comparison of Jet lathes

[Dennis Taylor]

I am still searching for a full size lathe..I am curious is there a signicicant difference between the Jet 1236 and the 1442, other than size of material to be turned on them...I am a home hobbiest, and don't sell my work, so would a 1236 meet those needs or am I better off with the 1442?..the cost on the 1442 is high, while Amazon has the 1236 for about 560.00 or so, compared to the 899.99...any input is apreciated.. Dennis

 

[woodboy]

I looked at both of those ended up buying an HF 34706 for $179. partly because of price partly because of many experienced local turners who swear by it being as good as the 1236. The killer sale pitch for the 34706 was I live down the stree from my local woodcraft owner, he has 2 34706's in his garage and big piles of wood shavings everywhere.

 

[Jim Becker]

I am curious is there a signicicant difference between the Jet 1236 and the 1442,

Weight is the biggie. The 1236 is a very old design that was originally intended for spindle work before bowls and vessels become popular. (The HFT 34706 mentioned in the other post is also of this same design) The 1442 is a heavier machine with more mass to dampen vibration. It also took top honors in the WOOD Magazine review article in March 2003. Good entry level machine.

 

[Kenny]

won't you take the dive and play on a 1642

I am a home hobbiest as well ( no I am not wealthy just like strong toys)
It is a sound piece of equiptment. its the baby brother of the Powermatic 2320a. very quiet, very accurate- and does a neat jig when you turn unbalance wood. Okay so not everything is perfect but i am still glad I made the plunge- Remember " long after the sweetness of a low price mists away a low end machine is still a low end machine."