JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 115V 1Ph (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.

Jet made a great quality lathe. Was a little nervous ordering this through Amazon, and though it did arrive with what looked like a kicked in hole in the box, the lathe itself was unharmed.This thing is surprisingly quite. Variable speed on the fly is very convenient. The stock spur, plate and live end work great, lined up perfect. Very strong tool guide, and came with two sizes, but could use a larger one. Also a smoother edge on the tool guide would of been great too.My experience with this machine so far has been simple and smooth. Took it out of the box. Put it on a folding table I happen to have in the garage, changed the belt speed. Dropped a piece of fire wood into it, and started turning. It was simple to figure out. If anything changes, I will update. As of right now. Very happy with this buy and very excited to continue turning.

Have only had less than a year but it's been a great lathe

I've been using my new 1221VS Jet lathe for a couple of weeks now and I am very impressed! I wore out a smaller 10x18 Chinese lathe in four years and decided this Jet model is the one I wanted as a replacement. Not only because of the increased diameter and length capacities, but It has all the features that I didn't have before, such as variable speed, reverse direction, built in speed indicator, spindle lock and indexing feature. Great lathe and I am enjoying more woodturning with my new set up. This one is better quality, made in Taiwan, and all of my attachments from the smaller lathe fit right on with no modifications, 5/8" tool rests, MT2 taper and 1x8 inch threads on the drive and a more powerful motor. Well worth the price and the free shipping saved me $75 - $100, which is an added advantage. Since I already had 3 different sized quality after-market tool rests I won't be using the 2 rests that came with this lathe, they are functional, but in my opinion, would need a lot of filing and polishing to be usable. Five stars all the way!

The lathe was bought for the reverse capability as well as the variable speed arrangement. I found that changing the belt for the different speed ranges was fairly easy, and the locking mechanism works great. I would have liked a bit bigger LCD display and speed knob, I'll adapt. It takes a few seconds to get up to speed, but once there runs smooth and quiet. The banjo and tail stock slide smoothly and lock easily. All in all I'm very pleased with the lathe, and if it weren't for the missing mounting hole would have given it five stars. I highly recommend the lathe, just be prepared for less than quality shipping.My only complaint regarding the lathe is the lack of quality control, consequently the loss of one star. Three of the mounting holes are threaded for the supplied bolts, however the fourth hole is, for all purposes, non-existent. It's either filled with something or was never drilled and tapped to begin with. It should never have left wherever it was made like this, it's mounted with three only bolts to the stand. I own a few of (expensive) Jet tools, and this is the first one that I've bought that was less than excellent quality.My biggest concern was the handling of the lathe during shipment, as the pictures show. The box was dropped numerous times (about 140 lbs) and the banjo and tail stock both came loose, thankfully the only damage was to some paint being scraped off. Pieces fell out of the box when delivered, and one was found in the street after the UPS truck left. Both straps were gone, and only the indentation where they were indicated that they were there at one time.

This Jet 1221 is a replacement for a small WEN lath to facilitate making pen and rings. This lathe is the right size for a small shop and the accuracy has taken my work to the next level. Easy to set up and perfect construction made of heavy cast iron.

I had a low-end manual speed change WEN lathe which worked fine but tired of changing belt position for different speeds and only 4 speed options. So, I decided to buy a variable speed and from a brand name like Jet, but it turned out a total disaster.1) Variable Speed dial is almost unusable. a very minute turn increases or decreases the speed significantly and it is dangerous especially during the initial roughing stage.2) Late wobbles very bad above 500 rpm. It wobbles so bad that cannot approach the piece when above 500 or 700 rpm. It got to be something to do with the faulty assembly, parts or quality. I don't have the same issue with my old, much cheaper WEN lathe.Extremely poor speed control, accuracy and stability. I am totally disappointed. Return, repair etc., are not practical due to the size, weight, etc. I just wasted 1K and regret it. I don't know what my options are here. I think I will never take a chance again with Jet brand considering this experience.

Like most new turners I believe this is a good starter wood lathe. So far I have turned 5 bowls with success. Along with the lathe I bought a PSI barracuda chuck and a drill chuck. I purchased this last August and I did have an issue with the head stock mounting bolts coming loose. I called Tech support for advise and they were excellent. With the help of a buddy I removed the bolts and added blue lock tight to prevent this from happening in the future. If you buy this lathe check the head stock bolts and make sure they are tight. Also verify the tail stock alignment is aligned to the head stock. I set my belt to the middle position. The belt speeds overlap enough to where I think the middle position will work for 99% of turning. Read the manual. The variable speed is awesome and the LED indicator seems to be accurate. What else can I say, don't be afraid to by this lathe. It is an excellent product. If it was made in the states I'm sure I would have not had the issue with the head stock. It is money well spent for a beginner turner.

Sturdy and vibration free. Variable speed is a great plus. Very enjoyable part-time during self isolation.