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I've just moved from a JET 1014 to a JET 9X20. I have Tim West's aluminum arbor and shaping disk, plus a pretty stout adapter his father-in-law Jim made for me (which was by itself, quite an investment). The 2" long steel adapter went onto the 1014's 1x8 spindle, which takes the Jacob's chuck, which grips the arbor, which the disk goes onto. The total length of this arrangement is 9" and weighs 2.6# by my bathroom scale.

The 9x20 has a 1-1/2 x 8 spindle. A 1-1/2 x 8 tpi headstock spindle adapter would allow me to continue to use my previous arrangement inexpensively. At this point though I'm kind of worried about the turning weight at that distance from the headstock of my brand new 9x20. Then there's the pressure and movement I put on the disk while shaping.

My bright idea is that maybe the steady rest that comes with the 9x20 is my solution? Surely it can handle the 1-1/2" diameter of the aluminum arbor? [I say this as, while I've sold my 1014, the 9x20 hasn't arrived yet, so I don't know that].

The alternative, I guess is a motor and VFD, although I'm tempted to think about just using my HF Router Speed Control with the motor, just because I'm cheap (i.e., financially challenged after the 9x20).

Thoughts? If so, thanks for them!

I would think as long as the weight is centered pretty well, weight isn't a big deal. I think my chuck weighs about 3-4 lbs and it runs fine on both my 12" metal lathe and my 10" Jet wood lathe. You'll know if you put it on and get all sorts of vibrations when you turn it on. I wouldn't worry about the weight as long as it's centered and stabile.

The bearings and spindle are pretty solid. It should be more than fine. 2.6 lbs is noth much. You can just use the 3 jaw instead of a Jacobs chuck.