I purchased my 46-460 in August of 2009, so I figured I'd do a review of my thoughts on it.
i previously used a Jet Mini without variable speed and was relatively happy with its performance. The variable speed is the biggest boon for the 46-460. Having the extra power may not be entirely necessary, but definitely helps when turning out larger objects. I've used the lathe with the stock 6" and 12" tool rests, the similar sizes from the Woodcraft tool rest system and the 4" and 6" Robust tool rests. All the rests have worked well. The stock rests and the Woodcraft ones are more prone to nicks and dings in the tool rest if you happen to catch a tool on a large chunk of wood, but have not encountered any such with the Robust rests.
The ways are ground nicely and the banjo and tail stock both slide smoothly and lock securely.
The banjo has a tendency to work loose from vibrations when rounding unbalanced chunks of wood, more so when the wood is drier and/or harder.
I purchased the lathe without the bed extension and haven't yet needed the extra length but am still planning on getting the extension at a later date. If for no other reason, would be nice to have to park the tail stock further away from the headstock without have to remove it from the ways.
The tail stock isn't real heavy so removing and replacing on the bed is a simple task when you need it out of the way.
I bought my lathe from Acme Electric, Tool Crib of the North and when Delta came out and offered the Delta G3 chuck with the lathe, contacted me and provided me with one as well, (Nice gesture from them!). I've used the lathe with the Delta G3, the Nova G3 and the Oneway Talon, (my personal favorite). I've used the chucks with jaws ranging all the way up to the Oneway Mini Jumbo Jaws and never had any issues turning with any of them.
The lathe has an indexing feature with 24 settings.
The reversing feature is great for sanding and I typically don't lock my chucks in place as I've yet to have a chuck come loose from sanding. It offers the turner the opportunity to turn deeper hollowing cuts without leaning way over the lathe or going to the back of the lathe.
I haven't tried any type of vacuum holding system but would be interested in knowing results from anyone who has done so.
The belt changes easily from the front and electronic speed control provides a wide range of adjustment for each of the three pulley settings. I have yet to use the highest speed range pulley setting as the 1800 rpm offered in the middle range has been adequate for what I've turned to date.
I have my lathe bolted to a work bench with a 2" thick butcher block top. The low speed of 250 rpm is slow enough to prevent excessive vibration from large out of round objects. I typically bandsaw my blanks and as such, don't encounter many serious unbalanced pieces.
All in all, I would recommend this lathe to just about anyone.
Clint
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