My New 30-year Old Jet 1024 Lathe

Monday, January 28, 2013
Late '70s Jet 1024P Lathe

This weekend I picked up an old (presumably late '70s) Jet 1024P lathe. Surprisingly, there is little or no info on the internet about this machine. I suspect I'm not the only one having trouble finding the information, therefore, as I'm working through the lathe, I will be posting detailed write-ups and pictures.

Last Thursday my “trusty” Harbor Freight 9x20 lathe decided to destroy yet another innocent part. This time I was one of the gears in the apron. When this happens, I follow a ritual of sorts: first I go to Grizzly.com to order the replacement parts, and then to Craig's List to find that mythical pristine Logan , South Bend or at least Atlas, that's been sitting in someone's basement and can be had for a song. Well, as usual, that lathe didn't turn up, but I noticed an ad for an old Jet 1024 lathe. The ad looked like it was posted by a liquidation company or a similar outfit: ridiculously high price, lot of marketing fluff and no useful info about the machine.

Don't know why, but the next day, on my way to work I decided to call and inquire about the lathe. Surprisingly the lady on the other end of the line informed me that the posting was old and the price is actually $200 higher ($1500). Apparently they've made a mistake but then found a comparable Jet 1024P on eEbay, so they are actually updating their listing as we speak. I politely thanked for her time and went back to listening to the radio. Two hours later my phone rang; it was the owner, calling me to ask if I would want to come and look at it. Apparently it just went on sale for $800... I've heard a lot of good feedback about Grizzly's 1022 lathe, and this looked like a close relative or a predecesso. Since I paid more than that for my 9x20 a few years ago, and now it was in a dog house for being broken again, I figured an old Jet could be worth it.

I made it to the address Brian [the owner] gave me, which turned out to be a “fine home decor” consignment store full of fine china, antique chests and a rusty lathe right smack in the middle of it. Right off the bat Brian apologized that he won't be able to turn the lathe on. The power cable was threaded through the change gears. Apparently the gears chewed through the isolation, so live cable was touching the frame, shocking the guy that looked at it last. After measuring the spindle runout, checking the gears and inspecting the ways it became clear than this lathe was in a better condition than my 9x20, so I did my best to put on a poker face and asked for the bottom number. After a pause and a short silent exchange with the lady I spoke to earlier Brian firmly told me that he would need to get at least $600 to break even. We shook hands and 15 minutes later the lathe was in my truck on the way home.

Jet 1024P Lathe, Freshly Unloaded

What I Got

Kitagawa 165mm 3-Jaw Chuck

Upon closer inspection and some research it appears that I've bough a Jet 1024P lathe, made in Taiwan. I didn't find any dates stamped on the lathe, but Google Books search turned up several Popular Mechanics magazines from late '70 that ran ads for this lathe. The earliest issue that came up with a lathe that looked like mine was from early 1977; it appears that 1980 model is a bit different, having a lead screw and a feed rod. Additionally, there is a posting on CNCZone.com by a gentlemen restoring a similar lathe. His is 1976 model, and the change gear box casting is a bit different, so evidently mine must've been 1977 and 1979.

The lathe came with three jaw chuck, measuring a bit over 6.5”. After a quick wipe with WD-40 I uncovered a round label stating that it was made in Japan by Kitagawa. I'm not familiar with this company, but “made in Japan” must be a good sign. Subsequent inventory of the stuff in the “bucket” turned up three external jaws for the chuck. As it sits right now, the chuck has about 0.0035 runout, but since the same runout is present on the chuck's housing, I suspect the chuck is simply mounted off-center. It remains to be seen if I can remount the chuck more accurately, but even 35 tenthousandths is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to 3-jaw chucks.

The above-mentioned bucket also contained a steady rest, faceplate, a few change gears, pound or so of ground HSS tools in different stages of decrepitude, a Kennametal indexed tool holder, and a some other stuff.

Headstock Gears Look Good

Condition

The machine is in a “lightly worn, but heavily neglected” condition. What looked like rust in the picture turned out to be 30 years of grime. Once I removed enough of it to see the condition of the metal, I was pleasantly surprised. The ways have a few dings under the chuck (preasumably from someone dropping the chuck), but those are on the inner V-prism, used by the tailstock, so they shouldn't affect the performance of the lathe. Other than that, the bed shows no discernible wear. Similarly, the dovetails (cross slide and the compound rest) still show the grinding pattern, as do the gibs. The spindle turns freely and has no measurable runout (my dial test indicator is marked in 0.0005” and the needle barely twitched). Close inspection of the helical gears revealed no damage or excessive wear either.

