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Laguna Revo 18/36 or Jet 1640

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Within the next 6 months, I may be purchasing a new lathe. I thought I would start researching early. My funds will be limited to around the price range of the Revo 18/36 or the Jet 1640. I am a hobbiest turner, and would like a high quality lathe that is well machined and will last me the rest of my life. I don't like vibration. I like to turn everything from boxes, ornamental bird house and other small items to of course bowls. I would like to learn to turn hollow vessels. I have no need for the between centers lenght of either lathe. The length of the PM2020 would be fine.

At this point, I am limited to 110v. I do not need the extra capacity of the Revo as that of the Jet would be more than sufficient.

Features I like of the Jet are the cast iron bed and the longer warranty. I also think (but am not sure) that there are 2 bearings in the nose end of the spindle, for a total of 3 spindle bearings. I do not care for the swiveling headstock.

Features I like of the Revo are the greater weight which may or may not help with vibration (don't know). Although I would prefer a fixed headstock, I prefer this one to the Jet because it only slides and does not swivel. Not sure if this is a detremient or a benefit, but the Revo has a steel bed; I think I would prefer cast iron for vibration absorption. Of course, there may be no difference in vibration absorption in these two lathes based on design and engineering. I just don't know; but, I have heard that cast iron is a better absorber of vibration than steel.

One of my dream lathes was the Powermatic 2020, and on sale at 15% (if that occurs), I could throw that into the mix. Of course, I would have to have 220 wired into the garage shop. I also wondered about whether the tail stock end legs would get in the way of my feet when faceplate turning. Also, without the swing away, is the tailstock too heavy to remove?

At this point, I am turning on a Nova Comet lathe that I like very much. I am also turning on an old Shopsmith 10er with the speed changer (low speed of about 420rpm) that also does a fine job for me. I have read on the internet :D that there is no comparison between turning on a large lathe vs a midi or mini lathe. The last time I turned on a large lathe was too long ago to remember, in high school.

Thanks.
 

hockenbery

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I have turned on the new 1640 and it is a nice machine. powermatic/Jet have pretty big market share.
I can recommend this lathe and it has good support base behind it.

I haven’t turned on the new Laguna.
Craft supplies would not sell them unless they were decent machines.
I have had a Laguna Bandsaw for nearly 20 years. When I bought it, Laguna knew a lot about bandsaws but the company did not make anything they imported machines from European companies. My saw was made in Italy.

Consider a road trip to Portland in June. The Symposium will overwhelm you. The trade show & instant gallery are open to public if you can only Spend a day. Jets will be on display for sure and I would think Craft supplies will have Laguna Revos in their booth( a call to craft supplies would verify this)
 
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Within the next 6 months, I may be purchasing a new lathe. I thought I would start researching early. My funds will be limited to around the price range of the Revo 18/36 or the Jet 1640. I am a hobbiest turner, and would like a high quality lathe that is well machined and will last me the rest of my life. I don't like vibration. I like to turn everything from boxes, ornamental bird house and other small items to of course bowls. I would like to learn to turn hollow vessels. I have no need for the between centers lenght of either lathe. The length of the PM2020 would be fine.

My first advice is to seek out these lathes in person and maybe turn something on them. Idaho isn’t all that far from Craft Supplies in Provo (?), UT so maybe a trip there would help. Of the Jet or Laguna, I’d choose the Laguna. I turned on one this past summer and the fit, finish, and controls were very pleasing and refined. Also the 2” of additional diameter capacity is something I would prefer. I make a lot of bowls and have decided 14”-16” is my preferred size. You can’t turn a 16” bowl on a 16” lathe; 14” is the maximum there and even that is pushing it if the raw wood is mis-shapened. The Jet would be more of a 12”-14” bowl capacity lathe.

As to vibration, I, too, have heard the cast iron mantra but I’m not so sure it is that impactful in real life wood turning. My lathe is all steel weldment construction and I have no problem with unexpected vibration — off-balance wood is going to vibrate any machine and I think machine weight and anchoring plays a bigger role.

