Old Delta Midi Lathe Review
Dominic Greco in Richboro PA
>
Review of Delta 46-250 Midi-Lathe
Delta 46-250 Midi-Lathe Specifications:
Motor - 1/2 HP, 115V, 60Hz. 1725 rpm
Swing Over Bed - 10"
Swing Over Base - 7 1/2"
Distance Between Centers - 14 1/2", (With Extension) - 37"
Drive Spindle - 1" -8 RH Thread
Head & Tailstock Taper - #2 MT
Tool Rest - 6"
Overall Dimensions
Length - 33 1/4"
Width - 11"
Height - 17 1/2"
Weight - 85 lbs
Tailstock Thru Hole - 3/8" Self-Ejecting
Tailstock Spindle Travel - 1 1/2"
Drive Spindle Thru Hole - 3/8"
Motor Speeds - 500, 800, 1250, 1800, 2650, and 3700
Justification:
Like many turners out there, I had been toying with the idea of having a �portable lathe�. Having one to set up in a booth at a craft show is one possible use, as is having a �back up� in ase your primary lathe is down. But my main reason behind buying this was I wanted to have a lathe I could transport over to my Dad�s house. Now he can try his hand at turning, without having to take the long ride up to my shop.
The Search:
I had little or no exposure to the newest generation of Midi Lathes currently on the market. So I was totally taken aback by the quality, features, and power these smaller lathes offered. I educated myself on the various base level features, and looked into what the different manufacturers offered. In the end, it came down to either the Jet, or the Delta Midi.
These are not �Mini� lathes, with universal motors, dinky controls, and lightweight assemblies. Both the Jet and Delta offered a nice speed range (from 500 to 3,700 rpm), heavy cast iron ways, heavy-duty tail stock (both with the smoothest operating hand wheels I've ever seen), and a 1/2 horsepower induction motor.
Both midis have an add-on bed extension that will enable you to increase your spindle turning capacity to 37�. And since the motor is a � HP induction type, you have plenty of power to turn a moderately sized spindle, or a 9�� or 10� diameter bowl blank. Both feature a head stock that turns at one of six speeds from 500 to 3,700 rpm for a variety of turning applications. And both lathes have a head stock and tail stock that feature #2 Morse tapers, and a swing of 10 inches over the bed. This allows turning larger diameter projects like bowls, and hollow forms.
Final Selection:
At first I chose the Jet Midi. This was partially due to the current sale being run at Woodcraft. You can get a Jet Midi, with the bed extension (a $49.99 value) for $324.00. However, there were several features that made the Delta stand out over the Jet. The Delta uses an American motor, and I liked the location of the On/Off switch. I also liked the fact that the Delta is $24.99 less than the Jet. What clinched the deal is that a local Woodworker's Warehouse (in tax free Wilmington De) didn't have the bed extensions in stock. So he offered to sell me the Delta at $299.00, and throw in the bed extension.
The Delta Midi comes with a 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories. The basic package I picked up at Woodworker's Warehouse included, a basic tool set, spur center, 3-inch faceplate, tool rest, knockout
bar, wrenches, and instruction manual. The bed extension was just icing on the cake.
First Impressions:
Out of the box, I was impressed with the fit, and finish of this lathe. The bed ways were lightly coated in Cosmoline (or some other rust preventative), which was easily removed with mineral spirits. The manual is somewhat vague
when it comes to detailed explanation of changing speeds. But once I tried it a couple of times, it was not that hard to reason out.
Let me just say, when they say �portable�, they are really
stretching this term. At 85 lbs, this is not a tool you lug around easily. And in the effort to provide a stable work platform, it is also recommended that you make a plywood base that can be clamped to a tabletop. Since I really do not look forward to the next time I need to move this little monster, I will eventually construct a rolling cabinet (with some type of tool storage underneath) for it. One of the nice features of this lathe is that the head stock has 1�-8 threads. This is the same as my Jet JWL-1236 and means I can use my Talon Scroll Chuck without any modifications.
After cleaning off the head stock, tail stock, tool rest and ways, I decided to put this lathe through its paces. I selected an 8� dia roughed out cherry bowl that had been sitting in my shop for several months, and chucked it into the lathe. This bowl was out of round by at least �� and would present a good test of the lathe's sturdiness. After setting the appropriate speed via the belts, I turned the lathe on. I was immediately struck by how quiet, and smoothly it ran! Turning was accomplished with the same ease, if not more, than with my full size Jet Lathe. Another added benefit was that with the short bed, I was able to work from in front of the lathe without the interference presented by a long bed. The only complaint I have is the tool rest. It is small and awkward to use. I will be replacing this as soon as I can.
Conclusion:
After several days of use, I am quite happy to report that this midi lathe got high scores all around. In fact, if I had seen this lathe, and been aware of it's features back when I was shopping for my full size Jet, I might have made a different choice.
See ya around,
Dominic
