Thread: Advice on Jet Mini Lathe

Personally, I would steer clear and chose a Woodfast. I had to have my Jet spindle re-machined and sleeved as the MT or the thread wasn't concentric and afterwards, only the thread was running true.

From what I have heard, Woodfast in South Aust check every machine before it leaves their premises and their prices are pretty good even with postage/cartage.

Thanks DJ.

I did look at the Woodfast (catalogue pics mind you) but maybe have dismissed it prematurely. I should really see them 1st before buying.

Sounds like the issue I have is the same as you have had.

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

Personally, I would steer clear and chose a Woodfast. I had to have my Jet spindle re-machined and sleeved as the MT or the thread wasn't concentric and afterwards, only the thread was running true.

From what I have heard, Woodfast in South Aust check every machine before it leaves their premises and their prices are pretty good even with postage/cartage.

Hey Shawn

I have a Woodfast that I got from Carbatec in Perth and mate it is a awesome little machine never had any issues and it's nice and compact and I ideal for turning pen and other small projects IMO

Ian

I can personnally vouch for WOODFAST - have used these little machines for over 5 years and never had an issue

Plus we sell them Lathes -Turning Tools - WoodFast Midi Lathe - PenKits, pen kit suppliers

Jet mini VS user now for 5 or more years still going strong. If I were to choose again I'd go Jet Midi or Cougar for bigger swing 12" and longer between centres Cougar also has reverse and VS.

I have a Jet Midi 1220VS and it has been going well. With pen turning and the different speeds needed from drilling, shaping, sanding, and polishing, the variable speed dial was very handy. Plus it has a 12" swing which can do some decent sized bowls etc

+1 for woodfast. My lathe is approx 30 years old with variable speed and goes hard! Hope it never dies

My vote is the woodfast too. I've had mine since Easter and I love it. I might upgrade to a larger lathe eventually so that i can get one with a swing bed. However the woodfast will then remain as the dedicated pen lathe.

I like the Woodfast too. Mine runs well although it runs hot. I am off to buy a little desk fan today to run on the engine to help dissipate the heat away from the engine.

Contact Woodfast in SA and get a price on the lathe from them. Then go to Carbatec and see if they will match it. You tend to save a bit of money that way.

Little info to maybe clear, or muddy the water.
WoodFast is the trade name Rikon uses there in Oz, Canada and the UK for their mini lathes.
I sell lathes for WoodCraft, along with a lot of other fun tools, here in the US.
I have found that, while the Rikon (WoodFast) is not the prettiest machine, it is built very well for the cost, solid with most of the parts steel or cast instead of plastic, and a well-designed thought out piece of equipment.
In a side by side comparison with the Jet Mini, the Woodfast wins hands down, the swing over the bed is almost 2 inch higher,(jet is 10 inch swing, Rikon/Woodfast is 12 inches) and the lathe bed is almost 2 inches longer, (Jet 14 inches, Rikon/Woodfast is 16 inches) the bed extension is also a lot less expensive than the Jet, and last, Jet is dropping production of the plain mini lathe this year, to concentrate on the midi variable speed lathe they introduced this year, the VS1221, so parts for the smaller mini will become scarce.
Both the Jet and the Woodfast have a ½ hp motor, so power is the same, but most often the Rikon/Woodfast is less expensive, but offers a better built more usable machine.
Look at the Woodfast M305 mini and the Rikon model 70-100…same lathe different paint and wiring.
Google Image Result for http://www.cws.au.com/persistent/catalogue_images/products/Woodfast%20M305%20lathe.JPG
Google Image Result for http://images.meredith.com/wood/images/2009/09/p_Rikon.jpg
Google Image Result for http://www.hutproducts.com/images/JML-1014-JET.jpg

Compare these to the Jet 1014 mini and you can see the quality difference.

Hey Shawn,
I have been using a little yellow Woodfast for the past 4 years, it beats the jet hands down in every feature, belt change, construction, price the list just goes on, we just finished a Novice course at our local Woodturners Group, and the two little woodfasts ( mine and the clubs) did two 3 hour courses every Thursday for 6 weeks, mine also does about 20 hours a week normally, still on the original belt. Variable speed would be nice, but not really neccasery.
just my 20c worth.

HazzaB

Originally Posted by plantagenon

I like the Woodfast too. Mine runs well although it runs hot. I am off to buy a little desk fan today to run on the engine to help dissipate the heat away from the engine.

Mine already has a fan built into the motor. If you want more air flow through it I would cut out some pieces from the fan guard or maybe look to somehow upgrading the impeller?

Although I still think it is a good lathe it's not all beer and skittles.

My tail stock cam lock mechanism broke twice within weeks of purchase. The first was replaced under warranty, the second time I made a beefier unit myself as I could see the stock design was a bit flimsy.

I also contacted Woodfast for another pulley. They said it would take 8 weeks to arrive. After several attempts to contact them about it I gave up and once again made my own.

Other peoples experience with Woodfast has been very good - maybe I was the case that proved the rule.

Thanks all for the advice.

I put my name down for the Woodfast with Carbatec and it has finally come in and is being shipped to me so I should have it tomorrow.

Looking forward to getting back to turning although its freakin hot here at present (40+ last couple of days) and looks like we will have a hot summer. Having said that up north have been suffering 40+ for a couple of weeks now and a mate up in Newman recorded 47.5 under his patio yesterday.

I have been collecting a heap of blanks over the past couple of months which will yield some really nice pens.

Watch this space.

Cheers


Shawn