Features:

  • Unrivaled speed control
  • 60-3600 RPM variable speed
  • Optimally designed speed ranges
  • Forward to reverse is a smooth transition
  • Innovative ratchet style belt tension system (patent pending)
The digital variable speed control is amazing and makes working with the lathe incredibly easy

Ordered the JET JWL_1221VS from Amazon and received it on-time as usual. The Styrofoam inside the box was severely damaged and I was concerned that the lathe had been dropped. The tail-stock was not tightened however, and had caused the damage to the Styrofoam. As other reviews on here, the drive center and tail stock center were slightly out of alignment which was fixed by loosening the adjustment screws underneath and shimming it over. The digital variable speed control is amazing and makes working with the lathe incredibly easy. There is no guess work on the speed as the read out tells you exactly what it is. Great product.

Can't go wrong with this lathe

I Received this lathe in the mail a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. The digital display is so nice to have, smooth and comes with everything I needed. I may get a larger faceplate eventually but this one works for now because it has 8 holes to secure the wood rather than just 4. Constructed very well, very solid. I'm not having an issue with the rest guard turning or sliding on me like other reviews said but maybe it will in time? I also don't have an issue with the tail stock moving, the lock works great.

Great tool!

I'm a novice at wood turning, but I can tell when a tool is well built. I've turned only a few blanks so far, but this lathe, for what I do, is perfect. Easy to set up, solid, and well machined. I'm aware of it's limits... I have no desire (at this time anyway lol) of turning tree trunks to make whatever... I'm totally happy with this lathe.

stone turning

This lathe is way more than I expected, It is very well built and quality parts are used. I have never seen a lathe with such a wide speed range. It is a 115 volt motor but works just fine with 110 volt and is a standard plug type. I turn stone, some starting at 100 pounds and unbalanced and starting rpm at 60 rpm I can now turn safely even turning logs. The price is at 799.00 but would expect to pay way more!!! July the 1st the price will go up so if you can't decide, push the buy button because it is so worth it even after the price hike your going to get a great deal!

Quiet

This machine is very quiet and smooth. It has a soft start and good power. The base is heavy enough by itself for most work. You still have to change the belt to get the full range of RPM but that is easy to change.

Nice addition to the garage workshop

Brand-new turner here. So far, I've made a couple of file handles and started a bowl. More experienced turners may have other views, but since I see a lot of them using Jet 1221VS lathes in their YouTube videos, I figure they must like theirs as much as we like ours - and watching them turn is what got us interested in doing it ourselves. Pros: - solidly built, hefty cast iron - spur and live center line up dead on - easy to move drive belt to change rotational speed ranges - it is SO QUIET when in operation - tail stock and tool rest base move easily, lock in place easily, and stay put, no slipping - EXCELLENT user's manual; I know most of us don't like reading the manual, but this one is packed full of good information, and even has a few bits of subtle dry wit Cons: - too heavy for me to move alone, which is also a pro, but if nobody else is home, I can't shift this - costly, though in the long term, we are hoping this is the only lathe we'll ever buy, so there is that

Solid lathe at a good price.

Always impressed with Jet tools, and this is no exception. The speed control is simply amazing, the belt change mechanism is innovative and easy to use. Came out of the box aligned and ready to use within about 10 minutes.

Great lathe

The only serious limitation on this lathe, the 21" length, will be removed in June with the shipment of the 42" bed extension. Three speed ranges and continuous digital speed control makes for quick convenient speed control for all turning needs. Smooth operation, quiet, this lathe is quickly becoming my main workhorse. One minor drawback is that you cannot listen to AM radio while using this lathe. The digital speed control interferes with the AM signal. Finally, while it is suitable for bench top operation, at 160 lbs you will likely want to mount it on a custom stand or purchase the factory stand.

If you want a lathe, this is it!

When I got it set up, after reading all the material, I turned it on......Thought it was not running!!! My old lathe, Craftman Pro, is a good lathe, but a little on the noisy side when running. This Jet Lathe is something! Turned many bowls, pens, etc. etc. and it keeps on and on and on.... the extension was a little tricky to get lined-up but really no problem and one more thing. Shipping was within 4 days! Didn't have the shop cleaned up to put it together when it arrived!!! That was quick! Really ought to say one more time about it being quiet! Also, with the Variable speed, it does not walk with a large bowl, just don't forget to use it.

Best one for the cost

Husband loves this! He has been looking at them for years, and I finally bit the bullet and purchased this for him as an early Christmas gift. The things he is making are REALLY nice. My dad also has a similar one- and they both say this is the better of the two. My husband did a lot of research on these- and if you don't want to spend thousands- this is supposed to be the best one for your money. I will say that you do need a lot of accessories to go along with the lathe. Yes this machine will turn the wood- but you need to tools to chisel the wood and different attachments for different projects. I guess I did not realize this. We ended up spending hundreds of dollars more on accessories- but you're going to do that no matter which one you buy. For the money this one rocks!

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