Older Craftsman lathe vs. a new Delta 46-460

[bradleyheathhays]

Ran across this older Craftsman lathe for cheap so I went ahead and picked it up figuring I can just sell it if it's not worth fixing. I've got a Delta 46-460 with extension on the way but happened to find this one while I was waiting for it to get here. The Craftsman can turn 15" regular and 20" I guess on the reverse side, w/ a 38" spindle length while the Delta only turns 12 1/2 " w/ a 42" spindle. Both have a dial for continuous speed adjustment, CM 400-2000 and Delta 250-4000, with the Delta having reverse.

Questions is...is the CM worth the extra 2 1/2" turning diameter while giving up reverse, but saving about $500 after refurbishing?

What needs replacing on the CM is the tail stock mount as it's very dulled and probably the motor bearings. Hopefully I can post this vid. Is that a bad bearing I'm hearing?

 

[wolf creek knives]

I've had a "knock off" Craftsman lathe for well over 30 years now. It's probably very similar to what Grizzly sells. But, it's rock solid and will turn anything I want to turn. Will I ever get rid of it? NO WAY!!! I can drop a couple hundred bucks on it if needed and have it as good as new. It's got no plastic on it except for the switch, belt cover and the tightening screws. I learned how to turn on a Craftsman, probably 70 years old now, the lathe that is, and when my father in law asked me if I wanted it I told him "No", I'm still kicking myself now. My suggestion to you is fix it up, give it a shot and learn to turn on it. I think you'll enjoy its ease and abilities. Good luck on your turning.

 

[dogcatcher]

I may be wrong, but I believe that Craftsman lathe had a lot of problems. Now the problem could be worse, there might not be parts or support. I would do research on the model number, you also might check on Sawmill Creek forum.

 

[Curly]

Personally I would avoid the Craftsman. It has been out of production for a while and finding someone able to get in and diagnose and replace circuit board parts is not easy. If there is a motor problem beyond bearings you can't get a replacement.

I am also dubious of the Delta as the last version of that lathe was not supported shortly after it was discontinued leaving people stuck without parts like circuit boards. I would look to lathes that have companies with a longer track record of support or are of a simpler design that can accept substitute parts more readily.

Jet and Rikon have better track records and Nova has been around a long time and still support models discontinued long ago. I have a Nova 3000 which is 25 to 30 years old. It is a belt changer and should I want variable speed I could mount a North American 3 phase motor and VFD (variable frequency drive) or an imported one and it would be as good as anything else in it's size range. I can also buy a variable speed motor from Nova to put in the lathe if you wanted a simple conversion at a price and it would be equal to their DVR series lathes.

Delta was a name you could trust a couple decades ago but now like Stanley, Rockwell, Porter Cable etc they are just names bean counters play with to get quick money from.

 

[bradleyheathhays]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm really learning the lesson now to just consult before I make any purchases. I was hooked on the 15-20" turning capacity and didn't want it to get away. Little too anxious to set up my little shop I guess.

On the Delta, it's funny, I've had very positive suggestions that it's a good machine, and warnings not to get involved for the same non-support issues you mentioned Curly. I was rady to get a Nova Comet II but the one found was 220v and I assumed all of them were, so I pivoted for the Delta. Now that I know that they come in 110 I'm thinking about returning the Delta when it gets here and ordering the Nova. Ugh, feels like I'm playing a game of musical equipment. Really glad to have the guidance though.

 

[Curly]

Those Comets are on sale from one Canadian distributor for a hundred off and come with a chuck . You might wan to see if similar offers can be had near you.