You say a 2020 would be fine… I believe there is a yearly Powermatic sale at Woodcraft Supply but it may happen in the fall and I don’t recall the % off. A 20” between-centers distance is pretty short. Keep in mind that for hollowing of bowls and boxes and ornaments you are working in that 20” space. Let’s assume the chuck, wood, and tool rest take up 10” of that space, you only have 10” of tool space to maneuver. I think you’d be constantly mounting and dismounting the tailstock. If you get a chance to play with the 2020, see how you are able to handle that task and then project your abilities 10 to 20 years into the future. Merely sliding a tailstock to the far end of the bed is a LOT easier to do. Maybe something to ponder.
 
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Thanks for the informative posts, Owen and hockenbery. Craft Supplies is about 4.5 hours away, and I am seriously considering taking a class there in the next few months. There is also a Woodcraft store a little closer (SLC) that I think carries both lathes.
 
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Thanks for the informative posts, Owen and hockenbery. Craft Supplies is about 4.5 hours away, and I am seriously considering taking a class there in the next few months. There is also a Woodcraft store a little closer (SLC) that I think carries both lathes.
Dan,

Jet & Powermatic typically do a sale right around AAW symposium time. Laguna just started displaying their lathes at recent AAW symposia, so some sales & specials may also be available. I would add Colt and Teknatool (Nova) to your list of possible lathe candidates.

For a large purchase (you get to define large), I would spend a lot of time test-driving. After spending time on my (former) Shopsmith, I spent time with a friend who had a Oneway, and with a friend who had a Powermatic 3520. At the time, my budget was Powermatic-friendly. After receiving a raise at work, the Oneway and the Robust got on my radar screen. Spending time turning on a Robust made the choice pretty obvious (for me, anyway). I would consider the minimum test-drive time working a challenging project to completion.

Best,

Hy
 
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Dan,

A few days, perhaps it was a week or so ago, we had a great discussion on the Revo on this website. I bought the 110 volt version for my small shop and love it. The suggestion to turn on on different lathes is a good one. I bought mine through Woodcraft. The stores generally have both lathes on display. I would call them, let them know you are a serious buyer and want to test drive both the Jet and the Laguna. I am sure they would let you.

When you get past comparing specs and features, the buying decision becomes emotional. The question simply becomes, "Which one do I like best that fits within my budget?" You truly can't answer that question without a test drive. Good luck. Whatever your decision, I know you will have fun.

Jon
 
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Thanks, Hy and Jon. I would love to do some test driving; however, the closest place to me is almost 4 hours away, or probably more at this time of year (snow and ice). There are no turning clubs in my area, either. I am also on the lookout for newer used lathes (could probably try before I buy) in my area; no luck so far, and I have been looking for a few months now.
 
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Thanks, Hy and Jon. I would love to do some test driving; however, the closest place to me is almost 4 hours away, or probably more at this time of year (snow and ice). There are no turning clubs in my area, either. I am also on the lookout for newer used lathes (could probably try before I buy) in my area; no luck so far, and I have been looking for a few months now.

Yep, some of our western states turners really are isolated compared to a lot of the east and midwest. It doesn’t look like you’re an AAW member… if you were you could search the member database to locate individuals near you. Perhaps he (!;)) has a lathe you’re considering and would be willing to let you have a go. Surprise to me, there are 114 Idaho members alone — then add in the neighboring states’ close-to-the-border members! The $50-60 membership fee is a fraction of the cost of a new lathe and a valuable part of the expense of turning.
 
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CraigsList is a good resource for finding local and regional deals on equipment.
You can also search the nearest items on Ebay and find deals on equipment.
Regional auction houses also have listings for contractors, schools and businesses selling off equipment.
Love those package deals that sell the machine and all of the tooling together.
 
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Well, the Powermatic is out of the question now. I just got an estimate to wire 220 from opposite end of house to garage, and it will be around $600.00.

Although I think I would really like the Laguna, the Jet's 5 year warranty is certainly attracting me toward the Jet.
 
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The warranty was my deciding factor also. I was looking at the Laguna 1836, Jet 1840EVS and Grizzly 799. But being in service and CS my entire career the warranty was what helped finalized the decision. I've been very happy with it.
 
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Dan, I've had my new Jet 1640 over a month now and really love it. So far I don't have one complaint about it. I really like the sliding head feature. You can catch them on sale if you watch at Woodcraft.
 
