Product Reviews
Product Review of the New Jet (JML – 1014VS) Variable Speed Mini Lathe
When considering purchasing a mini lathe there are several questions that need to answered before purchasing the lathe. Such as, how easy is it to change from one speed to another? Does the lathe vibrate or is it noisy at slow and fast speeds? Do the head & tailstock line up “point to point”? Is the product manufactured by a reputable company who will stand behind their product with a warranty?
One of the best methods to answer some of the above questions is to visit various woodworking outlets and personally test the lathe you are considering purchasing to observe for yourself some of the features that are important to you. Do not let the salesperson side track you with what they feel is important, stay focused on what is important to you!
My current Jet Mini Lathe (JML 1014) had served me well for years and hundreds of projects however; I needed to purchase another new mini lathe for demonstration purposes and was pleased to see that Jet was coming out with a new variable speed lathe. When my new lathe finally arrived, I could not wait to tear into the box and start turning with “variable” speed. What I found was another well designed product from Jet Tools!
There were a few additional accessories I did acquire, such as the adjustable stand, the lathe bed extension and a four jaw Nova Chuck. The height adjustable stand offered a solid platform for the lathe when turning longer spindles and larger bowls and the four jawed chuck has a shorter profile than other current chucks.
The contents of the shipping carton contained:
 | Lathe with variable speed motor and tailstock |
| Tool rest, face plate, knock out rod, live center, spur center |
| Safety goggles, owner’s manual and warranty card. |
There was really no assembly required however it is good practice to check the lathe for any loose fittings and handles.
Specifications for the new variable speed mini lathe.
JML-1014VS:
|
Overall Dimensions (in.) L x W x H |
28 1/8 x 10 ¼ x 14 1/8 |
|
Weight Pounds |
69 |
|
Motor |
½ HP 115V only |
|
Swing Over Bed (in.) |
10 |
|
Swing Over Tool Rest Base (in.) |
7 1/2 |
|
Working Distance Between Centers (in.) |
14 |
|
Variable Speed Range (RPM) |
500 – 3,900 |
|
Headstock Spindle Threads (in. x T.P.I.) |
1 x 8 |
|
Headstock Spindle Taper |
MT-2 |
|
Tailstock Spindle Taper |
MT-2 |
|
Tailstock Ram Travel (in.) |
2 |
|
Toolrest Length (in.) |
6 |
To summarize my findings, I found the JML 1014VS mini lathe very easy to set up and use. The lathe runs smooth with little or no vibration from the slowest speed to the highest speed with just a turn of switch. This is a major advantage when turning out of balance objects and sanding. Knowing and working with the lathe for some time now, I would still have purchased this lathe and the overall rating for this product would be 4 ½ stars out of 5!
BG Artforms - 2189 Philip Drive - Bensalem, PA 19020 (888-717-4202)