Mini or Midi Lathe - Best Bang for the Buck

[Leviblue]

I'm looking in to purchasing a mini or midi lathe with new or used as long as it's in good working order. Can anyone help with recommending the best lathe for the money, under $500 preferably $200-$300? Jet, Delta, Ricon, etc... What are a few things to look at when buying used?
Thanks,

 

[Canuck]

Saw this Delta 46-250 Midi lathe on Raleigh Cl this afternoon. Sounds like it may be in your price range .... and negotiate it a little.:wwink:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/2153752394.html

And here is a review at the FWW site....

http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuideProduct.aspx?id=5382

Am no lathe expert, but someone may be along to offer advice as to what to look for.

Wayne

 

[scsmith42]

Kevin, a recent issue of FWW magazine had a comparison of midi lathe's. They ranked the Delta 46-460 as the Editors choice ($600.00 street price), and the Penn State Industries Turncrafter Pro as the Best Value ($430 + shipping).

Both of these are 1 hp models.

 

[NC_Horn]

I have a Jet Mini and have been very happy with it. I did get the extension bed for longer turnings. Only negative I have is that I wish I had went with Varible Speed. For just a little over $500, you can find the Jet VS. You might give that some consideration.

Duane

 

[jglord]

When considering a variable speed lathe, you should consider the speed range available on each pully position. The Delta has three pulleys and a 1 hp. Motor. On the center pulley, the speed range is something like 400 – 1800 i.e. one could do most turning with no belt change and if a belt change is needed, they have a really slick mechanism for quickly releasing the tension and resetting it to the original tension.

 

[sawduster]

Kevin, a recent issue of FWW magazine had a comparison of midi lathe's. They ranked the Delta 46-460 as the Editors choice ($600.00 street price), and the Penn State Industries Turncrafter Pro as the Best Value ($430 + shipping).

Both of these are 1 hp models.

+1 on the 46-460 :icon_thum I bought one about a year ago and I am totally satisfied with the heft and quality of the machine as well as the features and ease of use. Far superior to the equally priced Jet IMHO . Whatever you decide, choose a VS , you won't regret it

 

[Leviblue]

Thank you all for the input. I appreciate the feedback and guidance. I bought the used Delta from another NCWW, super nice person. It's not VS, but just getting back started in turning and woodworking. Will probably upgrade when I have the funds and I can catch one on sale.

Anyone want to stop by and teach an old dog new tricks to turning pens?

 

[Bryan S]

Cool, your timing was great. I saw that last night and wanted to contact them but, we have had too many unplanned expenses the last few weeks and did not. Enjoy we are waiting pics.