Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

John Veerkamp, Western Mo.

>I have the Delta VS 16 steel bed lathe. I really like it. I filled the legs with sand and am able to turn anything that fits. About the only thing I don't like about it is the tool rest. I replaced it with an aftermarket round bar type. Works great. For the money this a great lathe. I couldn't aford a PM or Oneway and this was the best in my price range. I also looked seriously at the Nova 3000 DVR but in the end the Delta won out. With the Oneway Talon chuck I can do anything I want to. I'd been turning about a year on an old Craftsman lathe before I setteled on the Delta. If you have any specific questions, e-mail me.

John

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Jim Ketron

>I think Kevin Gerstenecker has One and he really likes his you might want to contact him he posts on here some.

Jim

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Kevin Gerstenecker

>Yes, Jim is correct, I have a Delta 1642 VFD Steel Bed Lathe, and I couldn't be happier with it. Great machine, IMO. If you need any specific information, you are welcome to email me and I will help you all I can. I really like mine, and I would buy it again, no question.

Jet 1642

Capt Skip

>I mention this only because I almost missed out on mine. The Jet 1642 is a little brother to the PM3520 but saves you $700. I love the weight and quality of this unit. I like the sliding head stock feature best. It worth looking at in IMHO.

Worked it hard yesterday roughng out some 15" blanks only a little vibration.

I have one.

Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level

>I have the Delta 1642 VSC Steel Bed and I am very happy with it. It has a Baldor controller, which is nice. I have turned 16" bowl blanks with no problems.

I added a ballast shelf below. The brackets are pre-installed. I also added 4X4 outriggers through the feet as designed. The lathe now weighs about 600 pounds and is rock solid even when turning big stuff.

I like that the head can travel to the tail end in case I want to turn outboard. That keeps the orientation of the work the same as what I am used to.

The 42" spindle capacity is a nice feature too.

I have no regrets buying that lathe.

Tommy

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

JL work

>I was in a situation like yours. Delta or Jet. I chose the Jet 1642 EVS as it was about $150 cheaper (and that was before the 10% off). The customer service for Delta is great. I just liked the looks, feel and price of the Jet a little better.

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Fog Tanner

>I have the Delta 16" steel bed, it was my first lathe. I was able to turn large bowls and small boexes without any problems. I didn't add any weight, but the legs are hollow and lead shot would be a plus.

I turned on the PM3520, and all the Jets. I choose the Delta primarily because of the steel bed. There are problems in some of the Jet designs with the motor location. The motor on the Delta is a Marathon with a Baldor drive. Delta's customer service is top of the line. I had some issues when coring bowls and made these known to Delta. They had Baldor reprogram the controller and I received the first new one to try, which is the one you now get. Problem solved and I can't say enough about that kind of response.

I did buy a second lathe because I got interested in offcenter turning, where a 16" swing is not enough. But, I still use my Delta for a number of items that are easier to do than one my larger lathe.

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Chris K.

>Thank you all who responded thus far. You comments are helpful and confirm to me that the lathe while not having a large following here is worthy. I have a few questions of those who responded or other yet to respond.

What types of turning do you do?

Some have mentioned off center turning, and wnating/needing more swing - please elaborate on this.

I have noticed that alot of the handles etc are plastic and I had one email from someone that has gone through two sets in two years. Has anyone else had these issues?

Has anyone had a need for more power than the 1.5HP?

Is there anyone in the Maryland PA, DE, N.VA area that has one and would be willing to let me test drive it?

I am leaning to the PM 3520A but I could have the delta much sooner

Thank you

Chris

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Fog Tanner

>Chris, I do everything from lamp pulls, pens to bowls on the Delta. During the Christmas holidays, I got into a mood for doing boxes and made a number of boxes. I have made several hundred toothpick holders on the Delta, a number of bowls and jewlery boxes. In other words, both spindles and facegrain work.

I got interested in offcenter turning, where a medium size piece of wood exceeds the swing on the Delta. It is fine for smaller pieces, but I have some irregular mallee burls that are close to the bed, and there are some more which simply won't fit without knocking an edge off. That's one of the main reason for the 24" swing. The 1000lb weight of the Vic also helps on those odd shapes.I have an Escoleoun(sp????) chuck which I use on the Delta with no problems. With that I have done some eccentric pieces and the Delta handled the vibration without any incident. And the Delta is the only lathe I use for making pens. Its easier to change the speed range on the belts to the high range and its a buzz turning at 2700-3000 rpms. My Vic will turn the same rpms, but changing the belt range is a little more hassel.

One of my other reason was to support the US economy, as the Delta was still made here. With Powermatic moving across the Pacific, there wasn't another American made machine available. I also don't care for the motors that Jet is using in the equipment, having just had to fix one on a drill press. When I decided on a bigger lathe I looked at the 26" Delta that they were going to come out with. It looks like the 16" only a lot bigger. But that was delayed so I went to Australia for the Vic. And I don't regret either purchase.

Re: Delta 16" Steel bed - VS aka X5 Lathe

Rick in Colgate, Wi

>Hey Fog,

I've got the Delta 1642 steel bed lathe as well. You mentioned the Baldor drive and a problem. What can you tell me about the "fault" light and why it shuts down the lathe, it seems as its overly sensitive at times. Thanks!