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If you are wanting to operate part of your garage as a wood working shop a 220V service
will provide the ampacity and voltages needed for various equipment used in a shop environment.
If you are running the power from your house panel it would be worth the time and effort to install
a small 120/220 sub-panel in the garage area that would provide multiple 120V circuits and several
220V circuits for future needs. The biggest expense would be the labor and material cost for running
the wiring from the house panel and the garage location. You will always use more circuits and power
in a shop area then what you first envision. Running one dedicated circuit will be a waste of money,
whereas a small sub-panel will provide multiple circuits for various equipment that accumulates quickly
in a working shop area. The sub-panel will also add resale value to your property.
 
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Thank's Steve, Lamar and Mike.

Lamar, as far as sales are concerned, I am hoping for the Jet 15% off sale to show up soon. Mike, as far as the sub-panel, that would be great; however, way too expensive when I add it to the price of a PM lathe. I think that 1.5 hp will work fine for my hobby purposes. I do have two separate 110 circuits in the garage already.
 

RichColvin

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Well, the Powermatic is out of the question now. I just got an estimate to wire 220 from opposite end of house to garage, and it will be around $600.00.

Not surprised. Wire alone is probably ⅓ of that.
 
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Dan,
It sounds like you're not in SE Idaho. I assume you know that Boise and Spokane both have a Woodcraft.

One strategy that was fairly productive for me in searching for a used lathe was to check regional clubs for lathes for sale, listed on their web site or in their newsletter. When I placed a Want to Buy ad in their classifieds, I got lots of responses--apparently people think for a long time before pulling the trigger and posting a for sale sign, and giving them a nudge can be productive. Also, don't forget that the spindle on your new lathe will probably be a different size and you'll have the expense of converting chucks and such to the new lathe.
 
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Dan,
It sounds like you're not in SE Idaho. I assume you know that Boise and Spokane both have a Woodcraft.

One strategy that was fairly productive for me in searching for a used lathe was to check regional clubs for lathes for sale, listed on their web site or in their newsletter. When I placed a Want to Buy ad in their classifieds, I got lots of responses--apparently people think for a long time before pulling the trigger and posting a for sale sign, and giving them a nudge can be productive. Also, don't forget that the spindle on your new lathe will probably be a different size and you'll have the expense of converting chucks and such to the new lathe.

I am in eastern Idaho, not too far from Bozeman.

Thanks for the idea about the want add; but, no woodturning clubs anywhere near me. The spindle adapter I would need is only around $20.00 for my G3 chuck; but, I will probably need to incur the expense of a larger chuck as well.
 
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Dan, the Jet is a nice lathe. I have the Laguna 18-36. For chucks, I also have the G3 that is a 1-8 thread ( non-insert). I got the adapter from PSI and it is fine. For additional chucks I have 2 SuperNova2s. One I have 50mm jaws and one 70mm jaws. I put the spigot jaws on my G3. I also have the Hurricane HTC 125 that I like a lot and use on larger blanks. I also have the Barracuda 2 and 4 chucks. These cuucks are rarely used anymore and have jumbo jaws on the 4 and pin jaws on the 2. There are many good chucks out there. I bought the Nova 2s because I got the prong center and face plate as a bonus. I use the prong center all the time and rarely use my steb center any more.
 
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Thanks, William. I do have 2 G3 chucks. One is on my 10ER (Shopsmith and the other is for my Comet II. They are both the "insert type".

Thanks for the link, Fadi.
 
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I am in eastern Idaho, not too far from Bozeman.
For a while, there was a Woodcraft Guild, also known as the SE Idaho Chapter of the AAW. I think it was in Pocatello rather than Idaho Falls, but I could be wrong. Their web site went dark a few years ago, but some of the people who were in the club are undoubtedly still be around.

In any case, you are welcome to come to one of our club meetings (second Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, Bozeman High wood shop) or I can put an announcement in our monthly newsletter. You can also determine how far you are willing to travel to check out and buy a lathe and contact those clubs. Boise, Twin Falls, Northern Wasatch, Salt Lake-- 4 clubs in your 'region' in addition to us (and we both know how much fun it would be trying to get here in winter).

Dean
 
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Thanks, Dean. I'm always on the lookout for fellow turners in my area; but, I have yet to find any. Yeah, winter is probably not a good time to head over to Bozeman; on the other hand, for the right deal on the right lathe, it might be worth it.
 

