Delta 46-460

[Bill Easterling]

I have a Delta 46-460 and was sanding a bowl blank in reverse . When I switched to forward it would not turn on . Has anyone else had that problem? any ideas on how to fix it ?

[Steve Eure]

Have you tried unplugging and re-plugging the machine. I had my lathe do that once and I had to reset it by unplugging. Outside of that, possible a bad switch, dust in the switch, loose or broken wire.

[Paul Williams]

I have experienced that. Normally it happens if the spindle has not come to a complete stop before changing direction. Switch it to the other direction and try it. Then switch direction and try again.

[Richard Coers]

If you Google that, you will have days of reading. There are 2 versions of 46-460. Version I had a switch more on the back of the control box. Amazon even stopped shipping those because such a high percentage of them arrived at the destination with a broken switch. The version II became famous for failed control boards and switches that packed full of sawdust. I think they finally have parts in inventory to sell now, but very pricey. There were years when there were no parts available. When a control board fried, you had a small boat anchor.

[Bill Easterling]

Thanks for the replys.I changed switches (25.00) and i'm back making chips.

[Paul Williams]

Bill, Where did you get the replacement switches? Delta? I have an early type 1 46-460. Still going strong, but expect that some day I will be looking for replacements. Might get some to have on hand.

[Paul Haus]

Bill, Where did you get the replacement switches? Delta? I have an early type 1 46-460. Still going strong, but expect that some day I will be looking for replacements. Might get some to have on hand.
I don't have that lathe but do have a suggestion, open up your lathe and see what switch is in it. From what I've seen, most use commercially available switches in their equipment rather than make switches themselves. For example i have a Jet 1642 lathe and if you go to Jet the cost of the switch assembly (you have to buy the whole thing) is $90 which is the on-off button, mount and switch. You can buy the exact same Schneider switch only on Ebay for about $10. Big difference in cost there and it's the same physical switch. I expect you'll find similar results if you check it out. I also like to have replacement parts on hand for the day something fails, long as you can find it when the failure happens.