Jet 1442 vs 1642

[Gregg Feldstone]

I noticed the Jet lathes have free shipping from Amazon now. Is $1400 a good price for the 1642?
Do you get a lot more for $500 more with the 1642 (besides 2"swing and +1/2 hp)? I noticed the 1642 weighing 400lb and the 1442 only 200lb. Where is the extra weight? Can anyone recommend a better lathe for $1400 total than the 1642?

[Chris Rolke]

i have the 1642

it has a truely variable speed while the 1442 has a reeves drive setup

the 1642 will go down to 50 rpm

[John Timberlake]

I have the 1442 and it works well for me. Seems like your weights are off, since the legs on mine are 75 pounds a piece. Main difference is the truly variable speed that will go down to low rpm on the 1642. 1442 will only go to about 450 and the lathe has to be running when you change speeds. If you can swing the extra money, go with the 1642, particularly for larger bowls.

[Christopher K. Hartley]

Gregg, having owned the 1442VSK I can tell you it is a good lathe but the 1642 for the money you stated is a steal in my book if that includes the legs. I know some have had problems with the 1442 but I didn't and I would recommend it highly in it's price category.

[Greg Stanford]

For $1400 I don't think you'll find a better lathe, I wish I'd paid that for mine. I've got the 1642 & am very happy w/ it.

[Don Orr]

That's a great price for a wonderful machine. I have one and have turned on a few 1442's. I like the 1442, but the 1642 is a lot more machine and definitely worth the difference in price.

Have fun with whichever you get !

[Steve Schlumpf]

One of the 'problems' with turning is that people outgrow their lathes and then have to upgrade. If you can swing the extra money - go for the 1642 as it will last you for a long time. I have the 2 hp 220 version and love it! Like the others have stated - the variable speed makes all the difference! As far as weight - you can always add a ballast box under the lathe and fill it with sand bags or concrete.

Good luck with your decision and remember to post photos once you have your new machine!

[Neal Addy]

I drive a 1442 and like it but the 1642 is a lot more lathe for the money. And that price is great.

If you can swing the $1400 this is a no brainer.

[Tom Steyer]

I have the 1642-2hp version and am extremely pleased with it. In either version, the 1642 is clearly superior to the 1442. Not only the electronic variable speed others have mentioned, but overall beefier construction - banjo, headstock, tail stock and quill, plus a much more substantial motor. If you have 220 available in your shop, I would go with the 2-hp version of the 1642 - well worth it for an extra $200.

[Bobby Perry]

I have the 1642 and wouldn't trade it for anything. It has been great. I got it from Woodcraft for $1300 plus free shipping when they had a sale. The delivery guy even unloaded it into my shop and moved the box around to where I wanted it.

[Frank Kobilsek]

I'm with Bobby but I would trade it for a PM 3520. I have the 1.5 HP 1642 and its a great machine. I paid $1405 for mine at a trade show 3 1/2 years ago. Back then list on the machine was close to $2100.

For the price I believe it is the best machine on the market.

Frank

[Richard Madison]

What they said. Two years from now you will never miss the extra $$ and you will have had a better machine for 2 years. Get the 2 hp 1642 NOW. It will also give you an extra year or two (or more) before you have to order the PM. Unless you are into segmenting, there is not a lot of wood easily available that will exceed the capacity of the 16. If you get the 14, this time next year you will be wishing you got the 16.

[Tom Steyer]

Just got an email flyer from Rockler this morning. It appears they are offering the 2-hp 1642 for $1,399 delivered - a really excellent price!