In response to the increasing popularity of woodturning, and the desire of turners to have big-lathe capabilities in a limited shop space, JET now offers the new 1221VS Woodworking Lathe. Its showcase feature is three speed ranges that are optimally designed to meet unique woodturning needs. The slow speed range of 60 to 900 rpm is ideal for intricate turnings and threading tasks; a middle range (110 to 1800 rpm) is geared for sanding and finishing jobs; and 220 to 3600 rpm is suitable for general turning and shaping small-diameter items. Belt changes should be quick and easy to perform with the machine’s ratchet-style belt tension system, and you’ll know the exact spindle speed, thanks to a digital readout. The 1221VS also can be set to reverse, and company literature indicates that this can be done without stopping the machine first. There is 21-1/2 in. of working distance between centers and a 12-in. swing over the machine’s cast-iron bed. Both the head- and tailstocks are also cast-iron for stability. Twenty-four indexing positions are provided in the headstock, and they can be set with a spring-loaded spindle lock. The tailstock is Acme threaded with a through-hole.
Optional accessories for the new lathe include a lathe stand with a wide stance, a 22-in. bed extension, an extension stand and a storage basket. JET has also partnered with the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) to offer a complimentary one-year electronic membership to purchasers of the new lathe who are not current AAW members. The AAW membership opportunity runs through December 31, 2013. JET backs the lathe with a 5-year warranty and the company’s RED Assurance™ pledge of Reliability (unparalleled customer service and tech departments), Expertise (750 service centers in 50 states) and Dependability (quick access to a variety of product information through jettools.com). The new 1221VS Woodworking Lathe sells for $799.99 and is available now through JET dealers.
Accessories, which are also available now, will sell for the following prices: lathe stand — $348; bed extension — $199; and bed extension stand — $107.