Customer Reviews

JET 708351VS JML-1014VS 10-Inch Swing 14-Inch between Centers 1/2-Horsepower Variable Speed Benchtop Mini Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1-Phase

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For quite awhile the original Jet mini-lathe has been a rock solid performer. For the money, no one else built a better small lathe. Eventually Delta got in the game and released its "midi"-lathe. For the most part the delta prodcut was every bit as good as the Jet. A few complained that the pulley's were tough to get to on the Jet, and a few complained that machining was hit or miss on the Delta. With both machines so evenly matched, the slightly lower cost of the Delta seemed to give it the edge. That was then...

Enter the JML-1014VS, Jet's electronic varible speed version of the its original mini lathe. This is a great machine that takes all the strengths of the original, adds varible speed control, and then lowers the price. This new model is (currently) listed for less than the Delta's pulley speed selected unit. This pretty much negates even the tiny edge the Delta had over the old machine. Jet also lowered the price A BUNCH on its orginal mini lathe to nearly half of the Delta product.

My only complaint about this new lathe centers around Jet's advertising of the varible speed system. From reading the specs, one would assume that to change the speed from 500 rpm to 3900 rpm, all you have to do is turn the knob. This simply isn't true. The new jet still retains 6 pulleys and a belt in the headstock. Depending on what pulley set you choose, you get either 500-1200rpm, 1100-2000, or 1500-3900. This isn't a fatal flaw, as most turners can find a suitable range for their work. What's most frustrating is that Jet seems a little misleading in their advertising.

The really good news is that this machine runs beautifuly! The headstock/tailstock alignment were dead on. It also runs very very smoothly and quitely. If I have anything else in the shop on (even a box fan across the room on the lowest setting) you can't hear it running. Vibration is non-existant until the RPM's are above 3000 or so. Even then, the vibration isn't detrimental to turning, you can just tell that its on when you put your hand on it.

Thank you Jet for putting out a great product and a great price!

I had the non-variable speed version, JML-1014, and was just getting used to changing speeds with the belts when an Amazon special happened; so I went for it. I still think the JML-1014 is a great machine and would be satisfied if that's all I had. In fact, I prefer it's on and off switch design to the JML-1014VS and the fact that it's on the right instead of the left. Also the AC motor might be more reliable than the DC in the long run, although I'm just guessing. But the variable speed feature is truly icing on the cake. Turning a knob, as opposed to changing a belt pulley, gives you the option to make minor changes in speed where you could not before. Also variable speed is real handy, for instance, when starting off with a square blank and then cranking up the speed after the part is rounded off. Or when changing speeds after cutting and going to sanding.
I think the JML-1014 comes up to speed a little faster, probably a function of the JML-1014VS speed electronics. The JML-1014VS seems slightly quieter, probably due to the fact that the JML-1014 has a fan cooled motor. Neither issue is very significant.
All in all, you can't go wrong with either the Jet JML-1014VS or JML-1014. They're both great.

As a newby woodturner grandma with zero experience I ordered this lathe on the advice of my son, reviews I read and trying a JET mini in a bowl turning class at a Woodcraft store in AZ. Bought it online as carrying it back home to MO wasn't an option and no sources nearby out here in the Ozarks.

It arrived and was quite easy to put together. Did it myself! I turned it on, grabbed a small hunk of oak tree limb from the wood pile and was able to turn a passable spindle in short order. It's quiet, the headstock and tail stock met exactly without any adjustment and if my opinion is worth anything, I would recommend it to others who want to try this fun craft. Lots of power, easy to change speeds with the variable dial and it even looks nice in it's white coat of paint! Just the right thing for this Grandma.

This lathe is very easy to use. The variable speed feature is sort of misleading in that you have to move the belt from time to time for full range of speeds. However, this is done very easily. I would recommend this lathe to anyone needing a small lathe with a lot of power and variable speeds.

As other reviews have indicated I also had a problem aligning the extension bed with the lathe bed. In my case the chamfer on the inside of the extension did not match the chamfer on the lathe bed so the tailstock would not pass over the interface between the beds. Several strokes of a file on the extension bed chamfer was all that was required to remedy the mis-match. The tailstock now slides smoothly all along the ways.
One other small problem was the interference from the DC motor on the AM band of the radio (my wife loves talk radio!). I added a $2 filter in the AC power line and presto peace and harmony was restored.Maybe Jet should install such a RFI filter in the DC speed controller in the first place. All the foregoing aside this is a great Midi lathe.Quiet,smooth running and the speed control is a joy to use.

I bought it with the bed extension & stand to use for some simple spindle work and it is solidly built, stable, and fun to use. If I ever want to take off the bed extension it is small enough I can take it on the road.

This lathe is a true workhorse. Danger....the variable speed option is very addicting!

Really like the lathe, package came wet and all retaped up, but being one unit was ok, scared at first, easy to use, everything works, have turned a few pens, have not tried a bowl yet, two main reasons I got it bowls and pens, got rid of an older shop smith for this so far good tool..variable speed nice option for finishing work and sanding

For those that don't know, this is a very substantial machine. It is, IMHO, a better lathe than the larger and more expensive JET 1236. If you add the bed extension, it will turn full spindles for legs or banisters.

I got mine with an included Nova chuck, which adds to the value.

This is my first lathe to own, and definately not my last. However, I don't see myself ever getting rid of this one. It runs extremely smooth, has enough heft to not move on a bench, and is extremely easy to adjust speeds. Even when having to change the 3speed belt, it is quick and easy.

The variable speed is the nuts. I am able to turn pens, sand, and finish them without ever moving out of the medium pully range.

I don't think there is a better lathe on the market for under $800. Unless I wear it out, I won't ever get rid of it.... no matter how many other lathes I eventually own.

This is a fine little lathe. It quietly purrs at full rpm. THe headstock to tailstock alignment is right on. I would have rated this lathe at 4 1/2 stars, because of the dinky speed control box. Even in its styrofoam packaging, it arrived with the plastic louvers broken. This is not a major problem, but a metal or sturdier plastic housing would be more appropriate for this otherwise high quality lathe.