Why do JET lathes cost so much more than the budget benchtop models?

The price gap reflects cast-iron mass, motor quality, fit-and-finish, and resale value. JET's 1221VS and 1015VS carry far larger and more positive verified-purchase review histories than the sub-$300 imports, which is why they sit at the top of this list. Budget machines like the WEN and VEVOR units can be capable starters, but reviewers more often flag vibration and quality-control variability.