JET 1220VS Mini Lathe

by Jet

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Jet JWL-1220VS Mini Lathe is an efficient tool for stabilizing and rotating wood pieces. Built for heavy-duty use, this mini lathe is ideal for sanding, shaping, and drilling operations using stock up to 12 inches in diameter and 20 inches in length. Featuring variable continuous speed operation, a self-ejecting tailstock, and a compact frame, this is a high-quality machine well-suited for small work spaces.

The JET JWL-1220VS Mini Lathe offers: A smooth, powerful 3/4 HP motor below the bed 24 spindle positions for versatility A speed range of 270 to 4200 RPM and an electronic speed control dial Self-ejecting tailstock for safe, easily removal of work pieces

The mini lathe's efficient design is perfect for limited work spaces. View larger

Clear, user-friendly controls help you achieve precision results.

Compact, Heavy-Duty Lathe for Small Shops
Whether you work in furniture repair or construction, the mini lathe is ideal for any woodworker wanting to tackle projects in a limited work space. The mini lathe's efficient design boasts a small 39 x 15-1/2 x 11-inch frame (LxHxW) that houses a smooth and powerful 3/4 HP motor. The motor is fitted below the bed, so it stays out of the way while providing easy front access for quick, tool-free belt tensioning.

24-Position Indexing for Easy, Consistent Spacing
The wide-ranging spindle-position feature ensures that whether you're drilling or performing intricate operations such as fluting and veining, the process is done with superior accuracy and repeated spacing. The tough cast-iron lathe bed firmly stabilizes the stock, effectively limiting its vibration during operation. Plus, the spindle can be temporarily locked during use in any of the 24 positions, keeping your hands free to perform other operations such as detaching accessories.

User-Friendly Details for Efficient Woodworking
The Jet JWL-1220VS is constructed with a hollow self-ejecting tailstock, so work pieces can be safely and easily removed. A detachable tip included on the live center allows for 3/8-inch hole-boring through stock. The tool comes with a built-in work light, allowing you to work more easily in poorly lit conditions.

Employing premium six-step pulleys, the mini lathe provides a broad speed range of 270 to 4200 RPM that you can easily fine-tune to the appropriate setting with the included electronic speed control dial.

The JET JWL-1220VS lathe is compatible with a huge range of common woodturning accessories, such as the standard #2 Morse taper, allowing you to use it with tools you already have. Plus, it comes equipped with several accessories of its own, including a four-wing spur drive and a pair of safety goggles.

The JWL-1220VS is backed 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
Jet JWL-1220VS Mini Lathe, four-wing spur drive, quality ball-bearing live center, knockout rod, 10-inch tool rest, 6-inch tool rest, 3-inch diameter faceplate, safety goggles

Product Description

Includes 12-in X 20-in Variable Speed Wood Lathe - 708376VS

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 39 x 11 x 15.5 inches ; 130 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 130 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: B001GYVANK
• Item model number: 1220VS
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,188 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #6 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Lathes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Lathe - Poor Frame Workmenship, March 17, 2009

By 

mbs (Tampa Bay, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JET 1220VS Mini Lathe (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased the 1220VS lathe in early Jan. 2009, and I've used it for several hundred hours since then.
I believe that this is the best lathe of its type on the market today!
I did lots of researching and testing before buying the Jet.
Pros: Solid construction - smooth vibration free operation - plenty of power for size of lathe - work light is helpful and well placed - extension bed and stand easy to assemble and heavy duty.
Cons: Poor craftsmanship on bed of lathe for a "Jet" named product (has many very sharp corners and pieces that should have been filed off at the factory) - poor quality "on / off variable speed control box" (plastic box that won't remain closed when lathe is operating). I've tried adjusting metal friction latch with no success, so I "duct taped" it in the closed position {:<(} - "On / Off switch" quit after a few hours of work. Phoned customer support (spoke with a good experienced tech) and they sent another that arrived within 48 hours, that I installed with little effort.
Summary: Highly recommend this lathe to any beginner or intermediate experienced turner. Just be careful of the sharp edges on the lathe bed. Maybe mine, just slipped by the "quality control check" at their lunch break. ! {:<|} ?

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Chinese Lathe, January 29, 2010

By 

Jack L. Langdon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JET 1220VS Mini Lathe (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have been using my 1220VS for nearly a year and have noticed several disappointing shortcomings. First the electronic speed control is marginal. I'm on my third on-off switch (when they fail you can't turn the lathe off which is dangerous), the latch will not hold the control box in place and the lathe speeds up uncontrollably at times under heavy load. Note that you still have to change belt positions for a wide range of speed. The belt change is fast and easy.

Secondly the lever tighting screw used to hold the tool rest in place has a short lever and will not hold the rest securely. The internal splines strip if you use something to increase your leverage. A proper adjustable tension lever like the KIPP is a major inprovement, but will set you back $21 (Grainger PN 3GKG5).

Finally the adjustable neck on the light is too short making the light useless for anything other than simple spindle work or the exterior of a bowl.

The knockout rod knob broke because it is cheap plastic and had bottomed out when screwed on the rod - the top just popped off. Is this a terrible product? No; it is very usable for a first lathe for the hobbiest. What this is - is a typical, cost compeditive, Chinese lathe. If you can buy a Chinese lathe with another label for a cheaper price, you might want to consider it. On the plus side Jet customer service is very helpful and supportive and will send you new switches, at no cost, as fast as you can burn them up.

June 2010 update: I have continued to enjoy wood turning and highly recommend this hobby. After the somewhat problematic shakedown period, I haven't had any additional problems and this little Jet has allowed me to turn large (~11 1/2 inch) natural edge bowls, platters and many dry wood bowls and neat little boxes. This lathe will let you have lots of fun for a reasonable price.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top of it's class!, February 11, 2009

By 

Gregory P. Leighty - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JET 1220VS Mini Lathe (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a great lathe with great features. The fit and finish on the lathe is very good. The 3/4 HP motor has enough power to turn anything you can fit on the lathe. The built in light is a nice addition. The variable speed is worth the extra money. It makes sanding and finishing projects much easier. The lathe includes both a 6" and 10" tool rests, storage tray, and a 3" face plate.