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dudstuen

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Joined
Feb 9, 2013
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124
Location
Morris,ILL.
I am looking for updated feedback of what lathes people are using and to why they prefer that particular lathe. I am currently using a Delta 46-460 and am overall pleased with it but am looking to add another lathe to the shop .Mini/Midi lathe for turning mostly wood. Thank you in advance for your feedback and comments.
 
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Old Codger

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Oct 27, 2013
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Bellingham, WA
I currently have a Jet 1221VS and couldn't be more pleased with it... It has a few short comings, but nothing serious (i.e.; paint vs powder coating, loose VS switch) but love it's power and heft. I also have a Rikon 1216VS and also like it! It's a perfect little lathe w/plenty of power and light enough to take to demo's/shows, etc. It doubles as my buffing station when not in use as a lathe. Can't go wrong w/either company's midi's...great products/service and dependability!
 

alankulwicki7

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Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
1,644
Location
Vadnais Heights, MN
I am looking for updated feedback of what lathes people are using and to why they prefer that particular lathe. I am currently using a Delta 46-460 and am overall pleased with it but am looking to add another lathe to the shop .Mini/Midi lathe for turning mostly wood. Thank you in advance for your feedback and comments.

Usually when you get a new lathe you go bigger, don't you? :)

I would think that everything you could turn on the smaller lathe, you could turn on the Delta.

Unless you set up one of the lathes just for drilling, buffing, etc, I would save your money for something else.:)
 

wyone

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Jul 16, 2014
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1,764
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15314 Grasslands, Parker, CO 80134
well actually I have a Grizzly G0462 and a Jet 1014. I use them for different things. If I am turning pens, my only choice is really the Jet. I love the size of it and it just seems better for the use. For bowls, well unless they are really small I walk over to the Grizzly.
 

Kendallqn

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Joined
May 9, 2013
Messages
114
Location
Phoenix, Az 85044
You state that you already have a good quality delta midi lathe now and want to add to your shop. Why would you want another midi. I would go bigger for a second lathe. My second lathe is a Powermatic full size and I love it. My mini is now relegated to a buffing station. I find I can do everything I could ever do on the small lathe on the big one with the advantage of a bigger heavier more stable base to work from. And I can turn big stuff as well when I want to.
 

alankulwicki7

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Jul 28, 2010
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1,644
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Vadnais Heights, MN
well actually I have a Grizzly G0462 and a Jet 1014. I use them for different things. If I am turning pens, my only choice is really the Jet. I love the size of it and it just seems better for the use. For bowls, well unless they are really small I walk over to the Grizzly.

That's really my point :). I have a Powermatic 3520 and a Jet 1014. I do about 99% of my turning on the PM and mainly use the Jet for drilling and buffing.

Since the OP already has a midi lathe it just doesn't make sense to me to buy another midi/mini lathe. Unless of course you are going from non-variable speed to variable speed :)
 

LeeR

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Joined
Nov 13, 2010
Messages
630
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Metal mini lathe will give you extra choices when want to expand your turnings. You can still turn wood on it also.

I'd go for a metal lathe also. Especially if you really do not want/need a larger lathe. I had a mini metal lathe I sold before I got my Rikon midi for wood. There are times I wish I had the ability to turn metal for something special, or to be able to precisely turn a wood blank to an exact, and uniform, diameter by using the longitudinal feed.

I do turn brass and copper fitting for tool handle ferrules, but a mini metal lathe would really open up the possibilities.
 

BSea

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Joined
Dec 28, 2009
Messages
4,628
Location
Little Rock, Arkansas
I also have a Delta 46-460. I can't imagine getting anything smaller unless portability was a consideration. It has VS, reverse, and plenty of power for it's size. I also have a Big Dog 7X14 mini metal lathe. The metal lathe is still something I'm learning to use, but it has come in handy for a few things so far. I've just really scratched the surface with it, and I can see where it will be a bigger asset down the road.

When I buy another wood lathe, it will be bigger. My goal is about a year from now getting something so I can turn larger bowls.
 

Old Codger

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Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Messages
333
Location
Bellingham, WA
I hope I'm not speaking out of turn here, but I sorta understand dudstuen's issue... I have a Rikon 1215VS and loved it, but wanted a little more powerful and sturdy lathe so I selected the Jet 1221VS which is a little heftier plus has a few more features (i.e.; reverse, indexes, etc.) because I couldn't afford at least a $1,000 difference in features (i.e; powermatic, laguna, etc.). Jet/Rikon didn't offer the additional features for a larger mid size lathe or a smaller full size lathe for the price and as far as I know, still doesn't. Non-variable speed lathes are not a consideration as far as I'm concerned but I would like a multi-position headstock and shorter bedways for bowl turning, but I'd also like a new classic 1968 Mustang convertible for free also... Any comments and suggestions are welcome! Safe turning to all and hope dudstuen can profit from the comments!
 
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