So far I've found three non-trivial issues with the mechanics of the lathe:

  • One of the change gears has a significant wobble, apparently caused by a bent shaft.
  • There is something loose in the apron. The gears appear to be intact, so I suspect there is a loose/missing key on one of the shafts.
  • Threading dial indicator has a missing tooth.

Needless to say, the previous owner(s) didn't see much value in tightening the gibs or removing the slop from the hand wheels. Fortunately that is an easy problem to remedy.

Conclusion

Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase. Although the lathe definitely needs some love and tender care, the important parts are in good condition. The few things that I know are wrong should be relatively easy to fix.

Granted, this lathe ain't a Monarch or Hardinge, but those almost never turn up in my neck of the woods. The few South Bend or Craftsman lathers that do appear in the classified ads or on CL either cost an arm and a leg or are beat up to death (or both). Even though Jet 1024P is still an Asian import, it's made in Taiwan and the quality is much better than the lathes I've seen come from China lately. No matter what, this machine will be a huge step up from my 9x20.

One More Perk

A Steady Rest or A Piece of Industrial Art?

I think I'm getting a bit too excited, so I've forgotten to mention one more thing that came with the late. I don't know exactly it this is a steady rest of some sorts or an abstract piece of art, but this definitely the first time I've seen a contraption like this. It's not very clear from the picture, but the screws are pretty much redundant, since the whole things is welded shut. There is even a hex wrench embedded into one of the welds. The amount of craftsmanship and pride that went into this “art piece” definitely sheds some light at the lathe's condition, though.

42 comments :

  1. Hello Yuri, cool your site, you seem to like the same things I do, make a visit to the site www.guiacnc.com.br there you should find plenty of information for your lathe, I have a Brazilian version of south bend lathe, a joinville 1965.
    http://sdrv.ms/125gjy1
    http://sdrv.ms/XGWjui
    http://sdrv.ms/YdfC0M

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  2. Yuri
    I have an old Jet Manual that somewhat relates to my old Jet 10x24.. I will try and get a scan and send you a copy if you want. One thing about mine is the spindle nose thread is a true 8 threads per inch but the diameter is a pretty odd 52 mm.... I managed to thread a back plate adapter for a 4 jaw chuck. My lathe is really old and beat up as it came out of a county highway maintenance garage.

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    1. GMF,

      I have a 1976 Jet 1024P that I purchased 25 years ago but never had a manual. The drive belt in the head needs to be changed and I also need to tighten up the table movements. If you have scanned the manual you mentioned, I would greatly appreciate getting a copy of the file.

      Ed

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  3. Hello Yuriy, I have an older Jet 1024 lathe that I have never used. This week I started the clean up process and oiling etc. enjoyed your posts on this.

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  4. Hi Yuriy, I just picked up a very similar Taiwan lathe last weekend. Its badged under the name Samson and its nearly identical to your lathe. I have a Logan model 200 10x24 that I have been in the process of rebuilding the past year. After disassembling both lathes down to their spindles and inspecting all of the parts, the Taiwan lathe is a more modern heavier duty tool. The Logan was produced in 1943 and is impressive but nearly 40 years newer the Taiwan lathe has many advancements in design. They both have an element of precision and accuracy that can be totally missing from the China machine tools. As one post I had read stated, many tools from China are produced without much understanding of what the tool actually is expected to do, how it will be used, what is required to make it a quality high precision tool. I would like to hear more about how the lathe is working out for you.

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  5. Hi Yuriy, I have a 1024P that did not come with a manual. The switch had been giving me intermittent contact recently, then finally burned out. I purchased a Dayton 1 HP drum switch, but the new switch and the wiring of the old switch are totally different. Is there any chance that you have a wiring diagram for this lathe? Thanks in advance.

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    1. I don't, unfortunately, but I have a scanned copy of the manual that is "close enough". Apparently Jet has sold several different lathes under the same name, and mine is a "weird one".
      Email me at "ycroosh at gmail dot com" and I will send it to you.

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    2. Hello Yuriy, I also just picked up an old JET-1024 Lathe. This one is missing a tail stock. I was wondering if you have found a source for parts?
      BenT


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    3. You can get a 1976 JET 1024P manual from sales@ozarkwoodworker.com. Note-Early 1024P has a two pole switch: on-off. Late model 1976 1024P has a three button switch as in this photos above. When you order a manual ($1 per page-reasonable) ask the ozark wood worker owner, Ray, to PDF the late model wiring diagram. Ray sent me the PDF the same day. Great customer service. Onward<

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    4. I have and use a late 1976 JET 1024P. Last week I found a manual (including the wiring diagram) at sales@ozarkwoodworker.com. The owner, Ray, is an excellent source for the 1024P (and others). I'd attach a picture of my late model 1024P but can't yet find the tab to do that. Apparently, the early 1024s had a two pole switch (on/off). The late 1976 1024P has a three button switch: Fwd-Stop-Rev. When I ordered the manual, I asked Ray to PDF the wiring diagram for the late model (three button) switch. The wiring arrive the same day as a PDF file. Excellent. Hope this helps you with your wiring diagram issue. Onward<

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    5. Hi,
      I contacted Jet and they sent me a pdf of the manual and parts list for free. Just sayin...

