Jet 1642
 

Sorry if this is a redundant question, but I don't recall seeing much about
this lathe.

I am considering Jet's 1642 - 1.5hp lathe. What are the pro's and con's
regarding this lathe. I have had the opportunity to look at the lathe at a
local dealer and it seems like a good deal for the money. Yes, I would love
a Oneway or Stubby, but the Jet's what I can afford right now. I currently
have the Nova Comet and the Nova Mercury lathes, but I am in need of
something with more capacity.

Any insight is appreciated.

Dan Klima

"Dan Klima" wrote in message

Sorry if this is a redundant question, but I don't recall seeing much
about
this lathe.

I am considering Jet's 1642 - 1.5hp lathe. What are the pro's and con's
regarding this lathe. I have had the opportunity to look at the lathe at
a
local dealer and it seems like a good deal for the money. Yes, I would
love
a Oneway or Stubby, but the Jet's what I can afford right now. I
currently
have the Nova Comet and the Nova Mercury lathes, but I am in need of
something with more capacity.

Any insight is appreciated.

For my money, Dan, I'd add $600 to the purchase price and get the Powermatic
3520. More hp, heavier, and a proven design.

Max

I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have been
extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. The extra swing would be "nice", but not used
often enough to justify the addional cost. Also. looking at the 2
side-by-side, it's pretty apparent that the 1642 is a downsized 3520. My
previous lathe was a Jet 1236, and met all my expectations, so I had no
qualms about another Jet.

While the advantages of the 3520 are pretty obvious (swing, weight,
Powermatic brand), there are also a couple of possible shortcomings vs the
Jet 1642. The Powermatic does not have a hollow tailstock. so it can't be
used as easily with a long boring bit for lamps, etc. Also, indexing is
accomplished with a reportedly cumbersome add-on. making some tasks more
difficult. Neither of these is a major issue, but did factor into my
decision.

Ron

Ron,

Just curious, but does your Jet have a banjo/toolrest holder with a shaft
cut with a keyway. I saw they had this about 1-2 years ago and sent an
email and asked Oneway about it because they have a US patent on their banjo
that I believe would be infringed by the Jet. They said they were looking
into legal action. The action was like the Oneway, which tightens the banjo
down without bending the shaft down.

Derek

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have been
extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. The extra swing would be "nice", but not used
often enough to justify the addional cost. Also. looking at the 2
side-by-side, it's pretty apparent that the 1642 is a downsized 3520. My
previous lathe was a Jet 1236, and met all my expectations, so I had no
qualms about another Jet.

While the advantages of the 3520 are pretty obvious (swing, weight,
Powermatic brand), there are also a couple of possible shortcomings vs the
Jet 1642. The Powermatic does not have a hollow tailstock. so it can't be
used as easily with a long boring bit for lamps, etc. Also, indexing is
accomplished with a reportedly cumbersome add-on. making some tasks more
difficult. Neither of these is a major issue, but did factor into my
decision.

Ron

And since you brought up the subject -- have you looked at the Jet live
tail center?

Bill

Derek Hartzell wrote:
Ron,

Just curious, but does your Jet have a banjo/toolrest holder with a shaft
cut with a keyway. I saw they had this about 1-2 years ago and sent an
email and asked Oneway about it because they have a US patent on their banjo
that I believe would be infringed by the Jet. They said they were looking
into legal action. The action was like the Oneway, which tightens the banjo
down without bending the shaft down.

Derek

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have been
extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. The extra swing would be "nice", but not used
often enough to justify the addional cost. Also. looking at the 2
side-by-side, it's pretty apparent that the 1642 is a downsized 3520. My
previous lathe was a Jet 1236, and met all my expectations, so I had no
qualms about another Jet.

While the advantages of the 3520 are pretty obvious (swing, weight,
Powermatic brand), there are also a couple of possible shortcomings vs the
Jet 1642. The Powermatic does not have a hollow tailstock. so it can't be
used as easily with a long boring bit for lamps, etc. Also, indexing is
accomplished with a reportedly cumbersome add-on. making some tasks more
difficult. Neither of these is a major issue, but did factor into my
decision.

