JET 708360 JWL-1642EVS-2 Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 2-Horsepower 230-Volt 1-Phase

Reviews of JET 708360 JWL-1642EVS-2 Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 2-Horsepower 230-Volt 1-Phase

1.) a very fine, well designed lathe
Reviewed by: gusser33 Windsor Locks, Ct United States
Rating:
This lathe is a sleeper. Truly. I have researched lathes for months because i wanted exactly the right lathe. My requirements were, smooth operation, variable speed, quiet, vibration free and heavy.

After much research and hands on evaluation I decided on and purchased the jet jet 1642-2EVS (708360) 2 hp lathe. It is the first machine that I have ever purchased that was not assembled and at first was somewhat annoyed that is was still in the crate but assembly was relatively simple. I removed the parts piece by piece from the truck. the legs are very heavy and luckily i had help. The bed was very heavy and somewhat of a challange to get it up on the legs, but assembly was very simple. Every hole was perfectly aligned. It was in a crate, very well protected and neatly packed.

Before i go into the details of the lathe i would like to give you some information on the prodcuts that i did evaluate and consider. The first unit was the NOVA. It was ok, i thought rather light and expensive for what it really was. Everything was an add on, and it started at nearly $2,000. It didn't impress me. The DELTA was a nice lathe. Very clean design but it just didn't have the weight. It would have been my second choice. The ONEWAY. It was just too darn big. Really nice machine if you win the lottery. It just kind of screamed "look what i got" Too yuppie. It was my last choice.

So, anyway, i purchased the jet. I went for the two hp model only because i wanted a 220 unit. They have lower operating costs and the dollar difference wasn't that great. I was surprised that they do not come with a plug, but that was no big deal.

Tonight i cleaned it up and got it running. After all the research i did, i didn't realize it wouldn't take my Delta chuck. It has a 1-1/2 x 8 screw and my Delta accessories have a 1 x 8. No big deal, they have an adaptor. Phew!!!!!!!!!
Everything was in perfect allignment. I turned it on and just stood there admiring the smooth operation. I have no vibration at any speed. The lack of noise impressed me very much. I just cut a bunch of trial pieces. Magnificant. I can't express enough how happy i am with this selection. Everything about it is quality.

2.) THE LAST ONE FOR ME !
Reviewed by: Woodworker Utah
Rating:
Owned this Jet 2 HP lathe model 1642 over two years now and haven't any regrets. Very heavy duty for the price and compared to a Oneway, what's the difference, price or the bragging rights like the review said below. This is built like a tank, but runs like a Cadillac, very smooth while passing the nickel test over and over. I had test drove the 1 1/2 HP Jet and the 2 HP Oneway before buying this and for $100.00 more then the Jet 1 1/2 HP and $1500.00 less then the 2 HP Oneway, no brainer. Even tested the two delta 2 HP lathes same price, no thanks on steel beds, I only like iron cast. The Nova was nice to, I just don't like the snap together bed for the price. Saved my money for nice wood and more turning tools, also banking the extra dough.


3.) BEST LATHE
Reviewed by: J.F. Salt Flats
Rating:
Had the Jet 2hp 1642 for about a year now and have tried to write a review, maybe because I did not buy online. Well worth the money, very heavy and designed for the professional wood turner. If you like to brag, buy a Oneway, if you like to turn, buy a Jet 2Hp 1642 and save your money to buy nice wood. In my shop, I buy different makes of tools for how well they are built and to have the very best out of them, not the cost.

4.) "GREAT LATHE"
Reviewed by: Mitchell gray
Rating:
When I started looking for a bigger lathe, and I looked at all of them, I looked very seriously at oneway, because I already have one of thier chucks and some of thier other accesories and was very inpressed with them. However a friend of mine has a JET 1642 and turns out some very impressive segmented bowls with it... that recommendation and the quality of his lathe compared to the oneway price and the more versitile 1642EVS-2 did the trick. I bought the two horse 220 machine and I am really impressed with the balance and noise level,, (there is very little).
The machine will do much more than I am capable of and look forward to doing some more challenging projects. I already have turned a 12 inch green red oak bowl with no problem at all... as far as the machine is concerned...!!! Great lathe and and accesories that came with it.
I used to be a Delta biggot but have since bought more Jet tools, good equipment for the money.