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    6. I did the same, but apparently there is a dozen of different 1024 flavors, and mine was pretty different from the manual. Jet didn't even realize they made the spindle size I have...

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    7. I would like to put a DRO on my lathe. I have built your 3 axis DRO for my mill, and would use the same thing on the lathe but wonder if there is a way to set up the crossfeed scale to read 1/2 the movement. I wonder if a bit of programming could be used to count every second bit from the reader, or to automatically divide the reading by two...so I don't have to.
      I would use the Igaging scales.

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    8. In Lathe mode the DRO can switch between diameter and radius reading already. As far as getting every last bit out of the iGaging scales goes, there aren't that many bits to squeeze. The reader reads the position as good as it can (i.e. it literally processes every bit :) )

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    9. Sorry, I should have mentioned I had never been able to install version 2 of the DRO. Google just says it is already loaded, so I have had to settle with using version 1.
      Version 2 has an excellent lathe feature.

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    10. I have the original paperwork including parts books and manuals for my 1024P if anyone needs information Ddeming1@aol,com

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    11. Yuriy, I have the same lathe , but the back gears have some broken teeth , can u look around and see if anyone might have these , I've looked everywhere, if u can find them , pls give me an email at rwjacobs1060@gmail.com , I. Desperate need

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    12. Ronald,
      In my experience finding parts for these lathes is pretty much a "fool's errant". There are dozens of variants, cobbled together from different parts and pieces. I have seen three 1024P lathes and all three had different spindles.

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  6. Hi

    The only piece of information I have on the JET 1024 Lathe is an old parts list
    The parts list may be of no value to you, however it does have the specs on particular parts
    For example
    Socket Head Cap Screw - W1/4-20P
    Oil Seal TC 0x77x12
    That sort of thing
    My email is nmaccara@jetgroupbrands.com if this is of any help to you
    I can scan and email a copy
    Nancy

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  7. Has anybody changed the head bearing oil? No drain plugs on mine.

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  8. Yuriy I have 1024PY made in 1984. It is a great little lathe and in great shape. I was wondering if by chance you or any of tour blog followers have found a source for parts? I need to replace the sight glass in the carriage. Thanks for any information you can provide.
    Regards,
    Mike

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    1. Mike,
      Grizzly used to sell a lathe that was similar to some of the Jet 1024P variants. Mine wasn't compatible but I know that one person was able to get a replacement gear from them.
      I don't recall the model, though, unfortunately.
      Thank you
      Yuriy

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  9. Hi David here.I have a jet 1024p and it is diffrwnr as well as the half nut lever is on the right on mine.mines a 1981. I'm looking for I structions from some one about changing the gear box belt.thanks

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  10. Hello, David.

    I have a 1976 Kin Shin lathe which is exactly like a Jet 1024P. To change the gear box belt with a standard V-belt, you need to remove the spindle - VERY difficult and may present other problems. An easy solution is to use a 'link belt'. Harbor Freight sells one for about $25-$30, and they can be installed without removing the spindle. (Go to youtube.com and do a search on 'link belt'. You'll find plenty of information on them.) From what I've been told, the only drawback is that if you run the motor in reverse, you'll get a lot of chatter. I rarely use reverse, but in the occasional instance in which it's necessary, just take the belt off and reinstall it backwards. Then undo when you're through. A little tedious, but beats the heck out of pulling the spindle.

    I replaced my motor drive belt with one and am totally satisfied. My gear box belt still works, but it is frayed. I have an extra link belt in my tool box waiting for it to break.

    Hope this helps.
    Regards,
    Terry

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  11. I am in the process of resurrecting a Jet 1024PY that has a couple of broken and missing parts. The biggest problem I have at this point is the missing Tailstock Spindle and nut. They looks like something that I might be able fabricate, but I need to know the overall length of the spindle and exactly how the nut is attached. From the drawings in the manuals I have found, it looks like the nut is a press fit in the end of the spindle. I would really appreciate it if someone could measure their spindle and let me know how long it is. And verification of the press fit of the nut would be helpful. Thanks!

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    1. I just purchased a Jet 1024PY. In great condition.

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  12. i am remaking a label for an old bench grinder, anyone have a good picture of the jet logo?

