JET Wood Lathes: Mini, Midi and Full-Size Models With Add-Ons

Best for
All-round turners wanting slow-speed control

The JET 12″ x 21″ Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe is the middle of the range, a 1 HP machine on 115V power with a 12-inch swing and 21 inches between centers, according to the title. Its speed is split into three ranges: 60 to 900, 110 to 1,800 and 220 to 3,600 RPM. That very low 60 RPM floor is useful when you start an off-balance bowl blank, and the top range handles small spindles cleanly.

JET focuses the listing on control. It has a larger digital readout, a recessed power switch, a smooth transition from forward to reverse, a ratchet-style belt tension system, a spring-loaded spindle lock and 24 indexing positions for laying out flutes or evenly spaced holes. The tailstock uses an Acme thread. At 121 pounds it is a substantial benchtop machine. Choose it if you want room to grow beyond knobs and pens but do not have floor space for a full-size lathe. It gives way to the 1440 if you need long work, since the bed extension is not listed as compatible with this model.

• Three speed ranges from 60 to 3,600 RPM
• Forward and reverse
• 24 indexing positions and spindle lock
• 5-year warranty, 2 years for commercial use

Best for
Long spindles and large bowls

The JET 14″ x 40″ Variable Speed lathe is the largest machine here: 14-inch swing, 40 inches between centers, a 1 HP motor and 220 pounds of mostly cast iron. Its standout feature is a sliding headstock that pivots 360 degrees with seven locking positions (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 270 degrees), which lets you turn larger bowls off the end of the bed or reposition for comfort.

Speed is variable from 400 to 3,000 RPM with an easy-to-read display. That low end is higher than the 1221VS, so large off-balance blanks start faster. The title lists 115/230V single-phase power while the specifications show 115 volts, so confirm the wiring before you set it up. Improved tool rest clamping and a tailstock quill with an anti-rotation key round out the features. It suits makers who turn long parts, such as the legs of a stand or a banister-style post, and anyone who wants the option of adding the 20-inch bed extension.

• Sliding, pivoting headstock with 7 locking positions
• 400 to 3,000 RPM with RPM display
• Optional extension to 60 inches between centers

Best for
Knobs, pens and small bowls on a bench

The JET 10″ x 15″ Variable Speed lathe is the JET mini lathe in this group. It has a 10-inch swing and 15-1/2 inches between centers, a 1/2 HP DC motor and 72.6 pounds of cast iron in the bed, headstock, tailstock and tool support. Speed runs from 200 to 3,600 RPM across three belt-selected ranges (200-1050, 300-1750 and 600-3600) with an electronic dial for fine adjustment in each.

It comes ready to turn with a live center, spur center, 6-inch tool support, 3-inch faceplate and knockout rod, and carries a 5-year JET warranty. The 1-inch by 8 TPI spindle with MT2 taper accepts standard chucks, including the JET chuck set below, and 24 indexing positions are built in. The listing mentions an optional bed extension for this model but does not name the part, and the extension covered here is not listed as compatible. It suits beginners and makers turning arcade knobs, pens, small bowls and short spindles, and it gives way to the 1221VS when you need more swing or power.

• Cast iron construction throughout
• 200 to 3,600 RPM in three ranges
• Live center, spur center, faceplate and tool support included

Best for
Holding bowl blanks and knob stock

A chuck is the first upgrade most turners buy, because it grips a bowl blank or knob stock without screws in the base. The JET Lathe Chuck Set threads onto a 1-inch by 8 TPI spindle and is listed as fitting the JWL-1015, JWL-1221 and JWL-1440, which makes it a natural companion for any lathe in this article.

The self-centering chuck is nickel plated to resist rust and tightens with a stainless steel T-handle. The kit includes a 190mm faceplate with 16 grip studs plus several jaw sets; the description lists pin jaws, two sizes of round jaws and step jaws with grip ranges from 5mm up to 117mm, and the features say five jaw sets in total. It all packs into a hard plastic case with foam. The warranty is listed at 90 days, much shorter than the lathes themselves. Pair it with sharp tools; a good wood chisel set helps with the bench work around each turning.

• Fits 1 x 8 TPI spindles on all three JET lathes here
• Pin, round and step jaws plus a 190mm faceplate
• Hard case with foam inserts

Best for
JWL-1440VS owners turning long work

The JET 20-Inch Lathe Bed Extension is for JWL-1440VS owners. Bolted to the end of the bed, it extends capacity to 60 inches between centers. Mounted lower on the leg, it supports outboard turning and adds 18 inches of workpiece diameter. The listing mentions three mounting positions in total.

It includes a tool rest riser and post extension, hardware and a locking handle, and weighs 49.5 pounds. The listing clearly excludes the JWL-1442VS and JWL-1642EVS, and it does not list the 1221VS or 1015VS, so buy it only if you own or plan to own the 1440. The warranty is one year against manufacturing defects. The lathe is sold separately.

• 60 inches between centers on the JWL-1440VS
• Outboard position for larger diameters
• Tool rest riser included