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Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Portable Sawmill & Tree Service – Abingdon, VA

Entry level lathe - help??

Posts

Entry level lathe - help??

#1

Entry level lathe - help??

Ron Berlier, Sacramento, CA

>Hello All!

I would like the "Expert�s" opinions as to whether the Delta Midi-Lathe is worth the money as an entry level tool. Initially I was thinking about a jig with my drill press, but I have been rethinking that since ebony is one of the woods I want to use. I want to turn drawer pulls, fan pulls, maybe a pepper shaker or two and some spindles. Current price at Woodworker Supply is about $240.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

Ron

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#2

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

Thomas Saunders

>There is nothing wrong with the lathe you are looking at.

I use a Jet of the same size and there have been some good deals on them lately.

Either one will work for what you want.

Tom in Red Deer

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#3

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

Jerry Whitaker

>Most of my friends have the Jet as I do and I will take it anyday over the Delta that a few of my friends have.

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#4

Jet over Delta...why?

John Longwitz-Doraville, GA

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Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#5

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

JamieDonaldson

>This past weekend I saw a mini-General for the first time. What a nice solid little machine! It's head and shoulders better than any other mini I have seen, and the owner said it was in the same price range as the others from a dealer in Columbus,OH. It lacks variable speed control other than moving the belt- what a great candidate for the Vega controller/motor conversion!

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#6

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

Fred in NC

>I have only seen pics of that lathe. Looks good.

When I recently tried to buy another unit from Vega I has informed they had run out. Too bad !

Fred

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#7

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

� Joe Millsap

>I have used both the delta and the jet mini lathes and my preference is the Jet and now they have a variable speed on the market. I have a jet and I have put the One-way banjo and tool rest on it. It is great.

Joe

Re: Entry level lathe - help??

#8

Jet Mini (ebay) $235 Free Shipping

DW

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