The Bottom Line
The Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe is an electronic variable speed woodturning lathe with a reversible 1-HP motor that can turn stock for turnings at speeds varying from 250-4000 RPM in either direction. Although it is a midi lathe, a bed extension and base (both optional) are available to give it the capabilities of a larger lathe.
While it's not fair to compare the Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe to a full-sized lathe, as a midi lathe it is a great choice for beginning woodturners on a budget or for turners interested in smaller, more intricate tasks such as turning pens or bottle stoppers.
While it's not fair to compare the Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe to a full-sized lathe, as a midi lathe it is a great choice for beginning woodturners on a budget or for turners interested in smaller, more intricate tasks such as turning pens or bottle stoppers.
Pros
- Can be mounted on a floor stand (optional) or bolted to a solid woodworking table
- Includes spur and live centers for spindle turning or faceplate for turning bowls
- Comes with both 6-inch and 10-inch tool rests that can be positioned for nearly any type of turning
- Covered by a five year limited new product warranty
Cons
- Because it's a midi lathe, one cannot turn larger diameter objects such as large bowls
- Flip-style switch seems to collect chips underneath - a minor annoyance
Description
- The 46-460 has a 1-HP reversible motor. Delta also offers the similar 46-455, which has a 3/4-HP (non-reversible) motor.
- Includes an excellent instruction guide, with easy-to-follow steps for nearly any facet of the lathe's operation.
- Easy access to both the upper and lower belt pulleys to make changing speeds quick and easy.
- Equipped with an automatic motor overload circuit breaker and a switch that can be locked in the off position for safety.
- Includes a handy speed recommendation chart for safe turning speeds for roughing and finishing various diameters of stock.
- Will turn objects of up to 12-1/2 inches in diameter over the bed and 9 inches over the tool rest base.
- Maximum distance between centers is 16-1/2 inches. An optional bed extension is available to extend distance to 42 inches.
Guide Review - Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe Review
When I got my first look at the Delta 46-460 at the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta in 2008, I was impressed by this midi lathe. I became even more impressed when was able to actually spend some time turning on one.
In my mind, Delta's engineering team really put a lot of time into designing a lathe that is versatile enough to be perfect as a small midi lathe right out of the box, yet expandable enough to handle some larger tasks by adding on some accessories. The 1 HP motor handled the hardwood spindles without an appreciable drop-off in speed (although I must say that I didn't attempt any off-center turning).
The variable speed adjustment of the Delta 46-460 is a two-step process. First, there are three positions for the belt, which puts the spindle into a specific range of speeds. Then, a dial can be used to fine-tune the speed anywhere within the given range as determined by the belt position. Delta incorporated metal tensioning levers (as opposed to the more fragile plastic levers used on some other brands of lathes I've seen).
The tool rest base and the tool rest (both a 6-inch and 10-inch are included) can be easily positioned close to the work for accuracy. The locking lever on the front of the tool rest base is positioned so that the lever points upward. Unfortunately, this lever can occasionally get in the way of the turner's hands or tool. It's a minor annoyance, but one that could be rectified if the handle were flipped over.
All in all, I am impressed with the Delta 46-460. For woodturners who want to focus on turning smaller objects (such as the ever-popular pens and bottle stoppers), or for turners who have a limited budget, this lathe is a great choice.
In my mind, Delta's engineering team really put a lot of time into designing a lathe that is versatile enough to be perfect as a small midi lathe right out of the box, yet expandable enough to handle some larger tasks by adding on some accessories. The 1 HP motor handled the hardwood spindles without an appreciable drop-off in speed (although I must say that I didn't attempt any off-center turning).
The variable speed adjustment of the Delta 46-460 is a two-step process. First, there are three positions for the belt, which puts the spindle into a specific range of speeds. Then, a dial can be used to fine-tune the speed anywhere within the given range as determined by the belt position. Delta incorporated metal tensioning levers (as opposed to the more fragile plastic levers used on some other brands of lathes I've seen).
The tool rest base and the tool rest (both a 6-inch and 10-inch are included) can be easily positioned close to the work for accuracy. The locking lever on the front of the tool rest base is positioned so that the lever points upward. Unfortunately, this lever can occasionally get in the way of the turner's hands or tool. It's a minor annoyance, but one that could be rectified if the handle were flipped over.
All in all, I am impressed with the Delta 46-460. For woodturners who want to focus on turning smaller objects (such as the ever-popular pens and bottle stoppers), or for turners who have a limited budget, this lathe is a great choice.