Ron

No......

"Bill Rubenstein" wrote in message
m...
And since you brought up the subject -- have you looked at the Jet live
tail center?

Bill

Derek Hartzell wrote:
Ron,

Just curious, but does your Jet have a banjo/toolrest holder with a shaft
cut with a keyway. I saw they had this about 1-2 years ago and sent an
email and asked Oneway about it because they have a US patent on their
banjo
that I believe would be infringed by the Jet. They said they were looking
into legal action. The action was like the Oneway, which tightens the
banjo
down without bending the shaft down.

Derek

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have
been
extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. The extra swing would be "nice", but not used
often enough to justify the addional cost. Also. looking at the 2
side-by-side, it's pretty apparent that the 1642 is a downsized 3520. My
previous lathe was a Jet 1236, and met all my expectations, so I had no
qualms about another Jet.

While the advantages of the 3520 are pretty obvious (swing, weight,
Powermatic brand), there are also a couple of possible shortcomings vs the
Jet 1642. The Powermatic does not have a hollow tailstock. so it can't be
used as easily with a long boring bit for lamps, etc. Also, indexing is
accomplished with a reportedly cumbersome add-on. making some tasks more
difficult. Neither of these is a major issue, but did factor into my
decision.

Ron

Well, it will look familiar. You'll think you've seen it before.

Bill

Derek Hartzell wrote:
No......

"Bill Rubenstein" wrote in message
m...
And since you brought up the subject -- have you looked at the Jet live
tail center?

Bill

Derek Hartzell wrote:

Ron,

Just curious, but does your Jet have a banjo/toolrest holder with a shaft
cut with a keyway. I saw they had this about 1-2 years ago and sent an
email and asked Oneway about it because they have a US patent on their

banjo

that I believe would be infringed by the Jet. They said they were looking
into legal action. The action was like the Oneway, which tightens the

banjo

down without bending the shaft down.

Derek

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have

been

extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. The extra swing would be "nice", but not used
often enough to justify the addional cost. Also. looking at the 2
side-by-side, it's pretty apparent that the 1642 is a downsized 3520. My
previous lathe was a Jet 1236, and met all my expectations, so I had no
qualms about another Jet.

While the advantages of the 3520 are pretty obvious (swing, weight,
Powermatic brand), there are also a couple of possible shortcomings vs the
Jet 1642. The Powermatic does not have a hollow tailstock. so it can't be
used as easily with a long boring bit for lamps, etc. Also, indexing is
accomplished with a reportedly cumbersome add-on. making some tasks more
difficult. Neither of these is a major issue, but did factor into my
decision.

Ron

Derek,

Took a look at the banjo assembly, and I don't see any sort of key. The
shaft which locks the banjo in place is round, with no key that I can see.
Not sure if that's what you are asking, though, since I've not see the
comparible assembly on a Oneway.

Ron

The one I saw was a round shaft with a keyway groove cut down the length of
it - a keyed shaft.

Derek

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
Derek,

Took a look at the banjo assembly, and I don't see any sort of key. The
shaft which locks the banjo in place is round, with no key that I can see.
Not sure if that's what you are asking, though, since I've not see the
comparible assembly on a Oneway.

Ron

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have
been
extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. snip
Ron


Thanks for the reply, Ron. I have a question regarding your 1642 - when it
is plugged in, is there power to the unit at all times therefore showing a
"0" on the RPM readout? I was wondering if having a switched outlet was
necessary for the lathe.

In looking at the newest Powermatic catalog it looks like both of their
lathes have a bore of 3/8" in the tailstock now. Maybe they didn't before,
I don't know. None the less I'm not too sure that I would be able to get a
Powermatic down the stairs and into my basement shop, so at least for now I
am looking at the Jet 1642.

Thanks again for your input!

- Dan Klima

Thanks all for your input!

- Dan Klima

Been using the 1642 2 HP (220V) version for a year. It has performed well.
I wish the control panel was moveable. It is heavy enough for large out of
round blanks. The speed control is excellent.

