Jet 1642-2 Lathe

As with most of my tools, I can not afford what I would really like.  What I wanted was a smooth running, stable, reliable lathe which would handle both large and small items.  I went through a lot of research as well as cost trade off analysis before reaching my decision, went to several woodworking shows, and talked with other folks who do turning.  I finally settled on the Jet 1642-2 lathe.

I’ve owned it now for about 6 months and I’m very pleased with it!  I love the variable speed feature!  It has many uses!

I have one other lathe, and considered getting two lathes instead of just the one Jet.  I wanted one lathe for small work (like pens etc.) and another with a 14” to 16” swing over the bed.  Well, after using a small lathe for a bit, and comparing it to my new Jet, it seems the larger lathes have less runout.  I use a Stronghold chuck and with #1 Jaws, I no longer need to worry about a small lathe.  The Jet seems to be bang on the money for small work.  The height is convenient for me, and the lathe seems to be very stable with large blocks mounted.

The design of the lathe handles/handle location, and the operation all seem very efficient, easy to use and a pleasure.  Not everything is rosy however.  I have found that the accessories available from Jet are limited.  Fortunately, the spindle (1 ¼”), tailstock (MT2), tool rest mount (1”) are all common and therefore, about any accessory desired is available from other vendors.

I have been asked on more than one occasion, “Do you think it is worth purchasing a lathe with variable speed control given the extra cost?”  Well, I guess everyone must answer that one by their own needs, but for me, I’ve learned two things: purchase the best tool you can afford, and still get the functionality you need, and then consider what not having the feature would cost you in time and flexibility.  For me, I had to save for about 18 months before I could get what I both “wanted, and needed” which are two different things.

I am not a professional turner, but I think the Jet would well serve either a hobbyist or a professional.  One thing I will mention……The Jet headstock does not swivel!  For some turners, this may be an issue, but for me, it is an advantage.  I like being able to slide the headstock and tailstock to the end of the bed for bowl turning.  I had thought that a swivel head would be more functional, but then realized: a swivel head only causes the turner to have more fixtures because of the new head angle.  If you swivel the head for example, you must have a tool rest which reaches out to the workpiece and around to the front.  By sliding the headstock and tailstock to the end of the bed, these extra tools are not required therefore leaving more money for other goodies!  Plus, at some point, the radius of the workpiece is larger than the swing over the bed.  Well, all I can say is……..Then you will need a self supporting/free standing tool rest.  However, this is true for a swivel head lathe as well……therefore, unless you are going to be turning huge pieces all the time, the Jet is still your best bet.  If it should be that the latter is the case, then what you need is a large lathe designed specifically for doing large bowls.

I am please with my Jet, and have no regrets about not going to a more expensive lathe or inexpensive lathe.  This one meets all my work requirements well.  I have turned vases, bowls, chair and table legs, platters and other items all with no issues.

I am currently doing segmented turning and use the lathe regularly.  My previous lathe just sits over on the side of my shop relegated to waiting patiently for me to have a second turning setup to make while I have one mounted on the Jet.  In the last 6 months, that has not happened and I may create a little shop space by selling it.  I can always turn that old lathe into some neato exotic wood to turn on my Jet!

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