the motor placement is not a problem. i turn a lot of 12-14 inch bowls
using a super nova or face plate with no problem. the face plate
supplied with the jet is thicker to allow for motor clearance. I do
question the motor location when sanding a piece on the lathe. the dust
can be drawn into the motor if you don't use dust collection. i use dust
collection...more worried about my lungs that the motor.

you could not buy the jet leg set and build your own stand with mobility
built in.

LB