I hope this helps.

"Derek Hartzell" wrote in message
...
No......

"Bill Rubenstein" wrote in message
m...
And since you brought up the subject -- have you looked at the Jet live
tail center?

Bill

Derek Hartzell wrote:
Ron,

Just curious, but does your Jet have a banjo/toolrest holder with a shaft
cut with a keyway. I saw they had this about 1-2 years ago and sent an
email and asked Oneway about it because they have a US patent on their
banjo
that I believe would be infringed by the Jet. They said they were
looking
into legal action. The action was like the Oneway, which tightens the
banjo
down without bending the shaft down.

Derek

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
I bought one a couple of months ago, after a lot of research, and have
been
extremely satisfied. Thought long and hard about a Powermatic 3520, but
ended up going with the Jet. The extra swing would be "nice", but not
used
often enough to justify the addional cost. Also. looking at the 2
side-by-side, it's pretty apparent that the 1642 is a downsized 3520. My
previous lathe was a Jet 1236, and met all my expectations, so I had no
qualms about another Jet.

While the advantages of the 3520 are pretty obvious (swing, weight,
Powermatic brand), there are also a couple of possible shortcomings vs
the
Jet 1642. The Powermatic does not have a hollow tailstock. so it can't be
used as easily with a long boring bit for lamps, etc. Also, indexing is
accomplished with a reportedly cumbersome add-on. making some tasks more
difficult. Neither of these is a major issue, but did factor into my
decision.

Ron

Dan,

There is power to the unit at all times, as indicated by the "0" on the rpm
indicator. I've gotten used to it, and don't see any reason to put in a
switched outlet. I guess it wouldn't hurt if you were doing some rewiring,
but with all of the constantly on electronics around my house- PC's,
wireless modem, printers, etc., it hasn't occurred to me to do so.

As far as getting it down the stairs to your shop - shouldn't be a problem.
When I picked my lathe up at woodcraft we broke down the pallet and removed
the boxes containing the legs. The rail assembly, with headstock and
tailstock stayed on the pallet, which 3 of us lifted into the bed of my
pickup. the legs, in their separate boxes slid in next to the pallet. When I
got home I unloaded the legs, took the headstock and tailstock off the ways,
then unbolted it and moved it into my shop. My shop is right off the garage,
so I didn't have to move anything very far, but I managed each of the
pieces by myself. A helper would be great to move things downstairs. As far
as assembly goes, I laid the main section upside down on some cardboard,
attached the legs, then rolled it over before putting the headstock and
tailstock back in place. Managed to do that by myself also, but again, a
helper would be great!

Hope this info is of some use, and yell if there's anything else I can tell
you.

Ron

"Mike Leskowyak" wrote in message
...
Been using the 1642 2 HP (220V) version for a year. It has performed
well.
I wish the control panel was moveable. It is heavy enough for large out
of
round blanks. The speed control is excellent.

I hope this helps.

Yes, thanks! I'm not going to be able to go the 2hp route, but outside of a
little less power it sounds like I should be a happy camper with the 1642.

- Dan Klima

Thanks, Ron. Since I am currently running my entire shop off of (groan
loudly now) two outlets that are on the other side of my basement (hence
some very long and large extension cords), I am expecting to rewire the (OK,
wire not rewire) the basement in the very near future. So having a switched
outlet wouldn't be all that big of a deal for me to add. Hadn't really
thought about it in relation to all of my other technological gadgetry so
good point!

Having the lathe break down into bite size pieces is actually a selling
point for me. My son can help me get things down the stairs into the
basement shop, but the headstock seems to be on the heavy side. Maybe it's
not as bad as it looks.

Have you had any problems with the lathe? Just wondering about quality,
design flaws, and things that make you go "hmmmm".

Thanks for your words of wisdom!
- Dan Klima

"Ron Kolakowski" wrote in message
...
Dan,

There is power to the unit at all times, as indicated by the "0" on the
rpm
indicator. I've gotten used to it, and don't see any reason to put in a
switched outlet. I guess it wouldn't hurt if you were doing some rewiring,
but with all of the constantly on electronics around my house- PC's,
wireless modem, printers, etc., it hasn't occurred to me to do so.

