JET JWL-1236 / 708352G 12-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe with Stand

by Jet

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

To woodworkers who know the reputation of Jet products, the merit of this 12-inch variable-speed lathe should come as no surprise. Start with the guts of any tool, the motor. Prewired for 115 volts and fully encased in a metal housing for longer life, its 3/4-horses turn material at 500 to 3,000 rpm, depending on which of the six speeds you select. The cast-iron lathe bed, headstock, and tailstock provide superior vibration dampening and durability, while the heavy-gauge steel components and stand give rigid support. Pivoting 90 degrees for outboard turning of up to 16-1/2 inches on larger projects, the MT-2 headstock protects a Reeves drive pulley system with which we made quick and easy speed changes. Down on the other end, the hollow tailstock allows for longer hole bores and houses a live center, a luxury standard on all Jet lathes not found in much of the competition.

You'll love the versatility that comes with 34-1/2 inches between working centers and a 12-inch swing capability over the bed (8-3/4 inches over the tool-rest base). All adjustments, whether extending the ram its full 2-1/4 inches or sliding the 12-inch tool rest, move fluidly and clamp down tight with little effort. Designed for use over the long haul, this tool has all the qualities professional woodworkers demand. --Justin Paul

From the Manufacturer

Specially designed lathe with heavy-duty cast-iron headstock and tailstock that provides rigidity, strength, and years of trouble-free operation. Pivoting head stock turns 90 degrees and locks to facilitate outboard turning. Variable speed spindle has seven pre-positioned selections with positive detents. Heavy-duty 3/4 hp single-phase induction motor with industrial controls.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 230.4 pounds
• 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: B0000223ML
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 708352G
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #782,060 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Value, and SERVICE!, May 26, 2000

By 

Tom Hill "Tom Hill" (Van Buren, AR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JET JWL-1236 / 708352G 12-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe with Stand (Tools & Home Improvement)

My lathe arrived within three days after the order. It was a snap to put together. The shipping was extremely cheap! I actually had to call Amazon.com to make sure there was NO mistake about the shipping price. The base that comes with it needs to be bolted to the floor or to a separate base. I built such a base and it is solid as a rock. The lathe ran perfectly after setup. I encountered a problem with the spur center not long after trying to turn some wood. The spur got stuck! I called JET, and they ran me through a few options to get the spur out, but I had already tried those. Without question, they sent out a brand new spindle and a few other parts that were needed, second day air. When I found that I could not get the thing all apart, they sent me to a local repair shop and within a few hours, they had everything ready to go. For the price, this is a good tool and will be able for several years to meet my needs. The 3/4 hp. motor is plenty for we "weekend warriors" of the shop. Thanks, JET and Amazon!

78 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am glad I purchased the Jet lathe, November 17, 1999

By 

Jon Brusherd (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JET JWL-1236 / 708352G 12-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe with Stand (Tools & Home Improvement)

I went to a woodworking store in KC with the intention of buying the Delta Lathe. The manager of the shop said for the extra $100 the Jet Lathe is a better value. I still didn't want to drop the extra $100 but he insisted that if I didn't like the Jet he would take it back. He was right. The Jet was a solid lathe and a solid buy.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Cripple's Best Friend., February 23, 2002

By 

James Russell Bailey "Neanderthal75" (Gasplant, Wyoming, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JET JWL-1236 / 708352G 12-Inch Variable Speed Wood Lathe with Stand (Tools & Home Improvement)

Hello there.
If you're reading this, you're contemplating purchasing the Jet 1236 12" Variable Lathe. Let me put this to you straight-forward as possible: Delta and Grizzly are the two closest competitors for direct comparison (yes, I know there are a few others, but they simply don't measure up to the Delta or the Grizz, much less the Jet 1236 in the characteristics department).
Changing speeds: the Jet allows you to reach down and gently increase or decrease the speed of the lathe with a simple turning of a handy lever: no pulley to change for speed changes.
Swivelling Head Stock: if you want to turn bowls as do I, the ability and ease with which you may move the Headstock to turn "outboard" (away from the Bed of the lathe), is a two movment procedure: you reach around to the back of the headstock, pull gently on a knob and then simply swivel the headstock to the desired angle. That's all there is to it.
Horsepower: if you want to turn large stock at some point (and you will), then a 1/2hp motor simply is not powerful enough to get the job done. The Jet has a 3/4hp motor that WILL allow you to turn large stock pieces.
Construction: Totally solid in every sense. I have NOT yet placed a shelf below the bed, nor have I placed sand bags on it to "steady" the Jet 1236 while turning. The Jet does NOT vibrate as I thought it would, when turning vase or bowl stock. It may at some point if I place a truly out of round (and hence out of balance) blank on it, but I have yet to so do.
Lastly, I would point out that putting it together is a TWO man (or woman) job. I am physically impaired and cannot lift much weight at all: the lack of vibration I mentioned above is due directly to the "Godzilla" like materials used in construction of the Jet 1236. It goes together without a hitch, the limited directions concerning placement and securing of parts is clear, although terse.
In summation, let me commend to you as heartily as possible, the Jet 1236 Lathe, I also own a Jet 14" Bandsaw with a 6" riser block attachment, and have just purchased a Jet model 22 enclosed floor model shaper, and am thinking of purchasing a Jet Bench Oscillating Sander.
Like you, I need to get the most "bang" for my "buck". Buy this Jet 1236 Lathe and you'll do precisely that: without regret.
Thank you for taking the time to read this review...