5.) Great Lathe
Reviewed by: E. Swanson Stillwater, MN United States
Rating:
Great Delivery, Easy assembly, product lives up to all other reviews. No vibration at any rpm. My first turning - a set of 4 inch square table legs. Very little effort, no vibration. Sanding at 3000 rpm's was very nice. Very happy with this lathe.


6.) A wonderful lathe. Beware the vortex :)
Reviewed by: YMMV Savannah, GA
Rating:
I've been doing woodworking for years now, but it has been all flat work. I bought a mini lathe to make some small legs and handles, well I discoverd the vortex. Turning is so much fun. I've found a new woodworking love. I still like flat work, but this has become my new passion. I had decided to save for a larger lathe that could handle bowls, plates and such, and had intended to get the PM 3520b. Until Jet had a special on the 1642EVS-2 for 1699. Well ToolNut had it even cheaper with free shipping for sixteen hunderd even (Thanks again ToolNut). The lathe is Jet's top of the line and seems great so far. No issues with anything. I can see myself keeping this lathe for the rest of my life.

Not much to add to the other reviews, fit and finish is good (not the best I've seen but good). Form and Function is excellent, they have made a solid lathe everything works perfectly. Good tail stock, live center, rest, strong motor, easy to use belt adjustment, handy tool tray.
The only negatives for me is the height of the lathe (I'm 5'6") and it is a bit light (but can be easily weighted down with the built in base.

Just add a chuck of your choice, some turning tools and wood :)

I'll add an update to the review after a year.

7.) great product
Reviewed by: gless cincinnati oh
Rating:
I have been a wood lathe turner for 20+ years who has turned on many machines. This lathe is awesome! Smooth, powerful a joy to turn with. I turned my first bowl on it in half the time as my old lathe.

It was easy to set up and worked great out of the box. The Amazon free shipping was amazing, I got it in 3 days!

8.) Electrical problems
Reviewed by: Richard E. Mahany II
Rating:
I have a number of Jet tools and they have served me well, but this tool has been an expensive disappointment. I bought the 2hp model several years ago. Upon start up, the speed control smoked big time in less than 2 hours. Jet provided an authorized repair service within 5 days. Unfortunately, they brought the wrong replacement module and I waited another week for the repair. Since the electronic motor controller was more than the repair service was used to, they replaced the motor and inverter/speed control as a set. The new motor was noisy after the replacement at several speeds and made a scraping sound inside whereas the original motor was smooth and quiet. Just after the warranty expired, the motor began to sound increasingly more noisy and suddenly stopped working. The lathe has approximately only 40 hours of total use. I called Jet and explained the situation, but the only option available to me was to buy a replacement motor for $400 plus tax and shipping.

As an owner of 6 Jet tools, I was very disappointed and will seriously consider upgrading to a more robust lathe from another manufacturer. If you consider the ~ $2K price of the lathe, and another $475 for a replacement motor, it makes sense to consider lathes from the other suppliers as it may save money and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Features of JET 708360 JWL-1642EVS-2 Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 2-Horsepower 230-Volt 1-Phase

708360 Features: -16'' x 42'' EVS PRO wood lathe. -JWL-1642-2EVS. -2HP. -Assembly required. -Dimensions: 27.5'' H x 28.5'' W x 58.5'' D.

JET's JWL-1642EVS-2 Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe provides accuracy, capability, durability, and value. With the versatility of its sliding headstock, electronic variable speed, and capacity for large spindle or bowl projects, this lathe is ideal for serious wood turners and novices alike.

