Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I studied specifications and reviews of all the lathes in this size range before choosing the 1642. I use more expensive lathes at the community college, but I like this better. The sliding head lets me do end-work and hollowing without leaning way over the bed. It's heavy enough for an intermediate-level turner like me, but nicer to dance with than a heavy machine. The tool rest is easier to slide precisely, and I can move the tailstock off and on without a backache.

Everything is well designed and fits and works smoothly. No part feels cheap. The AC variable speed motor is first-class. The controls are big and handy, especially the OFF button (which you pull to start the motor). Switch to reverse to sand in either direction.

I even like the cylindrical handwheel. I find it easier to grab than the conventional kind. Anyway, you won't need it to slow the work down because electric braking brings it smoothly to a halt. What a delight!

To learn more about this machine, read reviews of the 230V version (only the motor differs). You'll see more 5-stars, and get some tips from users.

I was surprised that it came with the same safety guard as the Powermatic 3520 (its big brother, same manufacturer). The tool rack is VERY handy. It even came with a versatile Oneway-clone revolving center. This lathe is a great value, discounted or not.

After fighting a Grizzly lathe for months, I unloaded it on the next sucker ( Sorry, but it was cheap... and inexpensive, too ). The Jet lathe arrived in good condition via ABF who took forever to deliver it. It is heavy, but one person can easily assemble it with a hand cart and a pair of saw horses. Beautifully built. Everything goes together without any adjustments or rebuilding. The true variable speed is a joy to use. The sliding head stock makes bowl turning feasible for left-handers. If you are going to use a lathe, hock the family silver and consider this one.

If you are in the market for a HIGH QUALITY first rate lathe, this is it.

More than a hobby lathe, this is a first rate production tool. I decided to try running it on 110 volts before changing over to 220, that was 3 months ago and I see no need to convert. The lathe easily turns a 15 inch by 10 inch thick WET cherry blank ( 52 lbs ) without a single slow down or problem. I invested several long days of research before ordering this lathe, and I would not ever consider anything other than a JET LATHE.

Have had my 1642 for about eight months now. During this time I have roughed about four hundred bowls and boxes and finished nearly one hundred. The most demand placed on the machine has been coring using the McNaughton/Kelton system.
I manage to muck up the spindle thread during installation and had to opportunity to test the really outstanding service support for the machine from WMH Tool Group!
I had help moving the disassembled machine from my driveway to my shop behind the house. A one ton chain hoist made machine assembly easy enough for a 72+ year old.
Before doing any serious turning I added a sand box to the machine with seven bags of 'play sand' to help stabilize the machine. The machine was leveled with a precision machinist level.
Initially I rejected the safety cage and left it hanging from the ceiling. While turning large winged bowls I was whacked in the hand more than once while reaching for the switch. Two adjustments were made to the machine, the safety cage was permanently installed on the machine and a safety kill switch was installed on the legs at the tailstock.
Nearly all of my turnings start out very wet and badly out of balance. Adjustable cushioned machine mounts from ENCO have replaced the four adjustable feet to dampen vibration somewhat.
While this machine is a huge step up from the fifteen inch Craftsman I had previously I regret that I failed to bite the bullet and buy the Powermatic 3520 with two horsepower. If one can find big wet wood, you need a big powerful lathe. In my case, the longest spindle turned has been shorter than the diameter of many of my bowls.
The sliding head is likely my favorite feature. Most of my work is done on the last foot of the bed. The headstock is moved left only for hollowing using Kelton or Jamieson systems.
The machine is outstanding for a 1 1/2HP sixteen inch swing machine. I regret only that I didn't step up to the 2HP twenty inch swing big brother from Powermatic.

I have only had this lathe for a few days, but I already know I'll be using it a lot more than I ever used old Craftsmen, and with considerably more pleasure. Having not had a lathe this sturdy with the smooth variable speed and power, I am pleasantly surprised at how much faster and easier it is to work down a turning. The height is excellent, the head and tailstock are well-designed, as are all the controls.

Although the shipper was slow, it did arrive in great shape in one box on a sturdy wood base. I was able to set it up unassisted using saw horses and a cable lift under a heavy-duty 8' step ladder, but I would certainly recommend at least one helper. I did have an anxious moment or two when I first plugged it into my nearest 20A GFCI receptacle; it tripped it almost immediately, and it did the same thing on another GFCI. Suspecting it was related to the inverter/variable speed electronics, rather than a real problem, I plugged it into a regular 20A 115v circuit and it ran and continues to run just fine. My conversation with a Jet tech representative confirmed my suspicions. You may be surprised, as I was, that the lathe motor itself is actually 3 phase, 230 volts, and that a pretty sophisticated inverter/variable speed motor controller controls the whole setup with your more typical 1 phase, 115v input power.

In summary I think this is a very good piece of equipment.

After owning the Jet 1236 ( a very good Lathe for the money) I new after just a few monts I would need a bigger and more powerful Lathe. Of course my 1st choice was the Oneway but ofcourse the price stopped me. I actually purchased the Powermatic 2035 (I think thet is the #) but cancled it after talking to a technical support person at WMH tool group. The main 2 diferences between the Jet and the Powermatic is that the Powermatic has 3 bearings (compared to 2 in the Jet) in the head stock and much more Cast in the headstock. I decided I could live with out those features and save a Grand in doing so. I have no regrets the Jet1642 Rocks baby. I turn alot of Manzanita sometimes peices weighing in at 40 lbs when 1st chucked. It has the power to turn big peices. 1 1/2 HP I think is the perfect HP especially when a serious catch occurs. A 5 HP could cause serious injury. And as anyone knows who turns large peices of Manzanita a serious catch is a reality. The Variable speed is wonderfull as is the reverse. I love this Lathe.

I have been having problems with my 1642 for the past 3 years. I have replaced all the bearing, spindle shaft and it still wont turn true. I have contacted the manufacturer and have gotten a run around every time I have called. When you are turning large bowls the 1-1/2 hp motor just cant handle it. If you are true craftmen and are doing accurate detail work I wouldn't sugesst buying the 1642. If you want quality customer service, do not buy the Jet 1642.