March 18, 2021

Laguna Revo 1216 vs Jet 1221vs Which Lathe You Should Get And Why!

Choosing between Laguna Revo 1216 vs Jet 1221vs can be quite a challenge. You must consider that lathes differ in cost, accuracy, revolutions per minute, weight, size, mobility and safety features. Each lathe has its advantages and disadvantages. You may have to compromise on the least important features. Cost is not a big factor if the performance justifies it. I have been working with these tools for decades now, and I have to think about them and do some research. This post should help you get your bearings.

Overview of the Laguna Revo 1216ย 

Revo 12 I 16 Midi Lathe EVS

The Laguna Revo 1216 wood lathe is compact and does not make noise through sound or vibrations. You adjust the speed with ease. When changing speed, you only need to open the magnetic belt cover doors, flip the cam-action lever and slide the belt to the otherโ€”Cam-action belt changes for low, medium, and high speeds.ย 

You only have to turn the dial to fine-tune within each range. The sealed ball bearings give you a smooth action. Sealed bearings are easy to use as they do not need lubrication. That saves time and labor. They are also weather-proof, and they perform well. The 1HP motor is powerful and allows consistency in torque at multiple speeds. Efficient cooler running and longer brush life is what you get consistently from the machine at low.ย 

It is ideal for multiple spindle turnings ranging up to 15-1//2 long, and the bowl turns up to 12-1/2inches in diameter. The table saw has a self-ejecting live center that is user-friendly. The push button has a spindle lock that you can release when you want to start the machine.

The package includes a Laguna Revo1216 Midi lathe, MT2 Drive center, MT2 Live center, and a faceplate. The machine and the stand are sturdy. The built-in storage is convenient as it keeps your tools closer to you. It uses a unique Pulse Width Modulation inverter. It helps consistency throughout the speeds.

Pros

  • Ideal for professionals
  • Smooth
  • Compact size
  • No friction
  • Great build quality
  • Variable speed

Cons

  • The lathe does not have a gloss finish
  • Ideal for smaller projects

Key Features of the Laguna Revo 1216

Tool rest

The tool rest has a stem diameter of 25.4mm, and the tool is 150mm long. The toolโ€™s rest edge is of hardened steel. That makes it last longer.ย 

Expansion set

It includes a 250mm cast iron extension bed, a turning thread adaptor, and a tool rest extension.ย 

Floor stand

The premium floor stand has an adjustable height. A tool changes the height of the stand. The stand also comes with a storage shelf. You need it for your accessories. They become easily accessible.

Wheel System

The wheel system gives your machine maximum stability. It becomes easy to use. You only have to use one pedal to engage.

Amp motor

The powerful one-horsepower permanent magnet motor can run at multiple speeds. The 15 Amp motor needs 110 Volts. The motor has a speed variance that ranges from low to high speed. The Modulation system feeds voltage pulses to the motor. Adjusting speed is made easy.ย 

Wheel system

The wheels bring maximum stability to the machine. It makes it easy to use. It has one pedal that you use to engage the machine.ย 

Rotations per minute

The machine operates at different levels of speed. It ranges from low speed up to high speed. The speed ranges from 50 to 525 rotations per minute in the lower range. At mid-range, the speed is from 325 to 1750 rotations per minute and 650 to 3500 rotations per minute when running at high speed.ย 

Control panel

The control panel accommodates the On/Off switch, Forward/Reverse switch, digital read-out, and variable speed control.ย 

Headstock

The headstock secures the spindle, the belt drive system, and the electrical components. The spindle is rotational in forward or reversed motion. You should thread both ends.

Dust collection

The machine has a dust-proof aluminum case that traps dust. It revolves up to 320 degrees, and the workpiece becomes well-illuminated. The metal case is glare-free.ย 

Overview of the Jet 1221vsย 

It is a lightweight machine that comes with a standard two-door cabinet. It focuses more on control. It is versatile as it comes with 24 integrated indexing positions. The control system is convenient, considering where it is. The transition is very smooth from the forward to the reverse. The style belt pressure system is innovative.ย 

Lathe Model 1221VS

The spindle has springs inside. It has speed variance that you control when working on different wood pieces. It is ideal for beginners as well as professionals. You can use it on wood pieces that are 12 inches in diameter. The motor power is a horse, and the power source is 115 volts. The speed varies from 60 to 3600 rotations per minute, depending on your preference. It weighs 137 pounds.ย 

A workbench will be ideal to use as a stand. You need to make sure that it does not shake. The lathe is small, and it uses less space than your garage. The three pulley settings make up the motor. The role of each pulley is to adjust the rotation speed and torque. Adjusting the torque gives different levels of power depending on the material.

Pros

  • Great build
  • Speed variance
  • No noise
  • Locks in good
  • Easy drive belt
  • Optional stand

Cons

  • Difficult to maneuver
  • Not affordable

Key features of the Jet 1221vs

Spindle

The spindle is 20.5 inches long. It is spring-loaded and good for clamps with a strong force. You will rip thick material with ease.

Safety features

It has a JET covering that ensures you are safe during installation, operation, and storage. Speed variance keeps you from danger. It helps you control speed depending on the material you are working with.ย 

RPM Speed

The speed variance revolves around low, mid, and high ranges depending on the type of material you are working on. It runs at 60 to 900 rotations per minute on low, 110 to 1800 rotations per minute on mid-range, and 220 to 3600 on high speed. In short, it ranges from 60 to 3600 per month.

Control panel

The control panel has a digital display of speed with a button to control it. That makes the bowl blank go up quickly. The read-out panel makes it easy to return to the previous. The forward and reverse speed switch has an oval-shaped button.ย 

Powerful motor

The horsepower electric motor is a standard 115Volt plugs into a standard power outlet. The lower pulley setting gives more torque. You adjust the torque when turning a large and heavy bowl blank. Speed variance makes the machine. You use the knob to control it.ย 

Similarities

  • Both products have speed variance.
  • They are convenient in terms of where the control panel is.
  • The machines have forward and reverse motion.ย 

Differences between Laguna Revo 1216 and Jet 1221vs

  • The Laguna Revo 1216 comes with a stand, whereas the Jet 1221vs does not. You place it on top of your workbench so that the height saves you from working from a bending position.ย 
  • The Jet 1221vs produces 60 to 3600 rotations per minute, whereas the Laguna Revo 1216 has a variance of 50 to 3,500 rotations per minute.
  • The machines have forward and reverse motion.ย 
  • The Laguna Revo 1216 has a 110 Volt motor, whereas the Jet 1221vs has a 115 Volts motor.

Costย 

They are both under 1000, but the Laguna Revo 1216 is more affordable than the Jet 1221vs. However, only a difference can be covered up by more rotations that come with the Jet1221.

Verdict

The Jet 1221vs pays attention to the control system that makes it safe. It has a higher rotation speed than the Laguna revo1216.

The Laguna Revo 1216 is more affordable than the Jet 1221vs, which is explained by the extra 100 revolutions the 1221vs has. It may remain a matter of preference after you study what each lathe offers and what it does not. If I had to choose one, it would be the Jet 1221vs, even if I have to pay a little more.

David D. Hughes

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