Cast-Iron Construction for Stability and Vibration-Free Operation
Designed to take on projects both large and small with its 16-inch swing and 42-inch capacity, the JWL-1642EVS-2 has a heavy-duty, cast-iron bed to ensure long-term accuracy and smooth operation. The leg sets are also made of sturdy cast iron and feature widely spaced feet with adjustable pads to maintain a solid, secure stance, even on uneven surfaces. The legs make the JWL-1642EVS-2's spindle (center) height a comfortable 44.5 inches above the floor.

The high-strength spindle is supported by rigid headstock. View larger.

The strong three-phase motor ensures plenty of power. View larger.

The tailstock's ram has graduations for precise drilling. View larger.

This Jet wood lathe is cast from heavy-duty iron that ensures its operation remains smooth and accurate. View larger.

For added ease of operation, a handy swing-out basket is mounted below the bed for tool and supply storage. A cast-iron tool rest maintains rigidity and is easy to position with its long handle.

10-Degree Spindle Increments and Easy-Release Headstock for Versatility
The JWL-1642EVS-2's cast-iron headstock provides rigid support for the motor and high-strength spindle. Thanks to built-in internal indexing, the large-diameter spindle can be locked in 36 positions, which translates to 10-degree increments for drilling, fluting, grooving, and other operations. To increase versatility, the headstock can be moved to any position along the bed by simply releasing its lock with an easy-to-use handle.

For added convenience, the push-button spindle lock on the front of the spindle gives you a simple, tool-free way to lock the spindle for installing or removing the faceplate, chuck, or other screw-down accessories.

Powerful, Fan-Cooled Motor for Long-Term, Robust Performance
JWL-1642EVS-2 is equipped with a two-horsepower, three-phase, 230-volt motor that's fan cooled to resist dust contamination. Additionally, dial-operated infinite-speed controls on the front of the headstock allow you to match the ideal speed to the job. At the same time, a large digital LED makes it easy to monitor the spindle speed, and a toggle switch on the front panel lets you choose forward or reverse spindle directions.

This lathe also uses a precision-made stepped pulley system that creates distinct low (zero to 1,200 RPM) and high (up to 3,200 RPM) speed ranges. The pulleys are driven by a serpentine-style belt that is designed for smooth power transmission, low slippage, and dramatically reduced heat generation when compared to a V-belt.

Easy-to-Lock, Large Tailstock for Stability
The large tailstock has the mass and wide base needed for stability, and it slides to the end of the bedway for easy outboard turning. The large ram has a full, four-inch travel, which is operated by an easy-to-turn, five-inch-diameter hand wheel that's fitted with a spinner handle. Additionally, the ram has the popular #2 Morse taper and a 3/8-inch diameter through hole, which is convenient for drilling lamp bases. And like the tool rest base, a large handle makes it easy to lock the tailstock securely in place.

The JWL-1642EVS-2 comes with a five-year warranty.

About JET
JET began by selling air hoists and trolleys out of a hardware store in Seattle, Washington in 1958. Since then, JET has sold everything from snowmobiles to transmitter radios, forklifts, and nylon stockings. By the early 1970s, however, metalworking had become the base of JET's business, and by the 1980s, the company had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.

What's in the Box
Lathe, two cast-iron legs, one tailstock, one headrest, one tool rest body, one tool basket, one guard assembly, warranty card, assorted accessories, and manual.


1.) Variable speed control for matching the tool speed to a wide variety of turning applications;
2.) Weighs 420 Pound for optimal stability and reduced vibration;
3.) Superior cam lock lever mechanisms for moving the headstocks, tool rests and tailstocks without any tools;
4.) Superior cam lock lever mechanisms for moving the headstocks, tool rests and tailstocks without any tools Includes long tool rests, faceplates, live centers, spur centers, spindle locks, indexing locks and knockout bars for getting up and running posthaste;
5.) Legs with special webbings for 2 by 4s or tool and sandbag shelving;

Package Height x Length x Width: 58.5 in. x 58.5 in. x 28.5 in.
Package Weight: 456.01 lbs.

Accessories for JET 708360 JWL-1642EVS-2 Electronic Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 16-Inch Swing 42-Inch between Centers 2-Horsepower 230-Volt 1-Phase