Customer Reviews

JET JML 1014I 10 Inch X 14 Inch Indexing Mini Lathe

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For years I had been using a large, old, Delta lathe at work but since my retirement (ya, right) I no longer have that access. I have had to add power tools to my crib to accomplish the inventions and ideas that come into my head. I thought the Jet Mini lathe might be a bit too small but I was wrong. This lathe may not be large in size but it can do some pretty big work if and when you want it to. I do bowl turnings mostly and some spindle stuff and in both cases it has performed equal to if not better than the big Delta I used in the past. With the addition of the bed extension, a new PSI chuck, and slight modification to the setup I have turned up to 60 inch spindles and turned bowls out of soap stone with ease. Highly recommended!!!

The Jet Mini is my third wood lathe, the previous lathes being an older unknown brand and most recently the Craftsman 12 X 36 "pipe" style lathe. A recent move required me to downsize my shop so I looked for a lathe that was not a toy, but clearly have a smaller footprint. Furthermore, since my previous lathes did not have variable speed I was not especially looking for variable speed on the new lathe.

Doing research on Rikon, Delta, Mastercraft, Grizzly, Harbor Freight and a couple of others, it became clear the three to consider would be the Jet, Delta, and Rikon.

Locally (Dallas), I had a chance to look at the actual Rikon, Delta, and Jet mini size lathes. I can confidently say that either of these brands will likely provide satisfactory service for anyone. Now it became time for me to make a choice.

The Rikon was a little less expensive, but not by much. The Delta and Jet were right in line with each other. The deciding factor then became the ease of changing the belt for different spindle speeds. For this qualifier, the Jet clearly won. On the Jet, you can change speeds, with the belt, in less than 20 seconds.

I use the lathe mainly for turning small bowls, vases and making wooden pens. For these projects, the lathe performs flawlessly. Indeed, I have not found anything the lathe will back away from, including turning an eight-inch diameter bowl. Albeit this is the largest I've tried turning and the Jet Mini handled it well.

So, what about the choice I made not to get the VS (variable speed) model? So far no regrets. However to be completely fair, there have been a couple of times, when finishing wood pens, that it may have been helpful. However, when I can change speeds in less than 20 seconds, it has not been a hindrance at all. To this day, I do not regret getting the standard model. Also, remember, that the VS model requires a belt change to go between low range and high range speeds. Bottom line is I am glad I still have my $100 that would have been the difference in the lathes.

In conclusion, I don't ever see selling this lathe. I think it will always have a place in my shop, regardless of how many tools I get or how much space I have. It is one handy tool. Consider it carefully, I recommend it.

Exceptional lathe for the price. Turns exotic wood with ease. Easy to adjust the speeds with the belt (and I'm new at turning). Solid as a rock and smooth running with virtually no vibration, and I have it sitting on a table-top.

Great lathe. Quiet operation, low vibration even with an out of round piece of wood on it. Changing speeds is quick and easy

I recently purchased the JML-1014i. I rely heavily on the Amazon.com feedback system for my purchases (and will continue to do so) but I think it's worth noting that there seems to be a systematic problem with the motor for these lathes with regard to heat production/heat dissipation -- I was surprised this fact is absent from previous reviews, so I'm adding this review in the hopes that future buyers are aware of the issue prior to purchase.

After approximately 20 minutes of use (even when completely unloaded) the motor casing becomes too hot to touch. I initially thought that I had a defective motor, but after finding many similar complaints in various forums on the internet, I called Jet and the tech confirmed that these motors run very hot. The only advice he gave me was, if failure occurs in the next 5 years, they will replace it via the warranty.

Aside from the premature failure that is bound to come as a result of the heat, it is physically uncomfortable to work in front of the lathe. My shop temperature is 68-70 F and after an hour in front of the lathe, I am sweating. I suppose in the winter I may appreciate the added "benefit" of having a space heater built into the lathe, but for now it's just annoying.

As points of reference: I also have a Jet jwl-1642evs, which I love (and the motor barely gets warm after a couple hours of use) and a Carbatec mini-lathe that likewise doesn't even get warm after a couple hours of use. I have the machine connected to a 20A outlet, have the tensioning belt set correctly and, as the lathe is brand new, there is no debris affecting air flow to the motor (i.e., it's being operated under proper conditions).

Aside from the complaint about the motor (which will likely result in its return) the fit/finish/functionality of the machine is in keeping with my expectations from Jet. So, if you only spend 15 minutes in front of the lathe at a time, or live in a cold climate and could use some extra heat, this lathe may be for you...

Just received my jet Mini lathe via Ups. Did reserach on the older version of the lathe and the excellent reviews including mine..Yes I said including mine. I owned a jet aout 2 years ago and sold it when purchasing a old shopsmith. Wanted something bigger more powerful.

I got into turning when introduced to wood pens, bottle stoppers, back scraters. Made a guy in the mid west happy when he bought my jet mini.

The shopsmith arrived, and yes its a great machine. Now the wife has to turn the basement light on and off to get my attention. More maintenance is required. Now the quality of my work..??No appreciable change!!

So I sold it off and bought the Jet Mini..I did test out the new vs...and its a great machine, but I enjoy simple..the less electronics the better. Its true that in less than 5 minutes you can change belts with no problem.

I put that $100 difference to good use...bought the jet stand..as reviewed
its rock solid and worth every dime.. By the way its now $137..but amazon has specials was $107 last week, grabbed it fast..

Turned a few pen blanks, took a few minutes to get used to the difference
between the jet and my old SS..By the end result..Just as nice work, just as fast.and now no lights go off in the basement to get my attention.

Fast, good finishing, well built. I would highly recommend.

JET JML 1014I 10 Inch X 14 Inch Indexing Mini Lathe

Let me start off by saying that this lathe is made very well. The headstock lines up perfectly with the tailstock and the toolrest/tailstock both slide smoothly over the base. Changing speeds is fairly simple, even though the motor is not variable. My only complaint is the lack of a good location for storing the drift rod. You may want to consider buying an extension for this lathe, since it is currently limited to turning small objects.
Very good overall. Definitely worth the money.

This is an older model lath requiring manual changing of the belt. The newer model has an automatic speed changer. The product is cast iron and very stable. Has the ability of being attached to a bench. The packing used to ship the lath is too light for the weight. My unit had been dropped and the slide arm jammed into the rest.

This little lathe is a work horse..I waited to write a review as I bought this about 2 1/2 months ago now and use it for 5-6 hours a day 5-6 days a week..It is rock solid stable with very little to no vibration when cutting or running a big piece at high speeds....I made a stand for it out of 2x4's and MDF and bolted it down..I went with this instead of the VS becuz this was 369.00 with free shipping,and I do not mind changing the belt for different speeds..It is very easy to do,with out even thinking I can change the belt in about 10-15 seconds..No signs of wear on the belt yet and it only takes 1 finger to tighten it sufficiently..

So far I have made lots of bowls,keepsake boxes,tons of pens and much more..I do not baby this thing,after using it for a few days it is obvious it is very well built and will with stand normal tear and wear with no hiccups or worries..

I added a Barracuda chuck,a set of Cole jaws,PSI live center and a PSI key less chuck for drilling..The next thing to buy is the table extension..This lathe is worth every cent I paid for it and would buy it again if I had to do it all over..

This is a truly nice piece of equipment for my use which is making fishing lures. I don't have the variable speed control which I now wish I had purchased. I would recommend you get that Jet lathe model because it will increase the projects you can do (such as painting).