JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 1-1/2 Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 Phase

by Jet

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Offering a one-inch swing over the bench and 42-inch capacity between centers, the JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 Phase is ideal for home shop use. Boasting the versatility of a sliding headstock, electronic variable speed, and the necessary capacity for large projects, the JET JWL-1642EVS is a great lathe for beginning and serious craftspeople alike.

The JET JWL-1642EVS Woodworking Lathe offers: A 1-1/2HP, three phase, 115-volt motor 0 to 3,200 RPM variable speed operation for versatility A large-diameter spindle with a 1.25 x 8 threads-per-inch nose A cast-iron tool-rest base that's rigid, easy to position, and easy to lock A heavy-gauge wire guard for operator safety

The multi ball bearing live center and screw on cone attachment make turning projects with a center hole easier and safer.

The strong, three phase motor ennsures plenty of power for a wide range of projects.

The JWL-1642EVS delivers accuracy, capability, durability, and value. View larger.

The headstock can be positioned anywhere along the bed, including at the very end for turning large diameter blanks "off the bed."

The speed control knob provides precise control over rpm and keeps you informed with its large LED display.

Three-Phase Motor with Electronic Inverter for Powerful Performance
The JWL-1642EVS comes equipped with a 1-1/2HP, three phase, 115-volt motor for shops that do not have 220-volt power available. An electronic inverter does all the work to convert from the "1 phase" to "3 phase." The inverter also provides the ability to vary the frequency of the motor, which in turn allows for variable speed.

Cast-Iron Castings for Stability and Smooth Operation
Based on heavy-duty iron castings, the JWL-1642EVS provides long-term accuracy and smooth, vibration-free operation. Even the legs are made from an iron casting and include cast-in supports and adjustable pads at each foot to ensure a solid stance on uneven surfaces. With these legs, the spindle (center) height is a comfortable 44.5 inches above the floor.

The JWL-1642EVS headstock is also made from a massive iron casting that provides rigid support for the 1-1/2 HP, variable speed motor(0 to 3,200 RPM), and the high-strength spindle. After machining, the headstock is fitted with large diameter, high-quality ball bearings that support the precision-machined spindle for reliable performance.

Large-Diameter Spindle with Built-in Indexing for Drilling, Fluting, and More
The large-diameter spindle has a 1.25 x 8 threads-per-inch nose that supports the large chucks typically used with this type of lathe. Additionally, the outboard end of the spindle is fitted with a barrel-type grip for turning the spindle by hand. The spindle also has internal indexing built in that allows you to lock it in 36 positions (or 10-degree increments) for drilling, fluting, grooving, and other operations.

For added convenience, the spindle is indexed with a screw-in pin provided with the lathe. There's also a push-button spindle lock on the front of the headstock for a simple, tool-free way to temporarily lock the spindle when you install or remove the faceplate, chuck, or other screw-on accessories.

Heavy-Gauge Wire Guard for Safety
A special mount on the rear of the headstock accepts a heavy-gauge wire guard (included), and a spring-loaded pin indexes the guard up or down to make mounting and removing turned objects easy. This guard also serves as a protective shield between the work and the operator, when large chips and chunks generated while turning blanks can turn into dangerous projectiles.

User-Friendly Controls, LED, and Toggle Switch
Designed to be user-friendly, the JWL-1642EVS features dial-operated, infinite speed controls conveniently located on the front of the headstock. A large digital LED readout makes monitoring the spindle speed easy and very accurate, while the toggle switch on the front panel allows selecting forward and reverse spindle directions. Finally, a large-diameter pull on/push off button (also on the front panel) is easily accessible no matter your operating position.

Large Tailstock for Stability
The JWL-1642EVS has a large tailstock with the mass and wide base to generate the stability you need. The large ram has a full four-inch travel, operated by an easy-to-turn, five-inch diameter handwheel fitted with a spinner handle, the popular #2 Morse taper, and a 3/8-inch diameter through hole, which is convenient for drilling lamp bases. Finally, like the tool-rest base, a large handle makes it easy to lock the tailstock securely in place.

Ball bearing Live Center and Cast Iron Tool Rest Base for Versatility
The JWL-1642EVS comes with a high-end, multi-row ball bearing live center with a screw-on, large-diameter cone for projects like peppermills and boxes, and a cast-iron tool-rest base designed to be very rigid, easy to position, and thanks to its comfortably long handle, very easy to lock in position.

The JWL-1642EVS measures 29 x 28 x 59 inches (WxHxL), weighs 410 pounds, and is covered by a five-year warranty.

About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich Products
Opened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.

What's in the Box
One lathe, two cast legs, one tailstock, one headstock, one tool-rest body, one tool basket, one guard assembly, one accessory package, one owner's manual, and warranty card.

