JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 115V 1Ph (Model JWL-1221VS)

Hello!My new favorite hobby would not be possible without this amazing tool. I love this Lathe, but it is the only one Ive ever owned, so take that lightly. It is wonderful for beginners because it has enough power to do almost anything I want/am capable of doing yet not enough to completely destroy me if I make an error. I don't know if I'd call it a beginner lathe or not, but I don't care. I love this tool.The centering was right on point. Everything fired up without any problem. It is also very heavy, so it doesn't get thrown around much.The speed changeover for belting up and down is a GOD SEND. I wish more of my older tools used this ratcheting system because it is soooo nice. Simply press, lift, change, and press again. Click, click, click and you are ready to roll. Amazing.The rests are pretty nice and everything on the tool can be tightened down nicely. The only issue I had was that the slide would occasionally catch when I was backing it off but it was an easy fix. Overall finish is very nice.My only complaint is that it occasionally reads the wrong RPMs on the digital readout. Its documented that this is caused by low voltage, but it changes on the ON/OFF cycle, sometimes within a few seconds. It's never random-for example, it will either read 1900 or 3600 at max, never anything else. My power where I am is pretty dicey as far as voltage is concerned, so I am assuming that is the problem, but it's pretty annoying to not have a believable readout on RPMs. It also fails slow, not fast, which can be dangerous at low speeds with Cole Jaws. Luckily, I'm aware of the issue so I plan for it. This issue and that the speed knob is a little lower quality than I would like are my only issues. The whole machine is so awesome that it makes me a little sad that they cheaped out on the controls. Again, the RPM issue may be my fault. I have checked my voltage before though, and it reads fine.Given all that, I absolutely love this tool and am planning on having it for a long time.

Quality wood lathe - I have been turning wood for some time and this lathe is well made and does a great job. Great value as well

Just started wood turning. High-quality lathe in terms of all metal components, drive system, and stand. Easy to set up and and use. Variable speed is excellent. Super easy to change belt drive speeds. However, plastic on/off switch housing cracked. Still works but made it more difficult to turn on and off. Called Jet customer service. They were very helpful and express shipped a new switch housing. Should not be difficult to replace. Sometimes small plastic parts crack, and I can’t blame Jet for this. Very happy thus far.Update: 18 months later. Changed review from 4 stars to 5 stars. New switch was sent immediately after contact with customer service. Easily swapped out. No problems whatsoever since. It’s really a great tool with a modest price and footprint. So far very happy with every Jet product purchased to date.

Really nice lathe but took 3 tries. I took off a star because of the packaging and quality control on one of them.The 1st one I received was in a badly mangled box with missing parts. The Styrofoam was completely crushed and the box was torn and gouged - I exchanged it right away without attempting to try it out. The 2nd one I received also had shipping damage (broken power switch) and a very noisy rear head-stock bearing. This lathe is heavy and a pain to box it back up but I decided it was worth giving it another try. So crossed my toes and exchanged it again. The Amazon return process was seamless and I received the replacement lathe before the scheduled pick-up of the exchanged one (both times).As to the lathe:It runs very quiet and smooth. The second one I had was pretty noisy in reverse but #3 is quiet in both directions.I'm pretty sure the noise on #2 was from the motor brushes and can imagine this would be common for reversible lathes until the brushes seat in.The variable speed is nice but the control is somewhat jumpy especially when going from lowest speed up a notch. In the lowest range, mine jumps from about 50 rpm to 120 rpm with a slight turn of the dial. Not a big deal for me since I'm not turning metal. So far, I've left it in the middle speed range in actual use and am usually in the 500 to 1100 rpm range.I bought the bed extension so I can do table legs or other longer projects. I went this way instead of going for the 14 inch because I can move the lathe around in parts if needed. If I remove the tail-stock and the tool rest, I can (just barely if I'm rested and had my Wheaties that day) haul the machine to another bench or take it outside. I have a very small shop and sometimes need the space.The first machine I received was never tested so I can only say that one of the 3 had quality control issues (the bearing). My only other concern is that I think there should be better packaging for such a heavy item.If you get one in good shape, I think you'll be very happy with it.

This is an amazingly solid product, it's perfect for the new turner but high-quality enough for you to use year after year after year. You'll grow into it but won't wish you would have bought a more expensive lathe. I absolutely LOVE this thing.