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I just started re-attending the local woodturning club here in Columbus, Ohio after moving back here. I am amazed at the value I’m getting from these meetings. Wish I’d come to this realization much earlier!

Rich
 
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Reviving this thread. I finally had the opportunity to see the Laguna Revo 18/36 (2hp) and the Jet 1640 in person. Both are very nice looking with the upper edge to the Jet to my eye. However, I am into function over form.

What I didn't like about the Jet was the rotating head that they call a feature. The Revo only slides which is what I prefer. My concern with rotating heads is the potential for an additional source of vibration (not saying that this would be the case with the Jet). I guess a fixed head would be the best type to minimize the potential sources of vibration. On the other hand, I wonder if it really matters if my intent is to only turn up to a maximum of 10-11" diameter. In other words, am I overthinking this issue. All I really want is lathe that can turn within the frame work just stated with no vibration. Actually, most of my turning are samller items such as bird houses, boxes, and smaller bowls. Maybe I should just save the money and buy a Jet 1221vs?? How would vibration compare with the 1640 or 1840 with the smaller items?? (Comments would be appreciated).

What I liked about the Jet was the spindle lock vs. the one on the Revo. The one on the Revo appears to have to be held in position to lock it. Of course, the 5 year warranty is also a factor with the Jet.

I did not get to run the Jet but I did get to run the Revo. It was smooth and quiet with no vibration perceptible to me.

If I recall correctly the Revo appeared to be longer over-all, and for space in my garage shop the Jet would be better for me.

I really like both; but, I don't know that the Revo would work for me. The height for floor to spindle appeared a little low for me. I subsequently measured my elbow with arm bent and the measurement is around 43.5". The problem is that when i have to lean over a lathe, I get significant discomfort in my low back hip area. I just don't know how my low back hip area would get along with the Revo. I know one could buy the riser blocks; but, they are too pricey for my budget. Edit: However; being the "newbie" that I am, maybe the height is not so critical if my stance and form is correct. In other words, if I learn proper posture and stance, then possibly, there would be no issue with regard to my back and hip area, even if the spindle height is not up to my elbow. I just don't know due to my lack of experience.

This is getting to be really mind boggling. I tend to over think things. Bottom line is that I have not made a decision yet.

Any further input would be appreaciated. Also, input form anyone that has tried either or both of the lathes since this thread started would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Reviving this thread. I finally had the opportunity to see the Laguna Revo 18/36 (2hp) and the Jet 1640 in person. Both are very nice looking with the upper edge to the Jet to my eye. However, I am into function over form.

What I didn't like about the Jet was the rotating head that they call a feature. The Revo only slides which is what I prefer. My concern with rotating heads is the potential for an additional source of vibration (not saying that this would be the case with the Jet). I guess a fixed head would be the best type to minimize the potential sources of vibration. On the other hand, I wonder if it really matters if my intent is to only turn up to a maximum of 10-11" diameter. In other words, am I overthinking this issue. All I really want is lathe that can turn within the frame work just stated with no vibration. Actually, most of my turning are samller items such as bird houses, boxes, and smaller bowls. Maybe I should just save the money and buy a Jet 1221vs?? How would vibration compare with the 1640 or 1840 with the smaller items?? (Comments would be appreciated).

What I liked about the Jet was the spindle lock vs. the one on the Revo. The one on the Revo appears to have to be held in position to lock it. Of course, the 5 year warranty is also a factor with the Jet.

I did not get to run the Jet but I did get to run the Revo. It was smooth and quiet with no vibration perceptible to me.

If I recall correctly the Revo appeared to be longer over-all, and for space in my garage shop the Jet would be better for me.

I really like both; but, I don't know that the Revo would work for me. The height for floor to spindle appeared a little low for me. I subsequently measured my elbow with arm bent and the measurement is around 43.5". The problem is that when i have to lean over a lathe, I get significant discomfort in my low back hip area. I just don't know how my low back hip area would get along with the Revo. I know one could buy the riser blocks; but, they are too pricey for my budget.

This is getting to be really mind boggling. I tend to over think things. Bottom line is that I have not made a decision yet.

Any further input would be appreaciated. Also, input form anyone that has tried either or both of the lathes since this thread started would be greatly appreciated.

