3/4-horsepower motor; 550 to 3,000 rpm; 34-1/2-inch distance between centers
Cast-iron lathe bed, headstock, and tailstock; heavy-gauge steel components; metal motor housing
Includes lathe, stand, tool rest, 6 face plates, spur center, live center, face shield, tooling knockout
Editorial Review:
Motor Voltage: 115/230V Horsepower: 3/4 1Ph
To woodworkers who know the reputation of Jet products, the merit of this 12-inch variable-speed lathe should come as no surprise. Start with the guts of any tool, the motor. Prewired for 115 volts and fully encased in a metal housing for longer life, its 3/4-horses turn material at 500 to 3,000 rpm, depending on which of the six speeds you select. The cast-iron lathe bed, headstock, and tailstock provide superior vibration dampening and durability, while the heavy-gauge steel components and stand give rigid support. Pivoting 90 degrees for outboard turning of up to 16-1/2 inches on larger projects, the MT-2 headstock protects a Reeves drive pulley system with which we made quick and easy speed changes. Down on the other end, the hollow tailstock allows for longer hole bores and houses a live center, a luxury standard on all Jet lathes not found in much of the competition.
You'll love the versatility that comes with 34-1/2 inches between working centers and a 12-inch swing capability over the bed (8-3/4 inches over the tool-rest base). All adjustments, whether extending the ram its full 2-1/4 inches or sliding the 12-inch tool rest, move fluidly and clamp down tight with little effort. Designed for use over the long haul, this tool has all the qualities professional woodworkers demand. --Justin Paul
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Excellent lathe for the money!:
I have been running this lathe constantly for about 2 years now. It has run smoothly and consistently since new. The power is great for most medium to large turnings as well. I turn mostly lamp spindles, pens, pepper mills, candlesticks and other type turnings and it is very smooth and precise. I have found that the transmission shifts smoothly and with little effort. The only CON that I would mention is that the working height is much too low for me. I prefer to stand while working at the lathe. I am 6'... more info
The best lathe for the money!!!!!!!!!:
I have had this lathe for about 4 years now. It is very well built and the folks at Jet really did their homework when they designed this one. It has some features that you usually only see on more expensive lathes. First off, it was very easy, and quick to set up. The head stock on it offers the user the ability to make alot of different items, from pins to large bowls and plates, since it is very easy and quick to turn the head stock to the side to accomadate large turning projects. The tail stock is very... more info
design flaw:
I purchased the Jet JWL-1236 lathe approx. 4 yrs. ago and I have really enjoyed using it for making pens, tops, boxes, bowls, & a few odds & ends. The only real problem I have encountered is the location of the motor. The fine dust created by sanding gets inside the motor & gums it up. Mine just burned up the other day & it will cost $193 basic cost for a new one. I hate to think that it will need to be replaced every five yrs. or so. No price break for owning six Jet products including the... more info
JET708352JWL1236:
WOW! what a difference from the old lathe. the variable speeds, the head swings out 90 deg. the tool rest goes to the left of the power head and it is very quiet and almost vibration free with out any weights. I think the price is very fair for what you receive. At least 4.5 stars. r.t.schmidt wisconsin
