Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

6/5/05, 1:47 AM #1

Jonathan Patrick-Hernando, Mississippi
Guest

Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

Jonathan Patrick-Hernando, Mississippi

>Ok guys and gals, I'm very new to turning and know virtually nothing about lathes so bear with me. I purchased today a 12" Delta lathe that is complete but has not been assembled. It is mint condition! It was originally purchased through the Delta facillity in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1985 and was never used. It was sold as defective. All parts are present and accounted for but there is a flaw. The bed has a crack about 1 1/2" long on the top of one of the ways about 7" from the headstock and has a slight high spot. My first question; Is this something that would cause a problem other than not being able to move the tailstock beyond this point?---2)Can cast iron be welded or brazed so that this crack can be stabilized to some degree?---3)I only paid $300.00 for it and have a Jet mini-lathe that I just bought but have only about 15 minutes on. Should I keep the Delta if it is safe to use and sell the Jet? I can only have one. So says my wife and I love my wife!

What say you.

Jonathan

Re: Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

6/5/05, 1:56 AM #2

Rick Allen
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Re: Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

Rick Allen

>I would keep the Jet mini.

Re: Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

6/5/05, 2:19 AM #3

Fred in NC
Guest

Re: Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

Fred in NC

>You did not mention whether the crack goes all the way through the bed casting.

If the crack is only partial, JB Weld could fill the crack, and then the bed needs to be carefully leveled.

Incidentally, from looking at eBay, I think it is rather easy to sell Delta lathe parts...

Re: Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

6/5/05, 3:04 PM #4

Frederick Nelson
Guest

Re: Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

Frederick Nelson

>You don't specify which model of 12 inch lathe it is. The following advice applies to the 46-700 and its variations. If the crack in the bed does not involve any of the mounting holes (seven inches from the headstock end would put it in that vicinity) simply move the headstock to the other end of the bed and turn it around. (You don't even have to take it off the bed to do that.) The bed on the 46-700 is the same from either direction so swapping ends is not a big deal. With the crack, instead of a 34 inches between centers, you're down to 24-26 inches between centers, which might keep you from turning bed-post segments, but not much else. (I have the same lathe and the longest thing I've turned was about 20 inches or less). Welding of cast iron is tricky at best, but if done carefully by someone who knows his stuff, can allow many more years of use out of the lathe.

The increased turning capacity over the JET bench-top lathe is only two inches, but that two inches can make a difference over the tool-rest base.

Since keeping both lathes and getting a new wife is not an option (however tempting!) I think I'd probably stick with the JET Mini if you're turning small hollow forms such as lidded boxes or small bowls, or small, short items like ornaments or mushrooms. The larger lathe will allow turning of larger objects - bigger bowls or hollow forms and spindle-objects - if you keep to the "good" end of the lathe bed. The only real drawback to the Delta lathe is the Reeves drive tends to get out of adjustment, as well as wear out belts a little quicker.

Turn safely,

FNelson

Delta 12" Variable speed Lathe

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