As far as getting it down the stairs to your shop - shouldn't be a
problem.
When I picked my lathe up at woodcraft we broke down the pallet and
removed
the boxes containing the legs. The rail assembly, with headstock and
tailstock stayed on the pallet, which 3 of us lifted into the bed of my
pickup. the legs, in their separate boxes slid in next to the pallet. When
I
got home I unloaded the legs, took the headstock and tailstock off the
ways,
then unbolted it and moved it into my shop. My shop is right off the
garage,
so I didn't have to move anything very far, but I managed each of the
pieces by myself. A helper would be great to move things downstairs. As
far
as assembly goes, I laid the main section upside down on some cardboard,
attached the legs, then rolled it over before putting the headstock and
tailstock back in place. Managed to do that by myself also, but again, a
helper would be great!

Hope this info is of some use, and yell if there's anything else I can
tell
you.

Ron

Hi Dan,

No problems whatsoever with the lathe. I've turned quite a few pieces on it,
including some fairly large ones, and been very satisfied. Before purchase I
did consider the 2 HP version (I'm fortunate enough to have multiple 220V
circuits in my shop). After talking to a friend who has had the 1 1/2 hp
version for some time now, I decided to go with it to save some $. Haven't
been at all disappointed.

As far as moving the headstock assembly goes, I was able to move it by
myself, with moderate effort. I'm 60 years old, weigh in at about 185 lbs,
and while I work out regularly, I'm far from a body building poster child,
so I would imagine you and your son should be able to handle it ok. You
might want to consider a hand truck or something similar to manage the
stairs, but mainly because of the awkward shape, rather than the weight.

Good luck with your purchase, and happy turning!

Ron

Dan, I recently purchased a Jet 1642 and have been more than happy with
it. I added a balast box filled with 300lbs of sand for more stability.
You will find plans w/ pics on www.woodcentral.com for it. Dominic Greco
is the author. I bought my 1642 at a wood show and payed $1650.00 plus
tax. Amazon has them for under $1800.00 last time I looked. Happy Turns,
Steve

Dan, I recently purchased a Jet 1642 and have been more than happy with
it. I added a balast box filled with 300lbs of sand for more stability.
You will find plans w/ pics on www.woodcentral.com for it. Dominic Greco
is the author. I bought my 1642 at a wood show and payed $1650.00 plus
tax. Amazon has them for under $1800.00 last time I looked. Happy Turns,
Steve

Hi Steve! Thanks for your input! A little background here. I recently
started working for a Jet dealer (I am a displaced network administrator
from a local university). I had been eyeing the 1642 for quite some time.
My opportunity arose when we needed to upgrade all of the computers and
network wiring. I performed all of the upgrade operations and we settled on
the 1642 as payment. I have been asking everyone and anyone about the lathe
and so far I have not found any negative statements. I even tracked down
our Jet rep and customer service reps and not a single peep of problems.
The $1650 is about the same price we are selling the lathe for which is
quite a steal right now, so you got a great deal on it.

Another question for you, Steve, as well as for anyone else that is lurking
this thread. Ever hooked up a vacuume chuck arrangement on this lathe? I
was wondering if there would be any problems or considerations that I should
.. . . uh . . . consider. I am really looking forward to working with this
lathe. It is to arrive in about a week and it's getting harder to wait!

Thanks again!
- Dan Klima

"gotwood" wrote in message
lkaboutcrafting.com...
Dan, I recently purchased a Jet 1642 and have been more than happy with
it. I added a balast box filled with 300lbs of sand for more stability.
You will find plans w/ pics on www.woodcentral.com for it. Dominic Greco
is the author. I bought my 1642 at a wood show and payed $1650.00 plus
tax. Amazon has them for under $1800.00 last time I looked. Happy Turns,
Steve

Dan,

I have been looking at a vacuum adapter for my 1642. So far, the best option
looks to be the one offered by Craft Supplies
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/cg...n&key=314-1050

Haven't got a vacuum pump yet, so I haven't done all the detail work to
insure it will fit, but the only question would be the length of the
threaded rod, which could porbaly be easily replaced with something from a
hardware store, if needed.