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  13. Greetings,

    I just recently purchased a JET lathe, Model P- 5 Serial # 1010 and it looks similar to the lathe you purchased Yuriy. Mine came with a 3 and 4 jaw chuck so maybe a little larger. Does anyone have any info on this model? A manual would be a great help. Dave

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  14. I have an old BD-1325A and cannot find any info on this model. Ever website I have found doesn't even list this as a valid model, the closest i can find is a BDB-1340 but obviously a different model. Does anyone know anything about this lathe? I need some parts for the crosslide but cannot locate any info. Any help is appreciated, thank you.

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  15. Hello Late to the party but may have some information people may need. I purchased a new 1024P back in about 1980 Serial # 7494, I still have the original operators manual, operating instructions 1024/1036, and the parts manual. I also have a Jet JVM-830 Turnet Milling machine and the manual for it. If anyone needs a copy let me know.
    Now for what I am missing the headstock back gear. Yuriy could you measure the large and small gear and also count the teeth of each. I will try to have a set made at a gear shop. Thanks for any help.

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    1. Dave,
      Dang it, I just put the headstock back together about two weeks ago (I'm overhauling the lathe). I'll try to measure the gear while it's on the lathe next week (need to deal with a bunch of TouchDRO orders today).
      Would you be willing to share the manual/instructions so I could just post a link (or thee files)? I get a few emails per month asking for those.
      Thank you
      Yuriy

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  16. Hi folks - Mike here from out on the East Coast of Canada. I am restoring a Jet 10-24 made in 1976. It is in good shape and everything works but I the spindle speeds are about half of what is shown on the metal chart. Someone has changed out the original motor and I think, also the original pulley(s). Does anyone know what the original motor pulley specs are? Based on tests I have run so far, I think it was possibly a step pulley with one size (maybe 1 3/4 inch for the low range and a different size 3 1/4 inch for the higher range. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

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    1. my 1975 is 2.23 and 3.86. both are pulley O.D.

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  17. I just broke one of my headstock gears (it is the smallest gear in the picture of the headstock posted above)
    Any ideas on where to get parts?

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  18. I would be interested in finding gearstock gears as well

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  19. Hi Yuriy,

    I am based in Australia and looking at picking up a JET 1024 branded as a Dashin P4 https://www.grays.com/lot/0001-3020342/mechanical-workshops/b-dashin-lathe-model-p-4-lathe-and-stand-b. It is in beautiful conditon, but is missing the tailstock which is a HUGE bummer. I want to go ahead with it really badly, but I know how much trouble it will be to find a replacement.

    The good news is there is a run-down 1236 up for auction right now which would make a good donor https://www.pickles.com.au/general/item/-/details/Gasweld-Lathe/802095327. The bad news is that it is a later model with the single V-prism on the rear side of the bed, not the dual v-prisms like on your model and the Dashin P4 I am looking at. Do you know if the tailstock from the later models fits the earlier models? They both ride on the inner v-prism on the rear side of the bed, but I'm not sure if the bed width / prism-geometry is different.

    Thanks in advance for your help!

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    Replies
    1. Yuriy's lathe was sold in Australia as a ,"demco record."

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  20. I have a Jet 1024P and the bearing on the headstock the main bearing right behind the chuck is making noise and I have been trying to remove the gears and replace the bearing and the gear closest to the chuck will not budge any suggestions I have the original manual and from what I see the spindle should slide out towards the tail stock anyone have any suggestions????

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    1. The spindle should be a very tight press fit. I used 1/2" all-thread with a spacer (piece of 4" PVC coupler) to pull it out. Make sure you get ALL of the grub screws out. Mine had two in one of the pulleys.

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  21. I have an Enco 92010 from back in the 80's. It is the twin brother to yours. I've had mine for about 15 years and it has severed me well. I want to put my Igaging Digifence on it but I am waiting to see how you mount yours. Any date for that?

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  22. I think you got very close to a steal. Looks good. I know what you mean on beat up Craftsman & South Bend. And it seams 9 out of 10 have never heard of oil to keep rust off. After a year, I finally saw 2 non machine shop low hours lathes. 1st I was 2nd caller and missed it. 2nd one I was 1st caller, but out of state and did a gentleman's agreement on the phone. It was a good price, very low use lathe that I knew would get tons of calls and it did. So I gave full price, though I know I could have negotiated, but then that would make me an @$$ since he held it for me. It has a few minor things, but nothing that would keep me from running it immediately. Now I am so glad I never pulled the trigger on a South Bend or Craftsman or the many other worn out rust piles. I was thinking more the size you got, but this one is a Jet 1240p (Y). A monster for a basement shop. Also came OEM with a lubricant/coolant pump, tank and filter system for metals I often work with that mandate it.

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