Lathe Advice

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davespenden

Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
12
Location
Lakeville, MN
Allright folks, I am about ready to upgrade to a midi lathe. I have been looking at the Delta 46-460 and the PSI Turncrafter 12" Variable speed.

I want something at least in the 12" range. I have only done pens so far on the lathe, but want to expand my knowledge to other turnings. I want something with simplistic variable speed control. I like the digital readout on the PSI. But is that just a fancy gadget? The price on the PSI is attractive compared to the Delta.

Ok there is the basis. Let this subject fly as I am sure it will. Any other suggestions in this price range is very welcomed.

Dave
 
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Go for the Delta if you want the variable speed and want to be able to dial it up. The reviews of the machine have all been very good. The other choice would be a Rikon, which I own and have been using non-stop for over 4 years with no problems that I didn't create. It is variable speed, but you do have to change belts. It is a very easy and simple process that takes about 20-30 seconds. You are going to get lots of responses to your post. Good luck with your new lathe.
 
Due to someone giving me what I think was bad advice on the Delta Midi, I got an equivalent sized lathe from General International. I do have a little more faith in GI over Delta though seeing as Delta keeps getting bought out.

This lathe has electronic variable speed with belt change for speed ranges. The belt change takes literally just seconds. It has 12" swing over bed and is easy to switch to outboard turning since the motor is mounted on the head. It comes with a short bed to mount on the outside of the lathe for doing larger platters. speed range is approx. 400-3600RPM. It is a little more expensive than the Delta though. I've seen it listed from just over $700 US.

I am really happy with mine.

http://general.ca/site_general/g_produits/lathe/25-200.html
 
I was using a Wilton type mini lathe and last year I bought the Delta 46-460 as an addition to my shop. The Delta is a great improvement and I love it. Plenty of power, good variable speed range, and easy to find chucks and accessories that fit.
Now I only use the mini lathe for rush pen orders when the Delta is set-up for another job. Every time I use the mini, I remember why I bought the Delta.
 
I bought the delta and have not looked back since. I love it and the varible speed is wonderful. I will say that my first lathe was a turncrafter pro, non varible speed and it was a work horse also. I still have it and use it at meetings, a little easier to carry around.
 
I got the delta early this year and I really like it :biggrin:, It is my first lathe so dont have much to compare it to, But im not dissapointed with my purchase of it.
 
I have a Jet mini now (sorry dont know the model #). I want to venture into some bowl & plate turning and possible spindle stuff. The Jet has done me well, just want the ability for easier variable speed and the ability to turn larger items.
 
davespenden said:
I have a Jet mini now (sorry dont know the model #). I want to venture into some bowl & plate turning and possible spindle stuff. The Jet has done me well, just want the ability for easier variable speed and the ability to turn larger items.
Click to expand...

Are you stuck on only getting a midi or are you considering full sized lathes, too?
 
If you aren't in a rush, then hunt CL. It took me several months, but I found a 1971 full size Delta-Rockwell 4-speed 3-phase lathe. Paid $150 for it. Then I bought a $150 phase converter to run it. I now have a VS lathe from 0-3k rpm. I love it. I only use two "gear" settings on it now--low for bowls and high for pens.

2011-08-02190112.jpg



Don't let the rough appearance fool you. This thing is a real work horse.
 
jbswearingen said:
If you aren't in a rush, then hunt CL. It took me several months, but I found a 1971 full size Delta-Rockwell 4-speed 3-phase lathe. Paid $150 for it. Then I bought a $150 phase converter to run it. I now have a VS lathe from 0-3k rpm. I love it. I only use two "gear" settings on it now--low for bowls and high for pens.

Don't let the rough appearance fool you. This thing is a real work horse.
Click to expand...

I have one that looks identical to this one. I don't use it now though. I converted mine to a single phase motor although I entertained thoughts of adding a variable frequency drive to it. Never could find anything near as cheap as that though! Nice!:smile:
 
Delta 46-460... hands down the best in class. Got one as soon as it came out. Use it heavily. Turned two beautiful pens on it today and did some work on an 8" x 2.5" curly maple bowl on the Delta. The stand is also very nice and a good buy.

Want to turn bigger stuff? Powermatic 3520B... That is the cat's meow of reasonably priced lathes. Put a Robust Tilt-A-Matic on the 3520B along with some leveling casters and you have it all.

Get both! I use both lathes... often on the same project. Some parts I do on the 3520B and some parts on the Delta.
:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
 

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I have a 46-460. I love it, it is all the lathe I think I need. It is quiet and accurate. I have been concerned about the future of the Delta company and have been doing some research. There is very little information about what the new owners intentions are, but they did produce a new brochure last month that has almost all the "old" products in it. Parts have been a concern with some of the repairmen. They say it is hit and miss, some come with in days others are still on backorder. This is attributed to the changeover in owners and facilities. The sales rep claims this will be recified in a few months...of course what would we expect him to say?


I also had a 70-100 Rikon for a short time...(sold it to a friend) it seemed to be a very nice lathe too...it was less expensive than the Delta, but ran well, had a quick belt change, and seemed accurate. It was louder, whether it was the bearings or motor, I never spent the time to find out, but none the less a nice machine. As I posted ealier in the month I bought a Rikon economy, for the money, it is a steal. Woodcraft had it for 199 with free shipping. It is a good lathe also, but the belt change is time consuming at best. (thus the word Economy).

On the Delta I have a bed extension with the Delta stands and have double lock wheels on it. A friend of mine had this same set up and I really liked it. I do not intend to turn long material in the near future, but have that option, and allowed me the room for the purchased and home built holders for tools and product that are fixed to the lathe. They are a foot away from the work area and extremely handy. My entire shop is on wheels and I am not close to pegboard, so it has made it much easier to use. You might want to think ahead for the products you may want to purchase, and their availablity.
 
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