Dan, I am tall, 6’5” and got riser blocks for the Revo. Without the blocks, it was too low for me. With the blocks it is comfortable. I think it was John Lucas in another thread who said that your should have good posture when turning. (John please forgive me if I misquoted you.) I have watched many videos that featured professional/production turners. All of them appeared to be standing with good posture. There seems to be an unspoken message in those videos. . .good work is enabled by good posture. (Forgive me for sounding like your first grade teacher.)

Previously I mentioned that you should test drive a lathe (if possible) before making a purchase, in your case, make sure you get one tall enough to minimize discomfort to your hips and back. I don’t have enough expertise to guide you through the differences of these machines. That said, you will be living with your new lathe for quite some time. Get one that is comfortable for you.
 
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Dan, either lathe as far as function would be a good choice. Reasons I went with the Laguna is a bit more swing, 18" and the heigth was better for me. The other features I like is the layout of the headstock, available vacuum adapter, adding the extension for 32" swing, cast in shelf to add ballast. As far as the spindle lock, I posted a simple solution in the tips form using rare earth magnets. Sounds as if you would need the riser for the Laguna. Figure out what is important to you.
 

hockenbery

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Maybe I should just save the money and buy a Jet 1221vs?? How would vibration compare with the 1640 or 1840 with the smaller items?? (Comments would be appreciated).
.
Dan ,
I have 1221vs. A great little lathe. For small items like hollow ball ornaments boxes etc it is great.
Where it is marginal is roughing bowls and hollow forms in the 10” diameter range. I use this lathe on occasion to demo hollow forms from 7-8 Diameter out of balance blanks. The lathe requires me to both take lighter cuts and use slower speeds. A 5 minute segment of demo time becomes 15.
Once it is more or less round I can turn at close the speed I would with a larger lathe.
At this point i’m taking lighter cuts and the hollowing is about the same.

I did a 3 hour demo last year on a 1221vs for wood artists and found the lathe quite suitable.
Started with a small top - introduce the srg, parting tool and spindle gouge.
carving mallet from a 4x4x9,
bowl from a 9” x4 “ bandsaw disc screw mount - introduce the bowl gouge
Natural Edge bowl 8” x5” blank
3” ball from a 3x3x3.5 blank and
a 3 sided ball stand. Then a wrap up.
The only compromise is smaller roughing cuts on the bowls and ball. And slower spend roughing the NE bowl.

So if you plan only an occasional bowl the 1221 would do. However doing bowls or hollow forms all day long on this lathe will make you wish for a bigger machine.
Roughing a centered 3x3 square for ornaments you could run it as fast as you are comfortable.
 
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Hi Dan.......... I have a Jet 1640 and I don't use the swivel head much but the few times I have used it to turn larger bowls there was no problems with balance or wobble. I really like the 1640.
 
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Hockenbery, nice comparison. So, if I understand correctly, between the 2 Jets, the main difference will be in the smaller cuts and slower roughing time on the 1221 for larger items. Will the final quality of the turned peices be any different between the 2 lathes? Please let me ask a couple more questions for clarification in my mind.

1. With the 1221 once the roughing is done, is the vibration, if any, going to be similar to the amount on the 1640 or is there such a difference in mass between the two lathes to be able to make the comparison?

2. In your last paragraph, you reference making "only an occasional bowl". Are you talking about large bowls of over a certain size? I do like to make small bowls of around 6" to 8' in diameter with green wood. Would I be wishing for a "bigger machine"?
 
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I have Delta 46-460 midi lathe, which I would imagine would be comparable to the 1221. They are in the same category. I liked it when I started out, and when using round pieces like the ones you purchase. Vibration is manageable to true them out and becomes smooth once round.

I’m in the market for larger heavier lathe now because of the bad vibrations when doing out of round pieces now that I am turning found wood/logs and not purchasing blanks anymore. The smaller motor makes it difficult to make bigger cuts and can easily stall the motor so it takes longer time to do the same amount of work be cause of the smaller cuts.

If you can afford to go bigger, then you should consider it.
 

hockenbery

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Hockenbery, nice comparison. So, if I understand correctly, between the 2 Jets, the main difference will be in the smaller cuts and slower roughing time on the 1221 for larger items. Will the final quality of the turned peices be any different between the 2 lathes? Please let me ask a couple more questions for clarification in my mind.

