Are you thinking about buying the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch variable speed midi lathe? A midi lathe is a great way to get the benefits of a mini lathe and a full-size lathe. This is achieved by combining the power of a large lathe with a smaller lathe. Midi lathes have not been around for very long, but they are becoming more and more popular because they offer so many possibilities.
Turning any wood can be satisfying with the right lathe. Full-size lathes usually pack more of a punch. At the same time, they usually take up more space as they have to be placed on the floor rather than on a bench, as is the case with mini lathes. This article will take a look at what the delta industrial looks like, the sizes it comes in, and what it’s like to use it. Let’s dive right in.
Highlights
| Highlights | |
| Power | 1 Horsepower Max |
| Motor | 1725 RPM |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Swing Capacity | 12-1/2-inch |
Pros
- Provides good speed control.
- Has a good low-speed range.
- Comes with five years warranty cover.
- It is flexible.
- It is suitable for users of all levels.
Cons
- The speed controller could be more durable.
- Does not have a digital speed screen.
Aesthetics
This is a heavy-duty lathe, but it doesn’t quite look like it. One look at this lathe, and you will see that it will fit on your workbench. It has a ball-bearing live center as well as an over headstock on and off switch. This allows you to reach the switch as you work. It also has a 3-inch faceplate and 10inch tool rest, and a 6inch tool rest. This makes it an easy tool to have around your workshop.
If you are turning long spindles, then you will need a larger surface area to work with. It’s either that, or you will need to move the tool rest if it is too short constantly. This leaves a large margin for errors. If you are even concerned about accuracy, this won’t be easy to do. That is why the different-sized tool rests that this spindle comes with are a great option and give you choices.
Having options for your tool rests means that you can also have options for the way you spin. This lathe also has onboard storage options. This allows you to easily reach your tools for different adjustment tasks as you work. The knockout bar on this lathe is heavy-duty and is hard to miss. It is made of steel which is also very durable and heavy at the same time. But when it comes to looks, the steel gives it a clean look.
The lathe doesn’t have any hanging bits and bobs. Everything is in its place, neatly and conveniently placed for you to work easier and with precision. While the look may not seem like it has a lot to do with how the lathe works, it affects. When you have awkwardly protruding parts, it’s easy to get snagged as you work, becoming a safety hazard.
Size
A midi lathe will have an increased turning diameter, especially compared to mini lathes. In most cases, midi lathes have a maximum turning diameter of 12 inches, more significant than the 10-inch turning diameter that you will find on mini lathes. This is a benchtop lathe meaning that you can place it on your benchtop and easily work from there.
You get to choose the speed you prefer to work with, which is also suitable for your project. The variable speeds on this lathe are 250-700, 600-1,800, and 1,350-4,000-RPM. Meanwhile, it has a 1inch drive spindle and a tailstock spindle travel of 2-1/4inches. It also comes with two tool rest sizes which are 6inch and 10inches. The swing over the bed is 12-1/2inches, while the distance between centers is 16-1/2inches with an extension of 42 inches.
Who is this product ideal for?
Coming up with a highly polished turned project can involve a lot of work when you use other lathes. However, this one helps give you a smooth finish by rotating the wood that you are turning in both directions. When you rotate the wood along the grain, you get the fibers to lay down but remain rough. When you rotate against the grain, you get the wood to become smooth.
This lathe uses a one hp motor, with one phase and 120v, to give you the best result with less effort applied. You will look like a pro in no time. Thanks to the six groove belt, we also like that you can turn large projects.
Durability
The Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe is designed for industrial use, and as such, it is very durable. Also, it is made of cast iron, which means that you should have this lathe for many years to come. There is very little that you can do to destroy the body on this tool.
Price
This lathe has numerous advantages which are well worth the money spent. While some may say that it is on the higher end, it is also important to consider what else you will be betting from the machine and consider its durability, which is high. This high-performing lathe can easily be placed on a benchtop, making it versatile, easy to adjust, and worth the amount.
Verdict
Woodturning can be a breeze when you have the right tools. The wrong ones can make it more of a nightmare than you can imagine. A lathe is one of the ways to help you turn your wood into different cylindrical shapes. The Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed Midi Lathe is a good buy if you are looking for a robust lathe.
The variable speeds give you more options, and the one-horsepower motor helps pack the punch you need. We also like that it is reasonably priced, especially for a tool of its magnitude. We also like that it is portable and can fit even in not-so-big workshops. We hope that this review helps you make your decision. Happy shopping!
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