Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have been using this lathe for approximately 1 year and this is what I have found.
I bought the lathe as a first lathe. I was inexperienced and on a budget. With those things in mind, it did well for the first few months. All the items were there, it shipped fast and was not difficult to assemble without assistance from anyone else, though I recommend getting a friend to help with some of the lifting.
I noticed a rattle and some vibration, but it was very minimal and it didn't seem to affect performance. I satisfactorily turned several bowls and a lot of spindle work. The motor gets a lot of bang out of the 3/4 horses. The mobile headstock is very versital. The tool rest is quite good. For a starter lathe it is a nice tool.
Now to the problems.
1) The base is not heavy or rigid enough. That is an easy fix and not a real detractor.
2) The tailstock base does not lock down well enough and I find myself retightening it frequently.
3) The biggest problem now is the constant worsening of the rattling and the vibration it causes, which translates into the spindle and handwheel. It makes it impossible to rechuch anything accurately and vibration is extreme, even with small loads. One of the pulleys is definately mis-machined and has both horizontal and vertical displacement while running. Delta has the pulleys on back order from their overseas supplier. I therefore took it in to the local authorized dealer and have yet to hear back. A wobbley handwheel and spindle movement make turning unenjoyable.
Searching the web and the message boards, I have seen about an even number of people saying they have had no problems as those who have had worse problems than I have. Most seem to revolve around the reeves drive and quality control...Perhaps the overseas manufacture of this lathe is at fault, I don't know.
If Delta could fix the problems with the drive and pulleys, this could be a great mid range lathe. With the mechanical difficulties I am having now with only moderate use (1-2 weekends a month), I could not recommend this lathe unless you test the specific one you are buying to make sure it is in good working order.
Click Here to see more reviews about: DELTA 46-715 9.8 Amp 14-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 3/4-Horsepower Woodworking Lathe, 120-Volt 1-Phase
The DELTA 46-715 9.8 Amp 14-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 3/4-HP Woodworking Lathe is designed with a convenient 10-position speed change powered by a 0.75 HP, 60 Hz motor. It includes a speed range of 450 to 600 RPM. The cast-iron design of the lathe reduces vibrations for greater accuracy. Head stock rotates at 45- , 90- , and 180-degree angles anywhere along the bed for bowl or general outboard turning. The pulley includes a 24-position index scale that allows you to indulge in intricate, ornamental detailing, while the spindle comes with 24 lockable positions, great for making precise calculations and cuts. The lathe also includes a cast-iron tool rest measuring 12 inches, a convenient on/off switch positioned above the motor, and a durable steel stand.
