Thread: Jet mini versus Leda mini

I got the leda, my Father in law has the Jet he went for the variable speed one. but other than than I can't see much difference in the lathes. The tailstock is the main difference I can see the leda is solid cast, the jet has a like 2 sticks of casts (could be other metal than cast) The both are cute and nearly identical even FIL now saying he should of just went my way with the leda. I can't tell you motor stuff because I am not that way wired but I ahve been really happy with my leda. Yep when i pulled my leda out the box everything line up perfectly. They kiss real nicely
hth
Toni

Wot Toni said.

Also, although they have the same swing over bed, the Leda has a slightly longer bed than the JET. I think the JET's 3/4HP, whereas the the Leda's only 1/2HP but the Leda is a solid little lady and my gal has done some seriously hard work (that really should've been done on my big lathe) without complaining. I don't believe that the 1/4HP difference really matters that much for the blank sizes they turn comfortably... for pens it's totally irrelevant!

If you're consistently turning blanks as big as they'll hold (10"x18", I think) then you should have bought a bigger lathe in the first place!

Having said all that, so long as everything else between the two models is equal (ie. they're both the basic model or both have var speed) then the Leda will win my vote every time...

I have the JET Mini and it is a nice little lathe.
Skew, my JET is only 1/2HP..
They are a great lathe and the centres kiss perfectly.!
Also there is very little vibration..
but from looking at the leda on the net i think they are basically the same!
Cheers

I've got the jet and am quite happy, but have never seen the Leda in the flesh so will leave the comparisons to someone that knows.

But your prices are way off. The going price for a jet mini lathe is $375. Don't be distracted by the variable sped version. They are more expensive and problematic. In fact some retailers won't stock them any more.


http://gpwoodturning.yahoostore.com...._id=1107219999

[QUOTE=knucklehead]I've got the jet and am quite happy, but have never seen the Leda in the flesh so will leave the comparisons to someone that knows.

But your prices are way off. The going price for a jet mini lathe is $375. Don't be distracted by the variable sped version. They are more expensive and problematic. In fact some retailers won't stock them any more.


Knucklehead,

Being in Tassie, everyone stings you for freight. We have a local Jet dealer here who is associated with Gary ( same pricing) but add freight to that.

regards,

Ad

Ok guys, so you blokes with the Leda/Jet - with only half a horse to drive it, do you find it underpowered or OK? Anyone using the extension bed? leda offer it for only 33 bucks extra which is heaps cheaper than the jet.

Another thing, anyone using the teknatool G3 chuck on a mini?? If so any opinions??

BTW, I looked at an MC900 at another dealer here today and bugger me if the centres didn't line up EXACTLY- I have seen another one of these where it was 1/2" out? Maybe some are good. I just don't have the room.

regards,

AD

HI I use the Nova G3 chuck on my lathe. I love it. So far my little girl has done what I have asked of her(leda). I do not think she is underpowered by any stretch of the imagination. And to do pens or small things that you can do on it. No hassle. I am so glad I bought my leda.
bye Toni

there are quite a number of people on this board with the jet, myself included.
I don't thing I have heard anyone say they wern't happy with theirs.

the nova precision midi works very well on thm too.

cheers

Originally Posted by bloggs1968

Ok guys, so you blokes with the Leda/Jet - with only half a horse to drive it, do you find it underpowered or OK? Anyone using the extension bed? leda offer it for only 33 bucks extra which is heaps cheaper than the jet.

Another thing, anyone using the teknatool G3 chuck on a mini?? If so any opinions??

No problems with the Leda @ 1/2HP and a G3. I prefer the Precision Midi chuck though as it's lighter and takes up less spindle length.

BTW, I looked at an MC900 at another dealer here today and bugger me if the centres didn't line up EXACTLY- I have seen another one of these where it was 1/2" out? Maybe some are good. I just don't have the room.

The real test with an MC-900 isn't whether it kisses in the showroom... it's whether it still kisses after moving the head into outboard mode and back again.

Like i said i use the JET MINI with a precision midi and have had no problems.

And no, i dont find it underpowered...
Cheers

Thanks for the replies so far guys.Couple more question if I may.

The tool rest on these lathes is tiny. Is it worth getting a second tool rest holder/banjo and making up a longer tool rest? I reckon having to move the rest alot on longer spindles would end up being a pain.

Also, on the leda, what is the diameter of the tool rest post, 3/4" or 1" and the thread size for the chuck insert?

TIA

AD

I received my Leda last Monday from the latest consignment from OS, so the info is current.

Headstock thread: 1" 10tpi 2mt. Drive centre 4 spur 1"
Toolrest shaft: 16mm diameter
Tailstock Live centre cup 2mt

Motor 375w (1/2hp) 1400rpm induction.
Drive pulleys are made of a fibre/resin material.
Spindle speeds are given as 500 - 3200 (5 steps) (label on headstock)
The manual gives different speeds (700 - 3200), but I haven't measured the pulley diameters yet to see which is correct. I suspect the slower range.

Pulley access doors are a thick plastic material, as is the bed end plate.

Overall finish is good (there were a few paint chips - but this is a tool).

Comes in a stout cardboard box wrapped in plastic sheeting with molded foam for protection.

A small plastic bag contains the drive centres, 3 hex allen keys and the metal handle for the tailstock knob. A plastic sleeve contains the A4 8pp manual.

Manual is basic but does include an exploded diagram with parts list.

Screwing the handle onto the knob was the only assembly required.

Centres aligned perfectly after removing a small bur on the live centre point.

There is about .5mm play across the bed on the tailstock.

The construction is very solid, and exhibits no vibration. The motor is quiet. Solid rubber feet make it very stable, but they can be removed for bench fixing.

This is my first lathe, so I am not an expert, but I am very happy with it so far.

The Jet is advertised as having a 1" 8tpi drive thread (as is the Timbecon MC1018), but a recent thread on this forum suggests it is actually 1" 10tpi.

I think the Nova Precision has been replaced by the G3. The main difference that I can see is the Precision has a fixed thread, whereas the G3 uses inserts.

I have been trying to get a G3, but haven't found anybody in Sydney with stock.

Good luck with your choice - I don't think you will be disappointed with either lathe - the Jet just seems to have a wider audience.

John

excellent response - thanks John.

regards,

AD

And yes... it's worth getting a longer tool rest, maybe 8" long. IMHO it's not really worth going any longer, so I wouldn't worry about another banjo.

But it won't hurt to keep a spare locking handle or two on hand... preferably metal ones instead of the more common plastic jobs. I broke the one for my toolrest and my "apprentice" broke the one on his tailstock. Mind you this is after several years of fairly heavy use on both lathes, so I've no complaint on that score. The only other failure we've had is one drive belt.