Ron

Dan, I have no info on the vacuum system. A couple of other comments
about the Jet 1642 a

1) The power stays on to the speed control even after turning the lathe
off. I fixed this by putting a on/off switch between the lathe and the
wall outlet. Rockler sells them (router table switch) You still have to
turn the lathe switch on and off due to the magnetic switch mechanism, but
that is a good thing. If you ever have a power failure while turning, the
lathe will not come back on as the power is restored. Good safety
feature.

2) The indexing system is not numbered like the Delta 1642. It makes it a
little harder to index but not that big of a problem.

My neighbor has the Delta 1642 and I still prefer my Jet 1642. I also
like the digital rpm readout on the Jet, which the Delta doesn't have.
Also, the Jet headstock has a wider base than the Delta which is good.

Also, when you assemble the lathe, make sure you get the legs on correct,
there is a left and right leg. The left leg has screw holes on the inside
for mounting the basket.

Well I bet you're "turning" in your sleep (pun intended) while you wait
for the arrival of your Jet. Good luck and happy turns. STeve Lewis

Another question for you, Steve, as well as for anyone else that is
lurking this thread. Ever hooked up a vacuume chuck arrangement on
this lathe? I was wondering if there would be any problems or
considerations that I should . . . uh . . . consider. I am really
looking forward to working with this lathe. It is to arrive in about
a week and it's getting harder to wait!

Our local chapter of the AAW has this lathe as the club lathe and they
often use it with a vacuum chuck. I have seen them use two, the one from
Craft Supply and another home made version. BTW the threaded pipe used in
lamps (available at hardware store) is a perfect match for instert from
Craft Supply.

Thanks, all, for your responses and information.

I undoubtedly will be adding a vacuum chuck in the future so I will have to
take a look at Craft Supply for that. Also, I was thinking that I would
install a switched outlet down the road when I get all of my wiring
situated - probably one of those with a light to let me know when it is
switched on ... if I should look ... possibly before I do something stupid
.... if I remember.

Thanks again,
Dan Klima

"Bruce Wiseman" wrote in message
. 63.158...

Another question for you, Steve, as well as for anyone else that is
lurking this thread. Ever hooked up a vacuume chuck arrangement on
this lathe? I was wondering if there would be any problems or
considerations that I should . . . uh . . . consider. I am really
looking forward to working with this lathe. It is to arrive in about
a week and it's getting harder to wait!

Our local chapter of the AAW has this lathe as the club lathe and they
often use it with a vacuum chuck. I have seen them use two, the one from
Craft Supply and another home made version. BTW the threaded pipe used in
lamps (available at hardware store) is a perfect match for instert from
Craft Supply.

Something to consider...

I have no switch on my vacuum pump -- you have to pull the plug. It
makes it that much harder, in a moment of lack of concentration, to shut
down the pump before I shut down the lathe.

Bill

Dan Klima wrote:
Thanks, all, for your responses and information.

I undoubtedly will be adding a vacuum chuck in the future so I will have to
take a look at Craft Supply for that. Also, I was thinking that I would
install a switched outlet down the road when I get all of my wiring
situated - probably one of those with a light to let me know when it is
switched on ... if I should look ... possibly before I do something stupid
... if I remember.

Thanks again,
Dan Klima

"Bruce Wiseman" wrote in message
. 63.158...

Another question for you, Steve, as well as for anyone else that is
lurking this thread. Ever hooked up a vacuume chuck arrangement on
this lathe? I was wondering if there would be any problems or
considerations that I should . . . uh . . . consider. I am really
looking forward to working with this lathe. It is to arrive in about
a week and it's getting harder to wait!

Our local chapter of the AAW has this lathe as the club lathe and they
often use it with a vacuum chuck. I have seen them use two, the one from
Craft Supply and another home made version. BTW the threaded pipe used in
lamps (available at hardware store) is a perfect match for instert from
Craft Supply.