Are you Satisfied with your 1642?

[TurnedAround]

Are you Satisfied with your Jet 1642?

I am currently in the market for a new lathe. I have done quite a bit of research on the Jet 1642 2hp and the PM 3520A. I don't turn for anything other than enjoyment, but do a good bit of green bowl turning and drying. I would seldom turn anything over 16 inches in diameter so the 1642 is my primary consideration.

My questions is, are there any 1642 owners out there that wish they would have gone the PM3520 route, or are you completely satisfied with the lathe?

 

[Ron Sardo]

1642 vs 3520A

I've been tossing back and forth about these two lathes for a long time myself. I figured I'd never do anything over 16" so I was ready to settle on the Jet. Then as luck would have it, I harvested a few 20" black cherry burl caps. That swayed me to move to a 3520a.

Someone tried to convince me to buy a Oneway (that's what prompted the thread below). After reading everybody's responses, I plan on getting a 3520A.

 

[TurnedAround]

A good price on the 3520A

You might want to check this source out for a PM 3520A. They charge an additional $12.95 for handling, but the shipping is free.

Check it out.

http://www.equipmentsalesandsurplus.com/productDetail.cfm?type=new&productID=426&categoryID=10

They also have a good price on the 1642 with free shipping as well.

 

[Kenny]

I own a 1642 and had to make same decision.

My 1642 works fine. had some computer problems when first purchased but Jet took good care of me. The main considerations are bed length and total swing. I thought that I would be making spindles (never happened) so a longer bed was needed. I also liked how the Jet had an index wheel. PM didn't. As it turns out. I had to attach an outboard tool rest to my Jet (Vicmarc $250.00-- Excellant addition) so that I could turn my 16" bowls. But you say " Jet has a 16" swing?" true it does. But don't you have to put a larger piece of wood on lathe to round it to 16 inches? Yes of course... I didn't think of that when I first bought the Lathe. If I was to do it over I would of bought the PM. Its heavier and has a more durable pulley system for only a few extra hundred dollars.
My Jet works good. 90% of the work I do is under 12" and I don't have a problem. My 2HP 220 Volt is very powerful and have NEVER bogged down. I am making this weekend a salad bowl out of heavy/ wet elm - 17" diameter. Jet is holding up just fine on outboard without a tail stock support. . for the 10% over 12", well my out board works fine. What can I say 6 of this, half dozen of that. Good Luck. If you are sure that the great majority of your work will be small then go Jet - other wise if you are planning to work your lathe constantly with lots of bigger projects- go PM. God Bless ...

 

[Wilford Bickel]

More 1642 questions

I have gotten the go ahead from the boss to upgrade my lathe next summer so I am already researching heavily. I am leaning toward the 1642 as I do need the long bed for turning one piece canes. How heavy is the tailstock unit on the 1642. I took a one day course from a professional turner last spring and worked on a PM3520A. The tailstock unit on the 3520A was so heavy to move and hard to slide that it really caused the shoulder that has already been operated on once to hurt. Has anyone had experience with both and can give me a tailstock comparison?

Wilford

 

[Kenny]

1642 tail stock is much lighter.

MY 1642's tailstock is removed with one hand. it prob weighs 5 lbs. My brother has the PM and I see a big diff. in weight. Remember the PM is 300 pounds heavier than the JET.

 

[Bob Hadley]

I bought the 1642 and have never regretted it. I have limited space so I need to roll it around. Even though it is not as heavy at the PM, it seems to be at the limit of what would be reasonable for being easy to move. I used a standard wood machine mobility kit albeit it took some hacking up and welding, but it works and it's not in the way.

Jet offers a 2 HP option, so that's what I got and it was worth it.

One thing that was funny: The rotating center that came with mine looks like a Oneway, but it turns out (according to Oneway) it's a copy.

BH

 

[arbud]

Bang for your buck

I've been hangin' around the woodturning forums for awhile. There are many threads on this and related subjects. I ran a "statistical" study a few months back. The results are as follows. The best lathes for dollars spent are 1. PM 3520a, 2. Vicmarc VL 300, 3. Jet 1642.

 

[woodwish]

I was in the same dilema back at the first of the year. Couldn't decide between the 1642 and the 3520A, and both come from the same company (WMH Tool Group) so I suspected lots of the same construction. I went to a big woodworking show with the intent to buy a 3520A just because I had the extra $$ at that time. Turns out I found a demo model 1642 and got a great deal so went that route. Long story made short, another sales guy sold the same floor model so they drop shipped me a brand new one for about half the list price. Used the extra money to buy some more tools and accessories since you can never have too many of those kind of goodies.

Am I happy? Yes, never had a problem (I do have the 2hp model). I have turned several hundred hours probably so far. Everything from a few pens to some big bowls that I could not have ever turned on my Delta Midi. Lots of wood accumulated after hurricane Ivan. I love it and can't imagine a better lathe for the $$$. I think you will be happy with it, but either one is good based on the deal youcan get.

 

[TurnedAround]

Thanks for the info`

Thanks so much for the information, guys. It has really helped me make my decision on the 1642. I have found a supplier just a little south of me in Macon that will sell the 1642 for $1789.00 (2HP). I'm just a couple of weeks from having it in my shop.

Once again, thanks to all.

Larry