Power Tools Reviews
Delta 46-715 9.8 Amp 14-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 3/4-Horsepower Woodworking Lathe, 120-Volt 1 Phase
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 Superb Midsize Lathe This machine is well-designed and well-built. Massive (except for the stand, which is adequate) and smooth running. Tool rest, head- and tail-stock lock easily, fast and rock solid. The tool is entirely of cast iron and steel (exception: on off switch is plastic, and entirely adequate). Motor is powerful. Alignment of head and tailstock is accurate. Tool inspires confidence as you turn. As for the several very negative reviews, these folks probably have the early model (type 1) and happy to say all those bugs are worked out. Important to note that this $500 lathe is not a $1200 lathe--that is, it is not designed for turning really large heavy objects really slowly. In the midsize category it probably can't be beat. Really nice features include an indexing pin for decorative work, a handwheel, great controls and locks, a motor that counterbalances the work for outboard turning, and a heavy tool rest extension that makes outboard work larger than 14" realistic. The light stand can be beefed up with sandbags, or built on for storage beneath which also adds mass. Stepping up I upgraded from a midsize lathe to this one and could not be happier it has done everything ask of it and more, this lathe is well built,solid, and has a lot higher degree of precision than what i was used to and it shows in the quality of work comeing off of it.  Delta means disappointment I just recently purchased my Delta 46-715 lathe. I am an experienced turner but on disability and could not afford more cost. I thought, "it's a Delta, what could be wrong." So far pretty everything has gone wrong. The boss that holds the headstock in position was mis-machined leaving the head stock several degrees out of alignment. I suspect that the tailstock is just as out of alignment. The speed control has been fine so far but the quill travels very roughly and feels cheaply made and on the verge of a disaster. I have had the lathe less than a month and wish I had never purchased it. When I put it to bed last night it was working fine. When I tried to start it this morning the switch had failed. DEAD IN THE WATER. I could not recommend this lathe to any serious wood turner. Delta 1442, Great buy and excellent value I have used lathes with 5 step pulleys for all my life. The convenience of a speed lever and the ability to rotate the entire Head stock make this much easier to use and vastly more flexible than ordinary lathes. I have coupled it with a Supernova 2 chuck and use it and the rest extension (and French curve rest) to turn the headstock and rest to where I am in the best position to hold the tool steady and turn very thin walled work on large pieces with confidence that it will not grab or chatter. It is a lot of tool for not a lot of money. | |||||||||
