewired for 115 volts and fully encased in a metal housing for longer life, its 3/4-horses turn material at 500 to 3,000 rpm, depending on which of the six speeds you select. The cast-iron lathe bed, headstock, and tailstock provide superior vibration dampening and durability, while the heavy-gauge steel components and stand give rigid support. Pivoting 90 degrees for outboard turning of up to 16-1/2 inches on larger projects, the MT-2 headstock protects a Reeves drive pulley system with which we made quick and easy speed changes. Down on the other end, the hollow tailstock allows for longer hole bores and houses a live center, a luxury standard on all Jet lathes not found in much of the competition.
You'll love the versatility that comes with 34-1/2 inches between working centers and a 12-inch swing capability over the bed (8-3/4 inches over the tool-rest base). All adjustments, whether extending the ram its full 2-1/4 inches or sliding the 12-inch tool rest, move fluidly and clamp down tight with little effort. Designed for use over the long haul, this tool has all the qualities professional woodworkers demand. --Justin Paul
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
For the money, a great lathe!!:
This lathe is a great buy. Granted, a bigger and heavier one would be better, but than, the price too would be greater. It's light duty and great for an occasional turner. I hope to upgrade soon and buy a lathe that can better stand up to constant use!! It's a great 'starter' lathe and well worth the money.
OK but too light:
I own this and dream of a better one. If you do work of any size you need to build a base to add weight. I put bags of rock on a wood platform across the leg supports. It really helps dampen the dancing that occurs without it. this lathe is not so great for bowl work. The tool holder extension is cast steel and I broke the first one on my first catch. I know, no catches,no breaks. Let all who make natural edge bowls w/o ever catching now throw stones. To make a bowl I turn the head 45 deg which necessitates... more info
Excellent lathe for the money!:
I have been running this lathe constantly for about 2 years now. It has run smoothly and consistently since new. The power is great for most medium to large turnings as well. I turn mostly lamp spindles, pens, pepper mills, candlesticks and other type turnings and it is very smooth and precise. I have found that the transmission shifts smoothly and with little effort. The only CON that I would mention is that the working height is much too low for me. I prefer to stand while working at the lathe. I am 6'... more info
The best lathe for the money!!!!!!!!!:
I have had this lathe for about 4 years now. It is very well built and the folks at Jet really did their homework when they designed this one. It has some features that you usually only see on more expensive lathes. First off, it was very easy, and quick to set up. The head stock on it offers the user the ability to make alot of different items, from pins to large bowls and plates, since it is very easy and quick to turn the head stock to the side to accomadate large turning projects. The tail stock is very... more info
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