Is this Jet BD-920 a decent machine?

[ARC-170]

I was looking around and saw a Jet BD-920N lathe in excellent shape. Is this a decent machine for the home gamer? Is it better than/worse than/the same as my Atlas Craftsman 12" 101.07403 w/ QCGB? I have yet to make anything bigger than either of these machines could handle. I've asked about this before and it seems like a decent machine. I found my Atlas at the right price first and went with that, but this machine was also a serious contender.

I spoke with the seller and he's willing to part with it for less than half the cost of a Grizzly G4000 (currently $1270), which is the same machine. He has all the parts and accessories it came with. He's had it for 15 years and says he used it about 20 times. He needs the space and wants it gone.

Not sure if @Bi11Hudson can chime in, but his website in no longer available.

Thoughts and comments welcome.

 

[Liljoebrshooter]

I believe Bill is no longer with us.
Joe

 

[ARC-170]

I believe Bill is no longer with us.
Joe

Thanks for letting me know. RIP Bill.

 

[matthewsx]

Yes, decent hobby machine. Lots on here have them and I’m sure they’ll be here soon.

$600 would definitely be a you suck price.


John

 

[Eddyde]

FTR, I don't think we ever got confirmation of Bill Hudson's passing, but he hasn't logged on here in almost 2 years and he was apparently ill.
If someone knows for sure, please let me or another staff member know so we can note it on his profile.
Thanks.

 

[Nesse1]

Yes, great price. Only question, is since you already have a lathe.

 

[Eddyde]

Oh, the lathe looks like a good deal for around $600! Don't think you can go wrong on that one.

 

[Aaron_W]

Good deal for $600. I have an Enco version, basically the same as the Grizzly. The Jet branded seem to be the most desirable and often can sell for a bit more money.

I think they are a decent hobbyist lathe, and have recommended them as a small relatively inexpensive lathe. Personally I would rate them as inferior to the Logan, South Bend and Atlas / Craftsman lathes in most cases, particularly when those are equipped with QCGB.

What looks like a QCGB on the 9x20 is mainly for feed rate on the power feed. It will allow a handful of threads without changing gears, but you will still be changing gears a lot more than a lathe with a full QCGB. No powered cross feed, and no back gear so the lowest speed is 130rpm or about twice as fast with less torque than most of the common vintage 9-10" lathes.

Where they substantially offer an advantage is size. They are very compact for a 9" (8.75") lathe, about 40" long and 20" deep, so they can sit a foot closer to the wall than most of the similar size vintage lathes with a rear mounted motor / counter shaft.

 

[MikeInOr]

A bigger heavier lathe isn't just about making bigger pieces. A bigger/heavier lathe will be more rigid making it easier to cut with better finishes and keep close tolerances. I would make a very rough guess that the rigidity of that lathe is the same or worse than your Atlas 12" lathe. I would not consider that lathe an upgrade. Since you have an Atlas 12" with QCGB I would consider that lathe a waste of money if your Atlas is in decent condition.