1. With the 1221 once the roughing is done, is the vibration, if any, going to be similar to the amount on the 1640 or is there such a difference in mass between the two lathes to be able to make the comparison?

2. In your last paragraph, you reference making "only an occasional bowl". Are you talking about large bowls of over a certain size? I do like to make small bowls of around 6" to 8' in diameter with green wood. Would I be wishing for a "bigger machine"?

Final quality should be the same.
You can add some mass to the 1221 by putting some sand bags on the base.

Small lathes don’t do well with blanks that are out of balance weight wise.
If you turn band sawn disk blanks these will be in balance weight wise.
NE crotch blanks are always out of balance weight wise.

If you work with lots of out of weight balance blanks get the bigger lathe.

It might be easier to turn a 6” bowl on a 1221 because you can work a little closer to the bowl.
Have a little more clearance if you put the tool rest inside the bowl.

As for bowls of say 8” diameter. The 16 inch lathe will be better for 3 reasons.
More mass, more HP, and bigger tool rest & banjo.

I bought a Robust J rest for my 1221vs it gives me the length to easily hollow an 8” or 10” bowl but it still has a 5/8” tool post so it vibrates more than a 1” tool post. Not really a problem with sharp tools and light cuts.

It is a trade off. If you do a lot of 8” bowls get a bigger lathe.

If you average 1 bowl a week, you could be very happy with the 1221 and the money you save can be used for classes. More than anything else it is roughing time. If you take 10-20 minutes longer on the small lathe that isn’t a big deal once a week. If you turn 5 bowls a day the longer time on the 1221 is a big deal.
 
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john lucas

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The 1221 is much more massive than my Delta 46-460. Our club has the 1221. Really nice lathe and in my opinion the tops in the midi category. Our club also had a 1640 for years and I've turned on it a lot. Not problems with the swiveling head not locking firmly. There is definitely a benefit to a lathe with more mass when turning out of round pieces. It's just flat out better. That doesn't mean you can't turn them on smaller lathes its' just not as pleasant. for the occasional larger bowl they are fine. If I was going to turn very many I would definitly get the heavier lathe.
 
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The 1221 is much more massive than my Delta 46-460. Our club has the 1221. Really nice lathe and in my opinion the tops in the midi category. Our club also had a 1640 for years and I've turned on it a lot. Not problems with the swiveling head not locking firmly. There is definitely a benefit to a lathe with more mass when turning out of round pieces. It's just flat out better. That doesn't mean you can't turn them on smaller lathes its' just not as pleasant. for the occasional larger bowl they are fine. If I was going to turn very many I would definitly get the heavier lathe.


I guess what it boils down to on the Jet 1221 or the Jet 1640 is that anything that can be turned on the 1221 can be turned on the 1640; but, the 1640's capabilities are much more. Out of curiousity with regard to mass, I wonder if the headstock and motor alone of the 1640 weigh close to the entire 121 lbs. of the 1221.
 
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Jul 5, 2016
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San Antonio, TX
Fadi, I have looked at some recent posts of yours that reference wanting to get a Powermatic. If you don't mind my asking, what was it that changed your mind?

I went for a class with David Ellsworth and worked on Robust Sweet 16. It was a 2hp, 400lbs. We turned half logs into rounds. David recommended 2HP motor, and reading about 2HP it seem about 95% of turners find it the right motor size. I cannot do pull cut on my 1hp without stalling the motor or causing the belt to slip, which is frustrating and Idon’t know if I will run into similar issues with a 1.5hp.

That made me decide to go with a 2hp. Then came the weight. I could not increase the speed much on the sweet 16 because it would start vibrating until I get it round. This could have been David’s new shop and not setting it up right, I was one of the first to turn in his new shop, but the vibration made me want more heavier machine.

The weight wasn’t as much of a factor as the HP, but I figured the machine prices keep going up and I don’t want to have to upgrade in couple of years again and since I can afford it now, then why not.
 
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Thanks, Fadi. I understand the desire for 2hp; but, that is not in the cards for me due to what I mentioned earlier in this thread about the expense of adding 220 in my garage shop.
 
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Routing the electrical wiring from point A to point B is the majority of the expense (labor) in installing a sub-panel in your garage.
If you are able to do the laborious part of the project yourself and have the electrician complete the final wiring connections you
can cut the overall cost of the project in half.
 
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