Product Description

Includes 16-in x 42-in 1-1/2 HP Woodworking Lathe - 708359, 14-in Tool Rest, 6-in Face Plate, Spur Center, Dual-Bearing Live Center, Live Center, Tooling Knockout, Spindle &, Indexing Locks, Safety Shield &, Brake Resistor, Wrench

See all Product Description

Product Details

Product Manual [517kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 64 x 20 x 50 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 454.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00064NGRE
• Item model number: 708359
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,946 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #8 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Lathes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lathe For All Seasons, May 22, 2006

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 1-1/2 Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

Buying a lathe it one of the hardest decisions you will make in putting a shop together. The possibilities are endless, and, as you move up the price curve the cost of a misjudgment can get terrifying. Unless you are willing to settle for a mini-lathe (Jet makes several good lathes in that category as well) the bigger a lathe you can buy (up to a limit) the happier you will be in the long run.

The 1642, right in the middle of the price range can turn up to a 16" inch diameter bowl and up to 40+ inches in length - in other words, a small log - is one possibility you should seriously consider. At 400+ pounds it is solid enough to dampen vibration without taking a crew to assemble or move it. With a 1-1/2 horsepower motor it has enough power to do just about everything you might want to do.

Spindle speed is controlled by a two-position belt drive (0 - 1700 rpm or 0 - 3200 rpm) and is continuously variable over those ranges. While variable speed isn't a necessity, it's amazing how quickly you learn to depend on the ability to change speed as you turn. This is a superior piece of equipment and to get something better you would have to spend at least twice as much.

There are exactly two things I don't like about this lathe. One is trivial, I would have likes an optional hand turning wheel instead of having to grab a cylindrical turning bar to turn the work about manually. This is only a problem with pieces that are too small to grab onto - like pen mandrels. The other issue is that, to turn a bowl over 16" you have to run the head to the other end of the lathe, rather than turn it in place. This means the lathe takes up a bit more space and is slightly less convenient. But if you are working in that size range you probably should be looking at a more specialized tool.

I would rate this a best buy for the amateur through semi-professional woodshop. I've been using one for a while now, and I've had no reason to regret the decision. Keep in mind that, whatever lathe you buy, your next really big expense will be equipping it with all the neat gadgets that make woodturning a world of it's own.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jet 1642, January 27, 2006

By 

Steven Lewis (Bakersfield, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 1-1/2 Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have owned this lathe for over a year and have been more than pleased with it's performance. I purchased it at a woodworker's show so I eliminated shipping woes. It was easy to set up, but you will need three people. The electric variable speed control has a nice digital readout on the front of the headstock unlike the Delta 1642 which doesn't. The on/off switch is located on the headstock a feature I like. Wherever you have the headstock positioned on the lathe bed, the switch is right there with you. The switch also has an additional safety feature where if there is a power loss, the switch will have to be recycled before power is regained. Nothing worse than to have it start spinning if your not ready if power is reset. The index system is the only feature I'm not happy with. The three hole pin system is a burden to work with and they're not numbered. The Delta 1642's indexing system is numbered and easier to use. The Jet headstock is much beefier that the Delta. I mounted a large chunk of walnut and had no problems with vibrations or wobbles at low speeds under 800. Once the chunk was trued out, speeds over 800 were no problem just a slight wobble. I built a balast box and filled it with 300 lbs of sandbags and and it greatly improved the stability. The Jet legs are manufactured with brackets that will hold 2 x 4s which is the framework for my balast box. You can see the plans for it on www.woodcentral.com. I can slide the Headstock all the way to the end of the bed and turn bowls with no problem. Overall, I'm totally satisfied and I would recommend the Jet 1642 as a mid-size lathe selection over the Delta.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cadillac of Lathes, January 30, 2006

By 

J. Schofield (Moosic, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JET 708359 JWL-1642EVS 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 1-1/2 Horsepower Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115-Volt 1 Phase (Tools & Home Improvement)

Jet really thought of everything on this lathe. I previously had a 1/2 HP lathe with turning headstock and one of those cheap stands they typically come with. This thing is HEAVY. The stand is basically two sets of cast iron legs that weigh quite a bit all by themselves. The features on this lathe make it a pleasure to use. The variable speed is simply a dial that works like one of those pushbutton/turning light switches so you can dial in any speed you like. The electronic readout is really neat too. It also has forward/reverse so you can reverse the direction for sanding.

If you're in the market for a lathe, don't opt for the cheap solution like I originally did. If you're going to get a lathe, get a good one like this one. The features it has and its convienences allow you to get better and better at the lathe over time instead of fighting the equipment. You will end up needing a little more than 1/2 HP over time. This lathe rivals ANY of those costing much more. The only way I wouldn't seriously consider this lathe was if I were going to do many large bowls.

It never has failed to do anything I asked it to do and I've had it for about 1 year now.