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JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 1Ph 115V (Model JWL-1221VS)

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 616 ratings

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Variable Speed Wood Lathe
  • Choose from three optimally-designed speed ranges (60-900/110-1,800/220-3,600)
  • Innovative ratchet-style belt tension system (patent pending)
  • Redesigned controls feature a larger DRO and recessed power switch
  • Forward to reverse is a smooth transition
  • Integrated, spring-loaded spindle lock
  • 24 integrated indexing positions
  • Acme thread in tailstock
See more product details

Customer ratings by feature

For beginners
4.4 4.4
Value for money
4.1 4.1
Tech Support
3.7 3.7

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JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 1Ph 115V (Model JWL-1221VS)
Jet JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 1Ph 115V (Model JWL-1221VS)
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Price$318.82$636.92$2,359.99$729.99$1,619.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it Thursday, Apr 4
Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31
Get it Thursday, Apr 4
Customer Ratings
For beginners
4.4
4.4
4.1
3.3
4.4
4.2
Value for money
4.1
4.6
4.2
4.0
4.4
4.4
Tech Support
3.7
4.3
3.5
4.1
2.9
4.5
Sold By
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Yellowhammer Tool Works
Amazon.com

From the manufacturer

JET Wood Lathes Woodworking
JET JWL-1015, 10" x 15" Woodworking Lathe (719100) JET JWL-1015VS, 10" x 15" EVS Woodworking Lathe (719110) JET JWL-1221VS, 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe (719200) JET JWL-1440VS, 14" x 40" Woodworking Lathe (719400)
JET 10" x 15" Woodworking Lathe (JWL-1015) JET 10" x 15" EVS Woodworking Lathe (JWL-1015VS) JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe (JWL-1221VS) JET 14" x 40" Woodworking Lathe (JWL-1440VS)
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
154
4.5 out of 5 stars
81
4.5 out of 5 stars
616
4.4 out of 5 stars
27
Electricals 1/2HP, 115V, Single Phase 1/2HP, 115V, Single Phase 1HP, 115V, Single Phase 1HP, 115V, Single Phase
Swing Over Bed (in.) 10 10 12.5 14.5
Distance Between Centers (in.) 15.5 15.5 20.5 40
Spindle Thread 1" x 8 TPI 1" x 8 TPI 1" x 8 TPI 1" x 8 TPI
Tapers MT2 MT2 MT2 MT2
Spindle Speeds (rpm) 500, 840, 1240, 1800, 2630, 3975 600-3600, 300-1750, 200-1050 60-900, 110-1800, 220-3600 Variable 400-3000
Overall Dimension (LxWxH) (in.) 35 x 18.1 x 14.56 35 x 18.1 x 14.56 33.6 x 11 x 17.7 74 x 18 x 18.26
Net Weight (lbs.) 77 72.6 121.25 220
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JET

JET 12" x 21" Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 1Ph 115V (Model JWL-1221VS)


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From the brand

Product Description

The JET 1221VS is different from anything we've made before. In truth, it's different from anything that anybody has ever made before. The design is better. The features are better. The entire turning experience is better. And it all focuses on one concept ... Control.

Important information

Bulb Voltage

115 volts

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
616 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the value, speed control, performance, and ease of use of the woodworking lathe. For example, they mention it's worth every penny, works great, and is easy to set up and use. Customers are also happy with smoothness. That said, opinions are mixed on quality, noise, and fit.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

80 customers mention80 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the value of the wood lathe. They mention it's a good piece of equipment, worth every penny, and remarkably quiet. Some say that the whole machine is awesome and is a solid tool. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...The whole machine is so awesome that it makes me a little sad that they cheaped out on the controls. Again, the RPM issue may be my fault...." Read more

"...This thing is surprisingly quite. Variable speed on the fly is very convenient. The stock spur, plate and live end work great, lined up perfect...." Read more

"...I had heard that this one was really good and worth the money. I knew it wasn’t the most expensive nor was of the cheapest...." Read more

"...No problems whatsoever since. It’s really a great tool with a modest price and footprint. So far very happy with every Jet product purchased to date." Read more

65 customers mention53 positive12 negative

Customers like the speed control on the tool. They say the variable speed is fabulous, easy to adjust, and has plenty of power. They also appreciate the read out that tells them exactly what the speed is. Additionally, they like that the access doors are in the top and end, making it easy to change the belt for different speed ranges. Overall, customers are satisfied with the speed controls of the tool and recommend it to others.

