recomend a lathe

[richard gaudet]

i'm interested in buying a wood lathe in 700$ or less range.i'm looking at the jet or delta 14" swing x 36" long bed.any suggestions would be appreciated. thank you

[George]

I've got the Delta. Had if for over 4 years now and have had nothing but good experiences. I think the Jet is very close to the Delta, but don't know anyone that has one. Good luck.

[Charlie Cadenhead]

I've had a Jet 1236 lathe for about 1 1/2 years now and really like it. It is a well made machine and runs smoothly. If I had it to do over again, I'd still buy the Jet 1236. I'm happy with it.

Charlie

[woodmannie]

What about Craftsman? It has veriable speed, as well as 15" inboard, 20" outboard, and a 38" bed. I have one and it is great. It cost $450, and was well worth it. Hope I helped.

[Joe]

I have a Grizzly and am quite happy with it. The only downside with the Grizzly is that the tool rest and live center are cheesy and you'll have to buy new ones. If I were in your shoes, I would either get the Griz or the Jet. The jet looks like its just as good, plus its a little easier to get parts for it because the spindle on the headstock on the Griz is 1"x12TPI and the Jet is (I believe) 1",8 TPI.

Joe

[Ernie]

Woodmannie

I am looking at the Craftsman 15" variable speed lathe model 21717. Is this the one you have? I like the features and the cast iron bed but I haven't had a chance to use one. If you have this one or another model please drop me a note with any good or bad details/features you can expand on.

Thanks Ernie from Virginia Beach, VA