Thread: Jet lathe equivalent in Australia?

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum

Have a look at Hare and Forbes WL 14V (W385 - WL-14V Mini Wood Lathe | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse). Relatievly inexpensive Chinese import but mine has been very good and H&F have been great to deal with. Similar specs to the Jet but a bit more swing.

I hope you have better luck than this one. I don't know if there has been any resolution yet, I hope so.
Another one worth looking at would be the Woodfast in either a mini or midi.

Nova Comet II DR would be a very good alternative and much better quality than anything from H&F (imho):
Nova Comet II DR Midi Lathe - EVS with Digital Readout | Carbatec

That's a pretty small lathe. Of course I have no idea what you're wanting to make but my two cents worth would be that unless you're absolutely set on only making little stuff it's worth looking at a Midi rather than a Mini lathe. Either the Woodfast Midi Treecycle recommended above or the Rikon 70-220 VSR which is basically the same lathe gives you better capacity as well as a 1HP motor and a 1" tool post rather than the standard 5/8" ones you get in the smaller lathes. Twice the price of that Hare and Forbes Mini but something with some extra capacity to grow into. I have the Rikon and I like it a lot.

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Thanks for the welcome and advice. Here's a pic of the beast I'm battling with at the moment. I've managed to make a few 3 legged stools and rolling pins with it but it's a challenge. I'll look at the midi options as advised. Thanks again

You will see a major improvement if you get something made from cast iron compared to what you have been using. A midi lathe would be a good replacement in regard to capacity.