Ken Frohnert
11-04-2011, 7:21 AM
I would like to try turning and found a Rockwell Delta Homecraft (I believe not marked as a homecraft but does have Rockwell Delta) Lathe. It has a 1/2 hp 120 volt motor which turns free not sure if
it runs as there is no power. It does have the 2 tool rests. I am suppose to drive over a look at it this weekend. I believe it has 11" swing and it is about 4" long. I believe it may be on the original stand. Asking $100. I would like to try and turn some, ornaments, pens, candle sticks, and small bowls. Since I have never turned I thought this may be a good starter lathe - I thought if I liked it and wanted to upgrade once I really knew what I needed (maybe I could go smaller or maybe I would need something bigger to turn larger bowls) but either way I though I could get most of my money back out of this one. I was hoping to find a 1460 but they are never within driving distance. I do love the idea of fixing up these older tools - I always wonder what the have seen and done before I got them and who enjoyed working on them before me. I have a 1970s Unisaw and a older Powermatic Jointer which I redid and changed from 3 phase to 1 phase. I am new to turning so I could use some advice here.
How are these Homecraft lathes are they good for a beginner? Besides the swing what are the other limitations? Is there any thing I should be looking for besides the tool rests, and the head and tail stock - not sure there are any chucks or plates so maybe that is a problem; what do I definitely want to make sure that I get with it? Any other advice would be appreciated.
it runs as there is no power. It does have the 2 tool rests. I am suppose to drive over a look at it this weekend. I believe it has 11" swing and it is about 4" long. I believe it may be on the original stand. Asking $100. I would like to try and turn some, ornaments, pens, candle sticks, and small bowls. Since I have never turned I thought this may be a good starter lathe - I thought if I liked it and wanted to upgrade once I really knew what I needed (maybe I could go smaller or maybe I would need something bigger to turn larger bowls) but either way I though I could get most of my money back out of this one. I was hoping to find a 1460 but they are never within driving distance. I do love the idea of fixing up these older tools - I always wonder what the have seen and done before I got them and who enjoyed working on them before me. I have a 1970s Unisaw and a older Powermatic Jointer which I redid and changed from 3 phase to 1 phase. I am new to turning so I could use some advice here.
How are these Homecraft lathes are they good for a beginner? Besides the swing what are the other limitations? Is there any thing I should be looking for besides the tool rests, and the head and tail stock - not sure there are any chucks or plates so maybe that is a problem; what do I definitely want to make sure that I get with it? Any other advice would be appreciated.