delta 46-715

[Joseph Tarantino]

a lathe is the only significant woodworking tool i don't have. this CL delta is asking $100 and needs another $225 on top of that (new motor and banjo).

http:// newyork.craigslist.org/fct/tls/2766861064.html

i haven't seen it yet, but i like that the speed is variable down to 600 rpm. is this slow enough for turning? turn bowls holds absolutely no interest for me, but table spindles or decorative elements might be in the cards. i'd be getting the lathe as a kind of "in case i need it one day" type of tool. constructive comments and opinions are appreciated. thanks

[Bill Bulloch]

As a wood turner I doubt that you'll be satisfied with this lathe in the long run even if it was free. The problem with the 46-715 lathe is the Reeves Drive, the light weight and the 3/4 HP motor. If this one is old enough to need a new motor and banjo, then I suspect you'll find other problems with it like pulleys and bearings. But, you do need a good lathe in your shop, "just in case", so I would recommend you pass this one up and put that $300 toward a better buy --- that I'm sure you'll find now that you are looking.

[Gary Max]

Dang shame it's not listed for sale in my neck of the woods. I would install a VS motor and do away with the reeves drive--- somewhere in my junk pile I have a banjo for it. The banjo is really a ebay item they have them listed all the time. So if you have more time than money----not a bad buy.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I think I would pass on that one. Like Bill said if it has those two major problems what other problems does it have. You could get a new Delta 46-460 which has a bigger motor, 12" swing also and the low speed is good. 600 rpm is to fast and with a unbalanced blank on it is a hard one to handle.

[Rich Aldrich]

I totally agree with Bernie. I just recommended the Delta to a friend because of the good reviews the guys here on the Creek have given this lathe. The variable frequecy drive really makes a huge difference on the unbalanced blanks.

[Jamie Donaldson]

Put your money into a lathe that is ready to use and not a rebuild project, and the Delta Midi with bed extension will handle both bowls and table legs for your immediate needs and future projects quite well. That is , until you want to turn larger bowls and leave the spindle turning behind!

[Bill Boehme]

I have one of these lathes. Don't get it.

The motor is strong enough and the bed, toolrest base, tailstock and headstock are fine, but it is the mechanical variable speed Reeves drive that is worthless.

I now have a Robust American Beauty. What a difference.

[Bill Bulloch]

I have one of these lathes. Don't get it.

The motor is strong enough and the bed, toolrest base, tailstock and headstock are fine, but it is the mechanical variable speed Reeves drive that is worthless.

I now have a Robust American Beauty. What a difference.

You wouldn't kid us now would you?

[Dale Coons]

I'd pass on this one too--I have it also. The reeves drive is a poor bet. I had to replace some parts a couple of years ago when someone tried to change speeds while the motor was off. Parts for this lathe are hard to get (4 or 5 month wait back then) and expensive--they no longer sell the pulley parts seperately, you have to buy a 'kit'. By the time you get this fixed up, you are well on your way to something nicer.

[Jon McElwain]

I have one of these lathes. Don't get it.
The motor is strong enough and the bed, toolrest base, tailstock and headstock are fine, but it is the mechanical variable speed Reeves drive that is worthless.
I now have a Robust American Beauty. What a difference.

You wouldn't kid us now would you?

Same story here. I had the Delta 46-715, but got rid of it. Now I have a Oneway 2436. What a difference!

Gotta say, I would not pay $100 if you still needed a motor and banjo. I think you would be better off to keep looking. Especially if you have time - it sounds like you don't need it now.