I did not want to steal the thread below about lathe choices, but did notice Bill's comment, "The Jet mini (fixed speeds, NOT the VS -- please don't get the VS)". So my question is, is the fixed speed the one you manually change the belt on the pulley and the VS has the Variable Speed (thus the VS) option? If so, what is the rationale for the emphatic declaration? I am looking for a smaller second lathe to turn small items on and have for guests (my daughters, their boyfriends, my nephew and a few buddies that stop by and drool but live pay check to pay check poorly). I like the reeves drive option on my Craftsman so was thinking of spending the extra money on the VS until I read that. So, what gives?