Thoughts on used (but new) Delta Midi LA200?

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pesto126

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Well.. as explained in my other thread... my carba-tec is missing a part and I was able to find someone selling a like-new in box LA200.. I know these are older lathes but was wondering what everyone thought of this? I can get it for $100.... the parts are still in plastic though there is some rust on the front of the machine... its never been used.

Should I just forgo this and buy a newer Jet 1221VS or get the Delta to start back into things? I'm concerned how to know what speed to use to say turn pens or sand since this would require belt changes... when would you change the belt or can you do it all on one speed for pen turning? I know the Jet allows you to just turn the dial to change the speeds....

Thanks for your thoughts...
 
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From what have read about Delta LA 200 mini it is obsolete, parts if can find them expensive. On the other hand would make a good pen lathe. Once you get experience with the lathe will find do not need many belt changes to turn pens.

Would feel better if knew if the lathe worked well after no use. Definitely want to see and hear it run before buying. Only you can judge how comfortable will be making belt changes to adjust speeds.

I had a jet 1014 used for pens and did not need to make many belt changes. Ran full speed turning pens, and slowed it down to sand & finish.

If have the money and have been planning on upgrading to Jet 1221 with EVS do it.

Yes, Delta LA 200 not a bad deal but you are buying as is where is and on your own if have any problems.
 
thanks Wildman... I agree.. sure I'll be much happier with the Jet in the long run... just like the idea of saving the $600 for all the other items I need... lots to think about but appreciate your thoughts...
 
My first lathe was a new LA200 and I still have it. I'm actually refurbishing it now and will continue to use it. For $100 I wish I could buy the one you're looking at.
 
I still use my LA200 lathe as well. Great little lathe that should give you years of good service. I don't believe I would sell mine for $100 and it's been well used. I'd jump on it for $100 if it's in the condition you've indicated.

Jim Smith
 
Thx Jim/Donnie - I am going tomorrow morning to pick it up! Decided that for $100 - I'd be foolish not to buy it and get back in the swing of things using it... if it breaks in a couple months or even weeks - I'm sure I can give it away for parts if needed... but rather give it a shot rather than jumping in full bore right from the start.

Thanks for giving a newbie some direction.... appreciate the community already! - Andy.
 
picked up the lathe today... a bit of rust on the body (which is to be expected I guess) - runs well and hopefully lines up straight from tail to head.... will setup tomorrow and see how it goes! $100... not bad! Thx again...
 
Well.. setup the lathe and noticed quite a bit of rust on the body. Had to pry the belt side door open to get in there and have my first real problem... it appears the lever that should move the motor and pulley assembly up and down is rusted or frozen/warped... thus, I cannot change the belt location. I loosened the little nut lever but the main lever is stuck. It won't go up on its own and when I push down on it - it only nudges the belt a bit - of course it won't go much further because the belt tension. The belt is on the furthest left pulley.. now, I kinda wish I didn't buy this thing! So - I will try to take it apart tomorrow and see what is what.. any advice would be appreciated - especially from those that own a model.

Thx - Andy.
 
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Andy, there is only the bolt that runs through the little handle you mentioned in the front and another cap screw on the backside of the adjusting bracket. The cap screw in the back is accessible from the bottom belt access door. Loosen that rear bolt off and see if that frees it up. If so, spray a little WD-40 in there and re-tighten the rear bolt and call it done. It's such a simple setup that there can't be much wrong with it.

Even better would be unhooking the wires running to the motor, loosen the set screws in the bottom pulley and remove the rear cap screw in the adjusting bracket and pull the motor off and clean everything properly. You could have that done in an hour.
 
I tried to warn you!

"Would feel better if knew if the lathe worked well after no use. Definitely want to see and hear it run before buying. Only you can judge how comfortable will be making belt changes to adjust speeds."

Only point here is never buy a used wood lathe without hearing and seeing it run first. Like, others have said hope little lubricant and cleaning will get you up and running.

When sold my Jet 1014, was happy to show buyer everything worked as designed.

Be wary of people that do not know or allow a test drive! Not saying all those folks trying to rip you off, some people just do not know, while other just do not care and want it gone whether it works or not!
 
Thx Wildman... I actually did see it running when I bought it and it runs great.. but I just couldn't get the belt change to work... (didn't think to have them show me that) thx to Donnie's advice, I loosened a few screws, got some WD40 in there and voila - the belt now moves just great!

So... though not ideal - it seems like this will work just fine.. great for me to get back into the game and if I like it again - I can upgrade later.

Thanks again everyone... great community for sure!
 
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