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About to be new turner

T

Terry Triplett

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This is my first post on this forum as a new member. I am looking to buy a lathe sometime in march of 2009. I been doing a lot of research on lathes, tools, accessories and etc. Kind of narrowed the lathe search to a JET - JWL-1642EVS: 16'' x 42'' EVS PRO Wood Lathe, 1-1/2HP. Is this a good choice for an all-around machine? Any comments or suggestions from you experts would be greatly appreciated.
 
Terry Triplett said:
... JET - JWL-1642EVS: 16'' x 42'' EVS PRO Wood Lathe, 1-1/2HP....
Click to expand...

Welcome, Terry. Welcome to the "gotcha" activity of wood turning and welcome to the forum. I am not one of the experts. But I think you're on the right track. I entered this obsession with a Delta LA200 mini lathe. I cannot recommend that lathe to you. Although it worked fine and did the job for a couple of years, I eventually had to graduate to the Jet 1220VS. I'd have gone for your choice (1642VS) but my budget wouldn't allow that. The Jet 1642 will probably satisfy you for quite a while. When you do decide to move up, or if you have the resources currently, I'd recommend lookin at the Powermatic 3520.
One thing about the JWL 1642VS. If the power on that machine is like mine, you'll find that it generates a lot of RF interference. Mine causes enough noise on the AM band to make my neighbors unhappy. Just so you know what to expect.
 
I would think that would work fine. You may want to look into the EVS-2 though. A little extra HP and runs 220V vs 110V. I don't know (prequalified) but I would think the 220V inverter would work better.

Remember, the lathe is only the first part of the expense.
 
Most motors 1 hp and above can be wired either for 110, or 220. The reason a 1 1/2 hp motor comes with 110 wiring is that it is more common to most people to have 110 outlets than 220. Usually a motor this size will require a dedicated 110v 20 amp circuit. This is more common in newer homes than in older ones. A 1 1/2 hp motor works better on 220 than on 110. Anyway, that is a good lathe, and the variable speed is a super feature on any lathe.
robo hippy
 
Steve Worcester said:
Remember, the lathe is only the first part of the expense.
Click to expand...

Heh,heh,heh.......the lathe is just the "starter kit" !!!!!!😀

It won't take you long to invest 2-3 times the price of the lathe......in the accessories!

otis of cologne
 
Thanks for the input

Thanks for the input guys, the price of this lathe is going to stretch my bonus from work to the max. I want to get as much versatility as possible from the start. Looking at buying a good starter set of turning tools this winter, any reccommendations?
 
Terry Triplett said:
Thanks for the input guys, the price of this lathe is going to stretch my bonus from work to the max. I want to get as much versatility as possible from the start. Looking at buying a good starter set of turning tools this winter, any reccommendations?
Click to expand...

Terry......

Just thought you might want to read over this thread:

http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=5308

otis of cologne

PS: I think I'd add a couple good HSS scrapers to the list.....but, this will be food for thought.
 
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Sharpening is a crucial skill

Terry, I'm sorry to suggest additional start-up costs, but you must have equipment for sharpening your tools. There are good, moderately priced, slow-speed grinders on the market. It's easy to find cool-running, non-glazing grinder wheels. And jigs like the one Wolverine produces make sharpening very easy. Relatively speaking, equipment for sharpening will not be a big part of your start-up costs. But the importance of sharpening cannot be overstated. You can never be a good turner, and I don't think you'll ever enjoy turning, until you can very quickly make your tools very sharp.

Bill
 
Good choice Terry. Many folks find that the 1642EVS is the last lathe they will every need, with no need to "move up" later. Notice I said "need", not "want". And you can turn most of what you want even if you begin with a relatively modest selection of tools and accessories. For example, chucks that cost $170 to $270 are nice (I guess), but a $99 chuck will grip the wood and cause it to rotate when the lathe is turned on. That's what I use 'em for.

edit: Good advice from Bill on sharpening.
 
And then there is the issue of safety equipment for your eyes and for your lungs. And by joining a nearby AAW chartered Club, hopefully, your learning curve will be shortened considerably as most woodturners tend to share all their knowledge to the benefit of all new woodturners. Welcome Aboard and enjoy!😀
 
its a learning curve, whatever tangent you journey enjoy 😀
 
New Turner

Join your local turning club now. Don't wait until you have your lathe. You may find some good help and assistance there. You might find some used tools available. If they have a mentor program, join up. Best thing I did to learn to turn.

http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/

Will give you a list. Don't be afraid to drive a distance. You should find it worth it -- I do.

John 🙂
 
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