Jet 1642

[cypher]

Since jet offers two versions of the 1642 (1.5 HP and 2 HP) does anyone know if you can change out the 1.5 motor later for the 2 HP motor?? If I bought the 1.5 HP and wanted to upgrade can i do this??? I know the 2 HP motor is 220V but can it be ordered as an upgrade or replacement???

 

[Bill Boehme]

You would also have to change the VFD. When you look at the cost of doing this, it does not make for good economics -- not even if you considered selling it and then getting the model with the larger motor -- if you have thoughts of eventually wanting the 2 HP version, just go for it from the start. If you can't afford it, then don't get either until you can get the one that you really want.

Bill

 

[rbabbittjr]

Just curious why you feel the need to upgrade. Another thought would be to contact Jet, they made it they should be able to give you the right answer. I agree that it may not be reasonable to make the upgrade. They have a kit to make their mini fixed speed to VS and it is not worth it. My opinion.

 

[underdog]

Keep in mind that the 2HP not only uses another VS, but is also 220 if I remember correctly.

 

[dfriedel]

jet conversion

Are you sure about changing the VS? If you examine the VS and motor for the 1.5, you'll find that the motor is really a 3 phase, 220 v. The VS converts 110 v to this configuration and I think conversion to 2 hp motor may just be a matter of re-programming the VS for the new motor and input spec plus re-wired for 220 input. If that's the case, upgrade would be much less expensive. I'd examine this option a lot more closely. I have the 1.5 and sometimes wish I'd gotten the 2 hp. Didn't have 220 in shop at the time but now I've put a new service box in with room for another 220 v circuit. Been thinking about this option myself.

 

[hcbph]

I'm not sure of the current pricing, but I think when I bought mine the difference between the 1 1/2 hp and 2 hp versions was something like $200 difference.

You can't buy another motor for less than that, let along anything else that might need to be changed out. I'd wait and get the one you'll ultimately want rather than throw away money.

My 2 cents

Paul

 

[Bill Boehme]

Are you sure about changing the VS? If you examine the VS and motor for the 1.5, you'll find that the motor is really a 3 phase, 220 v. The VS converts 110 v to this configuration and I think conversion to 2 hp motor may just be a matter of re-programming the VS for the new motor and input spec plus re-wired for 220 input. If that's the case, upgrade would be much less expensive. I'd examine this option a lot more closely. I have the 1.5 and sometimes wish I'd gotten the 2 hp. Didn't have 220 in shop at the time but now I've put a new service box in with room for another 220 v circuit. Been thinking about this option myself.

Yes, I am certain about changing out the VFD. Being 230 volts three phase is only one of the things to consider. Much more important than that is how much current can it provide to the motor. The driver circuit in the smaller unit is not capable of driving a 2 HP motor.

Bill

 

[Brodie Brickey]

I think the main question begs, what are you doing to stall a 1.5 HP motor? I can imagine only a couple instances, like when you're coring with the McKnaughton tool and it binds, but that's about it.

 

[dfriedel]

stall

You hit the nail on the head - coring. But I've added an outboard attachment that will allow 32' dia turnings. Thinking that may mean a difference. Still just thinking about the change but not if it's a major thing.

 

[hcbph]

Denny

I think for something 32" or more, I'm not sure the Jet is the best pick. I think you're looking for something like a PM 3520 or even bigger or better yet a large bowl lathe. I think you need to firm up the needs (which it sounds like you have) then pick a lathe to match that.

I have the Jet and I don't know I'd try something that big.

Paul

 

[4mikee]

I've owned most of Jets lathes in the last three years and I've cored on the 1.5 hp 1642 with the McNaughton until I traded up to the Powermatic 3520b with a 2 hp last month. I can't tell a dimes difference between the 1.5 hp Jet and the 2hp Powermatic. I've found that a lot has to do with the person behind the motor, and I'm still looking over my shoulder for help. I realized after trading that the 1642 was probably my favorite machine excluding the abilty to turn a 20 inch piece.
Mike

 

[jcooper]

I am looking to get the 1 1/2 hp Jet 1642. I was also looking to retrofit the vicmarc outboard turning rest onto the lathe (something that has been done by other users). I am just wondering how much that motor could handle at around 2-3 inches thick stock. anyone think it would be unreasonable that the 1 1/2 could handle a 22" peice of stock? 26"?

 

[Bill Boehme]

I am looking to get the 1 1/2 hp Jet 1642. I was also looking to retrofit the vicmarc outboard turning rest onto the lathe (something that has been done by other users). I am just wondering how much that motor could handle at around 2-3 inches thick stock. anyone think it would be unreasonable that the 1 1/2 could handle a 22" peice of stock? 26"?

Are you asking about turning a spindle such as a table leg that is 2 - 3 inches square and 26 inches long? If so, a much smaller HP lathe could turn spindles just as easily. The need for more power comes about when you are doing large diameter turnings. Or, did I misunderstand what you were asking?

Bill

 

[4mikee]

anyone think it would be unreasonable that the 1 1/2 could handle a 22" peice of stock? 26"?

I think the outboard attachment would work on larger pieces. I was coring as close to 16" diamaeter x 5-6 inches thick as I could on the bed of my 1.5 hp 1642. Granted as stated before it may stall but so will the 2 hp when coring if everything falls into place. As far as a 22 inch I can't give you a technical answer but from my use of one it should go to 22" anyway. You probably can't hog it off and you'll have to go slow but that shouldn't be much too sacrifice.
Mike