"...This thing is surprisingly quite. Variable speed on the fly is very convenient. The stock spur, plate and live end work great, lined up perfect...." Read more

"...say that this machine is incredibly easy to use, user-friendly, runs like a champion, and I just fell in love I won hundred percent recommend this..." Read more

"...Easy to set up and and use. Variable speed is excellent. Super easy to change belt drive speeds. However, plastic on/off switch housing cracked...." Read more

"...The JET is so smooth and quiet, almost vibrationless. The speed controls are wonderful. I had to just guess on the speed for the Rockwell...." Read more

43 customers mention43 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the lathe. They mention that it works well, has good functionality, and is easy to use. Some say that the torque at low speeds is still workable. Overall, most are happy with the product's performance.

"...The centering was right on point. Everything fired up without any problem. It is also very heavy, so it doesn't get thrown around much...." Read more

"...The stock spur, plate and live end work great, lined up perfect. Very strong tool guide, and came with two sizes, but could use a larger one...." Read more

"...I plugged it in and turned it on. It seems to work fine. Here's where I get into the nit-picking:..." Read more

"This thing is everything that I expected. Works great, Very quiet, and does a great job." Read more

42 customers mention37 positive5 negative

Customers find the wood turning lathe easy to set up and use. They say it's perfect for beginners and has smooth and straightforward operation of the VS function. Customers also appreciate the responsive and concise tech support. They mention that the user's manual is excellent and a joy to use.

"...It is wonderful for beginners because it has enough power to do almost anything I want/am capable of doing yet not enough to completely destroy me..." Read more

"...It was simple to figure out. If anything changes, I will update. As of right now. Very happy with this buy and very excited to continue turning." Read more

"...you not when I say that this machine is incredibly easy to use, user-friendly, runs like a champion, and I just fell in love I won hundred percent..." Read more

"...Easy to set up and and use. Variable speed is excellent. Super easy to change belt drive speeds. However, plastic on/off switch housing cracked...." Read more

25 customers mention23 positive2 negative

Customers are satisfied with the smoothness of the tool. They mention that it is quiet, functional, powerful, and well-made. The transition from forward to reverse is smooth, and it has a soft start.

"...My experience with this machine so far has been simple and smooth. Took it out of the box...." Read more

"...I think I'm going to like this lathe. It is heavy, solid, and smooth running. After I have had some experience with it I will update this review...." Read more

"...The Jet is a completely different experience. The JET is so smooth and quiet, almost vibrationless. The speed controls are wonderful...." Read more

"...As to the lathe:It runs very quiet and smooth. The second one I had was pretty noisy in reverse but #3 is quiet in both directions...." Read more

112 customers mention66 positive46 negative

Customers are mixed about the quality of the tool. Some mention it's very well made and built like a tank. However, others say that it could have got them injured or killed. They mention that the housing looks broke, the quality craftsmanship is poor, and the plastic cover on the belt speed adjustment access hole is cheap. Customers also say that the box was torn and gouged.

"...Very strong tool guide, and came with two sizes, but could use a larger one. Also a smoother edge on the tool guide would of been great too...." Read more

"...assuming that is the problem, but it's pretty annoying to not have a believable readout on RPMs...." Read more

"...I think I'm going to like this lathe. It is heavy, solid, and smooth running. After I have had some experience with it I will update this review...." Read more

"...This one is better quality, made in Taiwan, and all of my attachments from the smaller lathe fit right on with no modifications, 5/8" tool rests,..." Read more

38 customers mention24 positive14 negative

Customers are mixed about the noise of the tools. Some mention that it works great, is very quiet, and has a variable speed motor. Others say that it makes a very high pitched noise, has loud bearings, and the headstock has loud noises.

