Review Of The Jet Mini Lathe

Lathes are becoming a bit like computers, much more compact and user friendly in design while retaining numerous original properties and functions. The Jet mini lathe falls into this category.

Highly popular, the wood working crafts have become more of a pastime for the individual craftsman who enjoys working out of home while completing numerous small projects throughout the household. Of course, purchasing a lathe that could dominate the space of an entire room would be pointless for such ventures, thus, the mini lathe was created. The Jet mini lathe is perhaps one of the more common and most sought after mini lathes, as the price per quality is simply unmatched. Ease of use combined with smaller dimensions create the popularity of this user-friendly and advanced machine which allows for unique user interface and high quality workmanship. In review, the Jet mini lathe is certainly a product worth purchasing for your smaller scale lathe needs.

Speed and Power

The Jet mini lathe is equipped with a ½ horsepower TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) motor which is ample power to produce any variation of wood lathing in a smooth and efficient manner. Providing efficient use of power, the Jet mini lathe runs on an 110V circuit which means you don't have to have a separate circuit within your workshop to run the motor.

The speed of the Jet Mini lathe is unable to change externally, however it does offer step pulleys. Operating the step pulleys is relatively fast and simple due to a small pair of access doors and a not-tool belt tensioned system. This belt tensioning system is the perfect fit for the mini lathe deign. Changing speeds within the actual motor housing is simple as well. By loosening the motor lock, you now have access to the belts that control the actual internal motor housing. Move the belt to the particular position you need within one of the six varying motor speeds. Once selected, simply lock the belt down into position and move forward with your work.

The Jet mini lathe also makes it easy to determine which speed you are selecting. The rear access door of the motor offers a manual which clearly indicates what speed is within what position, and what functions those speeds serve. The six available speeds are 500, 840, 1240, 1800, 2630, and 3975 rpm. Fortunately, actually adjusting the speed through the belts has been made simple through the multi-groove design composition. Furthermore, this multi-groove system keeps the belts firmly in place to prevent any form of deterioration or belt damage.

Capacity Intervals

The Jet mini lathe offers a 10" diameter bowl with a 14" spindle capacity. While many other lathes feature similar capacities, they are often a bit exaggerated; fortunately, this is not the case with the Jet mini.

The tool holder of the Jet mini is unable to fit under blanks nearing maximum capacity. This is very common among all mini lathes. The base, fortunately, is narrow enough in design to be moved between the wood plank and headstock which provides even more access to that particular side of the project.