I am getting a mini lathe - Can the turners take a peek please

[nickao]

1

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Nick,
Thanks for buying it through the FOG store!  I'm hoping it's easy to do.
If you experience any problems using the FOG store, please let me know so I can try to fix it.
Matthew

 

[Scott W.]

To the turners . This has great reviews, I liked it when I tried my friends and I am trying to see a reason I should spend more on a Jet mini. I just do not see the benefit and this seems to be the best deal out there of any mini lathe right now.

Any comments or hints I would appreciate. I am only interested in an affordable mini right now.

Turncrafter pro

Nickao

Nick,

Let us know how it is, I have a small Nova that looks almost identical to that one. I've had it at least 12 - 12 years & it is very stable and works pretty well with little vibration.

Scott W.

 

[pteubel]

I've used that one. It's a Jet Mini clone. Just as good. HOWEVER, both it and the Jet Mini variable speed models have LESS power than the regular (i.e. manual change the belt position) one. For spindles, its not an issue. For bowls, its a big difference.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Yeah, I will of course! I was hoping Bill Wyko could comment or maybe someone who has used the unit for an extended period. Or maybe some big pen turners out there.

Nickao

That's funny!  ;D

 

[Steve Jones]

Nickao,

I have a strong suspicion that these small lathes are all identical, I think they all come out of the same factory in china, I've lined up a bunch of different brands and the castings are EXACTLY the same. I think the manufacturer will happily put whatever paint scheme anyone wants on it, choosing between the Jet/Turncrafter/Chicago (or whatever brand Harbor freight is using this week) makes no diferrence buy the cheapest.

(but consider the non-variable speed version, it takes seconds to change the belt on multiple pulleys, and as has been mentioned you do get more power)

 

[Bill Wyko]

Hi Nickao, Judging by the features, I'd go for it. If you are like me, you'll use it for around 6 months and want to upgrade to something bigger. Fear not though. You can really make some nice stuff on a lathe this size. I started on a JET Mini and did some neat pieces on it. Here's the 4th piece I ever mounted to my Mini. I've got one designed for you too. When you order you lathe have them throw in the book about Ray Allan and another by Malcolm Tibbetts. These guys are the masters of segmenting and they give away all the secrets in detailed step by step instructions. I read the books and did this on my 4th try.

 

[robtonya]

Amazing Bill. I sent you messages on what you would want for your Monsoon. I never heard back so I was searching on the internet for something comparable to shoot you a price. What I found is most don't offer a price, second, I didn't really see to much that was as nice as yours. Third was one site did display a price, but I felt yours was a nicer peice, and I now know that I cannot afford it.  :'(

 

[Bill Wyko]

Amazing Bill. I sent you messages on what you would want for your Monsoon. I never heard back so I was searching on the internet for something comparable to shoot you a price. What I found is most don't offer a price, second, I didn't really see to much that was as nice as yours. Third was one site did display a price, but I felt yours was a nicer peice, and I now know that I cannot afford it.  :'(

Sorry about that. Monsoon is priced at $4000.00. At art shows it's priced at $6500.00. If I never sell it, it looks great in my house. ;D I'd trade it for more Festools though. ;D ;D

 

[Bill Wyko]

If you get the Ray Allan book it gives you a 1,2,3 step by step vessel to build that's georgous. Do you have a drum sander?