My First Few Lathe Projects

Two weeks ago I was lucky enough to acquire a JET 1014vs mini lathe with some tools and accessories. Since getting it back in the shop I’ve made a lathe cart and tool rack. I shot video on those projects but won’t have them out until a week or two from now due to scheduling. In the mean time I’ve been turning scrap wood to get familiar with the turning tools. I also researched and watched a TON of “what not to do with this tool” lathe turning videos and did some slow speed turning to get first hand experience simulating those errors. I’ve found it just as beneficial to learn what not to do as learning what to do with each tool. With some testing experience and a bit of confidence I decided to try and make a few things. These are the results. I don’t have any progress video so I won’t go through the process of explaining each one. I’m just having a blast right now with this new tool and learning a new skill. I’ll be back this Sunday with a normal project video. Take care, Friends.

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18 COMMENTS

  1. Great start Jay,
    I have the same JET lathe and I love it! I am far from good at it but have managed to put new tool handles on many of my hand tools. I have also made a few pens. Its great fun!

  2. You’re on your way to having less time to do other things…it happens. When you start picking through your friend’s firewood pile for wood to turn you are officially hooked. When I lived in New Mexico I rescued loads of large Mesquite and Pinion Pine ‘firewood’ from friends.

  3. Making a lot of shavings looks like fun and you sure are picking up on how to use that lathe real quick very impressed

  4. I was just going to say not to keep the chuck wrench in the chuck but Bill nub R beat me to it.
    I was a machinist for a long time and have seen more than one accident because of that.
    I’ve been thinking of buying a small lathe when I can afford it so any input you can share will
    be greatly appreciated.

    Love your site,

    Pete

  5. Oh dear… turning… take a photo of your wallet now because it will never look the same again. You only thought woodwork was a tool vortex… you are really in one now. I know… I haven’t eaten in 8 years…. but you should see the tools I have!

  6. Nice work Jay. I have been doing a bunch of research about wood turning lately and hope to jump in real soon. Can’t wait to see some video.

  7. Is there a 12 Step program for your latest addiction? Great site and newsletters Jay. I always look forward to them.

    Love Brendan’s comment. So true.

    Mike

  8. I wish my first few lathe projects looked that good. I also wish I had a lathe that wasn’t twice as old as me. I can’t even buy parts for it anymore!

  9. Wow, impressive. You are such a jump in and get it done guy! I have the same lathe and have only completed a few projects but really like it. Since I don’t use it a lot I have found the Easy Tools Carbide tools to be very welcoming and easy to use. As you make lathe video’s I hope you will show how you “chuck up” each piece of wood. As simple as that may be, I find that can be intimidating and require more thought than expected on how to mount each piece to the lathe using the different options. Thanks again for your video’s! You have provided me lots of inspiration and knowledge.

  10. I WAS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT NOT LEAVING THE CHUCK KEY IN PLACE BUT JUST ABOUT EVERY ONE ELSE HAS BEAT ME TO IT . THAT WAS LESSON #I IN ANY SHOP THAT I LEARNED OVER 70 YEARS AGO.
    I HAVE AN OLDER WOOD LATHE , ONE WHERE YOU HAVE A 1/3 HP. MOTOR ON A HINGE WITH A 3 GROOVE STEP PULLEY WITH A REVERSE STEP PULLEY ON THE LATHE FOR SPEED CHANGES , NOT FANCY BUT I HAVE FUN WITH IT, ENJOY !!!

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