My first lathe needs help: Older Blue Jet, JWL1236 - Upgradeable?

[Andrew Sell]

I have been thinking about many things including buying a better lathe. My question is can I find a more powerful motor to replace the Jwl-1236 33a motor? This motor is discontinued, its 3/4 hp is weak. It works, but not happy with it. The second bit I am drawn to want to upgrade is banjo, its fairly worn-out, and doesn't like to hold, its also flimsy and contributes to vibration problems. I can't help but think turning would be better if it was more solid. My goal is to buy a Robust American Beauty when I can

On the motor, it has a very long shaft, I started looking at Baldor or Marathon but nothing shows up that has that longer keyed shaft. I am sure it must exist somewhere.

Thank you

 

[Richard Coers]

That was not a proud moment for Jet to build that lathe. Low speed is too fast for a lot of bowl work, and the machine is quite light. Are the Reeves drive pulleys in good shape? Usually the bore of the pulleys is worn out before anything else on the lathe needs work. Grizzly sells a knockoff and most go to them for parts. I wouldn't put any money into that machine and would look for a used Powermatic or Jet with electronic variable speed before spending a penny on your machine.

 

[Andrew Sell]

the Reeves were frozen when I bought it, I was able to free them, clean and lube, seems ok, but yeah I question doing any upgrades, but still, I have been able to turn a few bowls, with sharp tools and steady hand. The motor bogs, and yes its too fast, that makes big green blanks scary to start, I stand sideways to lathe.

 

[Richard Coers]

There are lots of scary ways to turn wood! This guy is standing sideways too, but that doesn't mean you won't get hit in the head.

 

[hockenbery]

There are lots of scary ways to turn wood! This guy is standing sideways too, but that doesn't mean you won't get hit in the head.

Looks like a guy who billed himself as the “crazy Canadian” - did presentations at the florida woodworking shows

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

If it were me I would take the money to fix that lathe up and buy a decent VS lathe.

 

[William Rogers]

I’m going to agree with Richard. I had an older lathe that I sank money into. All said and done it was still the sanme older lathe. If it was one ofthe better Jet lathes it might be worth investing. But even fi you put $$$ into that lathe you are still going to have the same old Reeves drive, high speed and light weight. And you won’t get any return for your investment.

 

[Andrew Sell]

Thank you, all. I suppose at the very least I will get a Powermatic PM2014. My thoughts are if I am willing to spend, then why not in theory get a Robust, Sweet 16 or for a little more the American Beauty. I like the idea of getting American made if possible. Any thoughts on OneWay, that is Canadian yes?

 

[Brian Gustin]

If I had the money, I'd buy a sweet 16 in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately that is far beyond any hope of a budget for me, unless I win the lottery... So, my "realistic" goal is a Jet JWL1640 (Though I'd rather get the 1840 but I really do not need the extra swing or power - Just like it being a 240v instead of 120v... I do want at least 36" between centers, as I do some long spindles, and don't think I'll ever do a bowl bigger than maybe 14" at the largest)

 

[Mike Johnson]

Any lathe with a 3-phase motor can be quickly retrofitted with a VFD to run off of residential power (120V or 240V).
The Jet lathe & Jet clone reeves drive lathes do not readily accept a typical retrofit motor without a lot of modifications.
If you can find some old iron lathes they are much easier to retrofit with 3-phase motors, you can use the VFD to control
the speed as slow as you want and not have to use the Reeves drive.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

Take a look at the Record Power Coronet Regent. It has a 18” turn over the bed and 39” outboard. It is the same price as the PM 14”. It also has some extra features. I have the 16” Record Power Envoy and love it.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I have been thinking about many things including buying a better lathe. My question is can I find a more powerful motor to replace the Jwl-1236 33a motor? This motor is discontinued, its 3/4 hp is weak. It works, but not happy with it. The second bit I am drawn to want to upgrade is banjo, its fairly worn-out, and doesn't like to hold, its also flimsy and contributes to vibration problems. I can't help but think turning would be better if it was more solid. My goal is to buy a Robust American Beauty when I can

On the motor, it has a very long shaft, I started looking at Baldor or Marathon but nothing shows up that has that longer keyed shaft. I am sure it must exist somewhere.

Thank you

I'll have to agree with Richard Coers' assessment. I had a Delta lathe of the same vintage as the Jet and they must have been in a low-stooping competition. I wasted several years "improving" a lost cause instead of actually turning wood. Fortunately, about that time, a fellow named Brent English had a much better idea. I procrastinated until I couldn't stand it any longer.

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

Andrew,

I see you're in Shoreline. You might take a look at the Jet Surplus sales outfit in Auburn, Equipment Sales.

They discount about 20% on Jet affiliated equipment, Powermatic and Laguna. Most of their stuff has cosmetic shipping damage and still carries the original factory warranty. They list on Seattle area CL. or visit their store.

As to your old Jet lathe.... I did some consulting for Jet on their equipment way back in the day. Their old stuff was mostly junk (and IMO still is).

 

[Dean Center]

Any thoughts on OneWay, that is Canadian yes?

The correct Canadian would be "That is Canadian, Eh?"

In addition to Doug's suggestion about the Jet/Powermatic Scratch and Dent store near you, you might contact some of the clubs in your area and see if someone is thinking about selling a lathe that would be an upgrade for you. You can get a lot more lathe for the money buying used, while you save up for your dream lathe. As long as you stick with a reputable brand, and the bed is sound, most of the other stuff can be replaced or repaired. Unfortunately, apparently that doesn't apply to your older Jet. (Or the Jet 1440, or other Reeves drive lathes.)

 

[Mike Brazeau]

A used Oneway if you can find one has a few lifetimes left in it. 1640 has enough capacity for most people But a 2436 turns ‘em all, big or small.

 

[Andrew Sell]

Good stuff guys, thank you. I am not in a hurry but do feel some urgency every time I use the Jet 1236. I will keep my eye on the used market and check out the scratch and dent Jet store, plus look into the club.

I did fabricate a much-improved tool rest out of 1" stainless steel round bar stock. I tig welded it up this weekend, the extra mass and damping factor on SS vs CI was a huge improvement. I had to multi-pass the SS stock, my tig rig maxes out at 130 amps, it's not designed for this thick stock, otherwise, the welds would be much prettier than they are, eh?