"...The JET is so smooth and quiet, almost vibrationless. The speed controls are wonderful. I had to just guess on the speed for the Rockwell...." Read more

"...Was turning a bowl yesterday and heard a loud pop and the 20 amp circuit breaker that the lathe was plugged into blew...." Read more

"This thing is everything that I expected. Works great, Very quiet, and does a great job." Read more

"...As to the lathe:It runs very quiet and smooth. The second one I had was pretty noisy in reverse but #3 is quiet in both directions...." Read more

25 customers mention16 positive9 negative

Customers are mixed about the fit of the tool. Some mention that it's just the right size for them at this point in their turning, while others say that the bolts for the headstock were quite loose already. Some customers also report that the head stock and tailstock came loose, with parts inside that were also loose.

"...Very strong tool guide, and came with two sizes, but could use a larger one. Also a smoother edge on the tool guide would of been great too...." Read more

"...this last August and I did have an issue with the head stock mounting bolts coming loose. I called Tech support for advise and they were excellent...." Read more

"...Not only because of the increased diameter and length capacities, but It has all the features that I didn't have before, such as variable speed,..." Read more

"...The machine is well made; machined surfaces are smoothly milled and fit well. The tool rest and tail stock adjustments are extremely user friendly...." Read more

Comes with live center permanently jammed into the tail stock and supplied wrench does not fit.
4 Stars
Comes with live center permanently jammed into the tail stock and supplied wrench does not fit.
UPDATE: I was about to return it for the reasons below when I got through to tech support. Little did I know about the trick of freezing the quill which enabled me to finally knock out the stuck live center that came with the lathe. I've finally been able to try out the lathe and it is working quite well -- am pleased with its performance. Support also promised to replace the damaged live center and send me a wrench that will fit the face plate for removal. It has taken a while, but I can recommend the product and tech support. I can only assume that the problems I've had are probably an anomaly.******************************The product has some issues. I have some concerns about the bearings on head stock, but I can't verify the problem because the lathe is unusable in its present state. Secondly, the live center that Jet supplied already installed is jammed into the tail stock so hard it cannot be knocked out. I've tried several ways. Using the flimsy knockout bar that comes with it, all I was able to do was cause the live center to come apart (see the picture). I even purchased a sturdier steel bar that had little slop to try to knock it out, but it is just jammed in too hard -- might be a machining problem in the tail stock that has permanently locked the MT2 live center into the tail stock. I have gone to the Jet web site and have asked for response hoping to get some help but was simply put in a queue with a vague promise to get around to it. It's been a while and I guess the queue is just very long and I have a limited return window. So, I have this nice-looking lathe that I would like to use but it's unusable for what seems to be a pretty silly problem. If I don't hear from Jet in the next day or so, I'm going to have to return it and I will certainly try a different brand. Seems like a shame.Update: While waiting to hear from support, discovered the supplied wrench is not usable (not a big deal, but still annoying). Seems like a pattern to beginning to develop. Can't say quality control is problematic. Looks like I'm being forced to return the lathe
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2015
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase
14 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2021
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase
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5.0 out of 5 stars High quality lathe, excellent customer service
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022
Just started wood turning. High-quality lathe in terms of all metal components, drive system, and stand. Easy to set up and and use. Variable speed is excellent. Super easy to change belt drive speeds. However, plastic on/off switch housing cracked. Still works but made it more difficult to turn on and off. Called Jet customer service. They were very helpful and express shipped a new switch housing. Should not be difficult to replace. Sometimes small plastic parts crack, and I can’t blame Jet for this. Very happy thus far.

Update: 18 months later. Changed review from 4 stars to 5 stars. New switch was sent immediately after contact with customer service. Easily swapped out. No problems whatsoever since. It’s really a great tool with a modest price and footprint. So far very happy with every Jet product purchased to date.
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4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Gordon Wiebe
5.0 out of 5 stars a little pricy
Reviewed in Canada on March 10, 2021
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase
diana lynn foster
5.0 out of 5 stars Good value
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2020
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great lathe.
Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2019
Style: Variable Speed Wood LatheVerified Purchase