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Jet 1642 - 1.5hp 110 vs 2hp 220?

Paul Rains

Paul Rains

Joined
Mar 27, 2009
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Location
Richmond KY
Thoughts, I have decided to go with midlevel lathe, I may move up to big daddy later. Has anyone turned on both and experianced notable difference?
Will being wired for 220 hurt resale of 2hp?
Any other comments?
 
Jet 1642 -2Hp

I have the 2Hp version of the Jet 1642 and like it very much. I am a relatively new woodturner and can't compare this lathe to other models, but it is solidly built, heavy, and stable. I did have the motor controller replaced very early on when it failed after ~4 hrs of use. I have made a number of modifications to it including a set of retractable casters, a vacuum set up and a tail stock tilt away. If the 16" swing ever becomes too small, I'll simply slide the headstock to the end of the bed and use an outboard turning rig. I think this lathe offers a lot of versatility. I don't know if 220V hurts resale as I don't have any intention to sell it and I like the extra HP from the 2 horse motor. I have posted a few photos of my mods at the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/dmshopshots

Good luck.
 
nice pics

I take it your an engineer or something similiar, at the least very resouceful!😀

Love the Jeep too

You got some great ideas and nice set up, I am envious😉
 
The extra bit of horse power is a bonus. In the long run, the effort for the 220 line is worth it. It will be needed for the next lathe you will buy.😉
 
Thank You for the great ideas. 220 is somewhat cheaper also. I run every thing in my shop on it.
 
Unless you find a special price on the 2hp, I say get the 1.5hp or go for a Powermatic.
I have a 2hp Powermatic and have spent 5 days turning on a 1.5hp Jet. During those 5 days, I never felt the Jet needed more power.
The cost difference between the Jet 1.5hp and the Jet 2hp far exceeds the actual cost difference between a 1.5 and a 2hp motor, which is the only difference between these machines.

More than anything, I believe the decision should be based on intended projects and turning style.
Project-wise, if you plan to be doing much turning at the upper end of the 1642's capacity, you may want to consider the 2hp model. IMHO, if your expectation is to turn 14" or smaller bowls and hollow forms, 1.5hp is fine.
Style-wise, Mike Mahoney casually stalls our club's 2 hp PM 3520 because he likes to remove material at a break-neck pace (>3/4" wide shavings!).

IMHO, 1.5 HP is a good balance for the 1642. It is a sturdy machine which I would expect to last a lifetime of enthusiastic hobbiest turning. However, if your expectation is to routinely put really large/heavy blanks on the lathe, you probably can use the 2 HP. The problem I have recommending 2HP on the Jet is if you really need 2HP you should probably be looking at the Powermatic. It is designed to handle the "abuse".
 
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Jet 1642EVS2

I recently bought the 1642 2hp model and so far am very pleased with it. It has plenty of power. If you stall any lathe regardless of the hp then you need to slow down and take less with the cut...unless, of course, you are trying to break the gouge! But, I digress.
I bought my Jet from Osolnik Machinery. I talked to Joe Osolnik on a Tuesday afternoon. He took my order and the lathe was delivered on Thursday afternoon. The young man put the crate exactly where I wanted it and waited while I inspected the lathe to be sure it was okay. The price was the best I was able to find anywhere online or in-store. All in all, it was the best experience I have had spending $2K. (except for that time in Hong Kong, whoops).
Go online or give Joe a call. No, I am not related nor do I have any connection with Osolnik Machinery.
 
2HP - I got it

I went for the 2hp, got it up and running, tore up my 1st 3 bowls on it....whooopee😕, what a frustrating day, got up next day and turned real nice cherry, I will post picture, once I get it sanded and finished.
 
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