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Jet Pen Lathe VS. THE Carba-Tec CT-LATHE-1

T

TONYC53

Joined
Aug 17, 2005
Messages
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Location
BAHAMAS
HI ALL,

I'm the new kid on the block with a few questions. I would like to get into turning pens and small items. firstly, I have no experience at all and don't have no idea what's involved, [that is the learning curve], all I do know that it looks satisfying and I guess it could be a good retirement business to get into. Am I right in my assumption?

That aside, which would be to invest in and more versatile the jet pen lathe or Carba-Tec CT-LATHE-1 for a clueless wood turning WANNABE? 😕
and why?! OR would you recommend something else?
Thanks for your assistance in this.

Tonyc53 😎
 
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I think that I would be more inclined to learn to turn properly and buy a regular lathe. I think that the whole turning experience would be more enhanced by actually doing the turning rather than just following a pre-planned template. Sure, it would be faster in the beginning because the learning curve is shorter, but I think you whould enjoy the process a whole lot better if you actually learned to turn right from the start. I don't think that you will want to only turn pens forever once you see what else the lathe can do! There's a whole new world opening up to you.

That said, I would also suggest that you hook up with a local AAW club if, for nothing else, to see what others are doing and getting some basic instruction.

Joe
 
Many Thanks Joe,

Great food for thought!

So let me see if I've gotten you right; are you saying that I should go for a bigger lathe like a mini lathe that is capable in turning larger items other than pens? If so I know of one gentleman on another Island from whom I could get lessons, I will check him out!

Thanks Again!

Tonyc53 😎
 
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Joe is right. It's just like the notion with computer stuff, buy more now than what you think you'll ever need, because sooner than later you'll wish you had.

Suggest you hook up with a local turner, club, or otherwise, and borrow, barter, or rent time on every lathe you can. Turn a mess of different things on each. Take a class locally, or the next time you hit the mainland. This will allow you to have a better understanding of what you want to turn - hence what kind of lathe you'll need.

I acknowledge that your location makes it tough to purchase what with the high import taxes you Bahamians suffer with. But put that aside and get a full duty lathe. Sure wish I had.
 
Thanks to you too, AEH!

But I'm I going in the right direction? what name & model would you say is a full duty lathe? And of course bearing in mind COST? Sounds like you know our plight all too well! 😀 have you ever lived here or visited?

Anyway, due diligence tells me to investigate further, so would someone, if you please get back to me on a good basic lathe suited for a WANNABE TURNER. Meanwhile I will be getting in touch with the Master Turner I know, would you believe this is not popular a craft over here! However, the work I've seen turned here is still awesome nonetheless.

I only know of 3 in the Bahamas, could be a few more but I'll check!

Tonyc 😎
 
I don't know if any of the public schools teach woodworking or not, but a good used lathe might be the way to start if any are for sale. That would eliminate the import duties etc.

Keep in mind you can turn pens and other small items on a big lathe but can't turn big things on a small lathe.

Joe
 
I agree with everything that has been said so far. I just thought I would answer your first question. I have a Carbo-tec. It's my demo lathe for teaching in schools. It is a great lathe and i think A lot better than the Jet pen lathe. The biggest difference between it and the Jet mini is size, and #2 morse tapers, and the spindle thread. it is the same length as the Jet mini but has an 8" swing instead of 10. It is cast iron and solid but it is lighter than the Jet so if portability is a factor then I would look harder at the Carbo-tec. The CT has #1 morse tapers in the head and tailstock. This isn't a real problem, it's just different. The Jet has #2 so if you buy a bigger lathe later you would still be able to use all the #2 taper accessories.
The Jet has 1" x 8 threaded spindle which is also quite common on larger lathes. The Carbo-tec has 3/4 x 16 which is a common size but not on larger lathes.
I like my carbo-tec but I'm actually thinking about selling it and buying a Jet mini to use in it's place.
 
Pen lathe?

My two cents, if the Jet pen lathe was of any value our local Rockler store would not have had to reduce the price by half to be rid of them. 😱
 
I'll throw in my vote for the Jet Mini also. It's an outstanding workhorse of a lathe and will serve you for many years, even if you upgrade in size. Most of the folks I know (including myself) own larger lathes now but continue to own and use our Minis regularly. Just spent the weekend on one at a demo/art fair. I personally would not own a pen lathe as it is primarilly good for just that, turning pens. Not much use for anything else as it tends to be low powered with a very small swing and bed length.

The Jet Mini without the VS (variable speed) is what I use and I find that the speed range is fine and belt changes take only a few seconds. It is also approx $100 less and slightly higher powered. All parts are pretty standardized so replacement bolts, tool rests, morse tapers, face plates, chucks are all easy to obtain. The only recommendation I'd make is to pick up a spare tool rest as the cast iron ones that come standard will eventually end up broken.

Also, don't forget a grinder and jig cause a sharp tool is a good tool.

Good luck,
Dietrich

P.S.(the term "vortex" will come up at some point. Just give in and go with it) 😉
 
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