I'm Buying A Lathe! Choice of two, advice needed.

[Paddington]

Well folks, I'm buying a lathe this week. I'm very excited about this!

However, I have a choice of two models and can't decide between the two. The first model is a 'Jet JWL-1220 Woodturning Lathe'. (http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... 24867.htm.)

The second model is a 'Jet JML-1014 Mini Wood Lathe'. (http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0).

If you were going to purchase one, what would you go for?

I would also be grateful of any advice on what I would need to start making pipes on the lathe. I'm guessing I would need some specialist equipment -- like the equipment detailed in Pimo's guide? What would be the basic setup?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm quite excited.

[KurtHuhn]

Given those two, I'd opt for the 1220. The increased mass of the bigger lathe will help with cutting down vibration from off-center turning. Also, I own a 1014, and there have been times when I've wanted those extra two inches for larger platters and bowls. So, if I had to do it all over again, I think I'd buy the 1220.

[ckr]

Jet makes a fine lathe. I also have the 1014 and for pipe making I never needed the extra two inches but I would not turn it down. My regrets are that I did know about the variable speed model when I bought it or I would have opted for that. Changing the belt to another set of pulleys is ackward at best and something I could live without.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?P ... lyID=63432

The decision I am happy about is I got the extension bed.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?P ... lyID=63431

It adds a lot of stability and I appreciate being able to push the chucked up drills and stuff far back out of harms way. Quite sure I would have backed my head into a drill bit by now if I hadn't.

As always, shop for the best prices/shipping.

accessories: One way chuck/tower jaws with spindle adapter (Or equivalent); M2 taper jacobs chuck are pretty much required.

[Frank]

I agree 100%, if you can afford it, get the 1220 with variable speed. Changing belts can be a pain in the arse.

Since it's a wood turning lathe, you still have to address the problem of making accurately fitting tenons. You could get one of those tenon turning tools or use Kurt's delrin tenon method.

Other than the two chucks mentioned, buy accessory tools as and when you need them, otherwise you end up with box of stuff that's rarely, if ever, used. I would say, plan the next pipe you intend to make, then browse through this section of Pipedia to get an idea of what tools you'll need: http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Pipe_Making