Thread: JET Lathes; what do you reckon?

I like mine. Jet 1236 I think is the model. It's not young anymore but still lines up well. Only had 1 new set of head stock bearings in probably 12 years.

Thanks Rookie, does that mean you're convinced they are well made?

Does anyone know if it has a bore through the spindle?

Can it take 3 or 4 jaw chucks for small items?

I have an earlier version of the lathe a Variable speed a good lathe only problem I had was the switch, others have various line up troubles but that was the model before this one.
Jet Tools & Machinery Australia-Wood Lathes-Mini Lathes
all the specs you need.

Nothing wrong with the Jet lathes. They are generally well made.

It has a 1" , 10tpi headstock spindle and you can get a variety of scroll chucks to fit.
Yes it does have a bore through the spindle.

Have a look at the Woodfast M301 as well. Quite similar, but it's worth having another option.

Woodfast Mini Lathe : CARBA-TEC

had my jet mini lathe now for about 8 years has never failed me yet ( touch wood ) and a well made unit

That version of the Jet mini is all over the place here in the US. Hundreds if not thousands of them. I hear very few complaints about them. I've owned 2. They are excellent as a start lathe. I highly recommend them to people. They work well, have good resale value and many people like them enough that they keep them even after stepping up to a bigger lathe.

Yep, the jets are good, reliable machines.

The penturning forums are practically houses of worship for the Jet mini and midi lathes.
There are others but the Jet leads the pack in popularity. Delta has a new midi out that looks like it would be my choice in that size range.