Guys, do you think this little guy will work fine for turning plugs?

Specs:

Speed (rpm) 1600 & 3000
pen mandrel MT-0
Swing over bed (in) 3 1/2
Working distance between centers (in) 8
Spindle thread (T.P.I. 3/4 x 16
Headstock & tailstock spindle bore MT-0
toolrest length (in) 6 5/16
motor 1/12 HP 130V dc, 0.5A
weight 12.5 lbs


Here is the website address to take a look at it:

http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/index.cfm?area=shop&action=detail&iid=139217

Thanks in advance for taking a look.





708329 - JPL-358: JET Pen Lathe

Manufacturer:
JET

Stock Number:
708329


View more items under:
Lathes, Woodworking

I saw those Striperhound and they may work...."may work"...but for a little extra money you can get a real nice lathe that will definitely turn you some nice plugs.....short money, buy the Grizzly on-line for $150.00. I got mine used from Bassmaster and I think he got it from The Specialist....its still turning out plugs, has seen alot of use and I think its a pretty great machine! A little more than that and you can get a Jet midi or a Delta.....leave that little toy for the pen turners.....;) get yourself a big boy toy!:D

Just my .02 cents.

jet mini's been on amazon for short $$$, real workhorse, worth the few extra $$$.

Got it as a gift for x-mas. So I either got to call the father in law and tell him he got the wrong one or suck it up and make it work. It just seems like it is on the light side and will be very limited in what it can do. Im also unsure if you can get a duplicator for it and some of the other accessories I would like to get. What to do?

SH,i'm no expert but the Jet mini would be more to your liking for turning plugs. 1/2 hp and 14in between centers is going to allow you to turn larger plugs. I have the Jet mini and love it,but alot of guys love the grizzlty too.

Father in law gave it to you?:huh: Your on your own:laughs::D

only 8 inches between centers.... you wont be making any needles...

Try and sell it to a pen maker, and get the bigger one.

am i reading correctly 1/12 th HP ? ...thats just not enough. stay away from that thing, u need 1/2 hp or more.

Just be honest with him Striperhound...he would want you to have the correct equipment. Honesty is the best policy. ;) I am sure once you explain it to him he will be happy to assist.:D

Bigfish nailed it:)

I just ordered the Jet from Amazon. I wasn't planning to buy a lathe, but got tired of the same old NJ Tackle blanks I've been painten and took the plunge. It actually was a very good deal. Came to about $225 with free shipping. I guess I'll be needing the accesories next.
Can anybody advise me which toolset and drill chuck I'm going to need. Also, its got about 6 speeds. Do you guys spin fast or slow.
I would think it could be dangerous if misused.
Thanx for the input
Happy Holidays
Dan:)

pedal to the medal on the small diameters we turn, and keep your tools sharp.

Gotta agree with Big Fish, honesty is best. You could either be honest now, or later when he asks how the plug making is going and you gotta tell him you burned up the lathe. The Grizzly 8690 lathe is a decent lathe for around $150. Made 100's of plugs on mind before I got the Jet. Still use the Grizzly some too.

Jigman

Thanks for the feedback guys! I called my father in law last night and he is a tool man so appreciates having the right tool for the job. He went ahead and ordered the Jet mini and is having it shipped to me. He asked me to try and sell the other one for him so this little puppy is for sale now.

:btu:

Ya got a great Father in law there SH:) Enjoy:D
You should be able to sell it on e bay.

I have a Rigid lathe and I think I spin at 1375 rpms. I agree you need to keep your tools very sharp. I touch up my gouge and other spinning tools between each plug and if they feel dull, during the turning of a plug. I ll check the speed when I get home.