Here We go Again, Delta Machinery

Unfortunately customer service has gone down hill for many companies, not juse B&D, Delta In an effort to maximize profits, these companies have cut back on non-essentials and customer service is one of them. I also question the quality of the midi lathes. A machine should be able to stand up to everyday use (not abuse). Machines made a 100 years ago, are still working. Personally, I stay away from the new stuff and look for used tools that had a good proven record. BTW, welcome to the LJ forums.

How far away are you from WV? My vintage tool guy just called me with a totally restored PM45 with new bearings, new motor at 110V, and a VFD switch. $650.

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

Thanks for the info on the deltas. HOpe you can fix your problem.

-- jack -- ...measure once, curse twice!

I used to own a Delta. Can’t remember the model, four speed, 36”. Called it the “school lathe” cause so many school woodshops had them.
Back in 2002, my wife rewarded me with a Powermatic 32”. OMG…what a difference. I know, for pens it’s probably too big, but just moving into the big boy league of lathes, (Oneway, Powermatic), you realize how people do lathe work for 20-30 years with the same exact machine, day after day.

After you decide what to do with your Delta’s, take a look into the big dogs of lathe work. Sure it’s more money, but you’ll never look back after turning your first piece on a true, powerful, pro lathe.

-- Tsunami Guitars and Custom Woodworking, Cleveland, TN

Take the old drive belt to an auto store. I have a Harbor Freight lathe. The fellow I bought it from had the number for an automotive belt on the cover of the manual. First thing, I went to NAPA and bought an extra belt- about $9.

thelt—Just curious … what was the problem with the 46-460?

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

Whew! Thelt. Delta used to have huge well stocked distribution centers all over the U.S. and reliable solid machines. I’m not a big Delta fan anymore. They were a company once. Heavens knows what to call them now – a subsidiary of a conglomerate I guess. What a mess!

@Bertha. I’m in SE Georgia 30 miles from Jacksonville, FL. Too far away.

-- When asked what I did to make life worthwhile in my lifetime....I can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served a career in the United States Navy."

@Knothead I’m gonna try that today. I found that if I can take a part to them NAPA can usually match it to something. Not like Advanced auto where they have to have a year make and model before they can look anything up. I did that with battery cables for my golf cart. A hell of a lot cheaper than any golf cart store.

-- When asked what I did to make life worthwhile in my lifetime....I can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served a career in the United States Navy."

@TheDane

Part # 59 (colored Red) broke off at the weld where it is welded to the small cylinder at the top. This slides onto and rides on Part # 56 (also in red). This forms an eccentric motion that pulls up on the bottom plate to lock the tailstock in place. Part # 56 is the lever on the back of the tailstock. In my opinion not a very good design over the tailstock of the LA200. LA200 tailstock is a much more beefier setup and is not welded at any point that I can see. The tailstock of the LA200 is not compatible with the 46-460, I’ve already tried.

-- When asked what I did to make life worthwhile in my lifetime....I can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served a career in the United States Navy."

@mcase, Once they are fixed and operational again. I’ll list them on Craig’s list and use the money to buy something that is more reliable and has parts support.

-- When asked what I did to make life worthwhile in my lifetime....I can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served a career in the United States Navy."

I agree with Mr. Ron…it’s not just Delta, not just Craftsman, not just Grizzly, or PM, or Jet, or any large conglomerate brand name…unfortunately, it’s most if, if not all of them. The larger the companies get, the more profit they seem to want, and the more penny pinching they’re likely to do. It’s getting harder and harder to find consistently well design, well made tools that have good support from any brand. Those with formerly good reputations just have farther to fall….like Delta.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

thelt—Thanks for the detail. I asked the question because I have a 46-460 … so far, I am delighted with mine, but it does concern me that there is problem with getting parts.

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

Just looked at erepalcementparts.com … they claim to be able to ship that part in 7 to 12 days …
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/delta-46460-type-variable-speed-midi-lathe-parts-c-3275_9659_157556.html

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

@TheDane, I have to get the part through the warranty station in Jacksonville, Fl. Primarily because it’s still under warranty. That part two days ago was listed as “No Estimated Release Date. I have already had the warranty station order the part last week. I give them a few more days and call to see if they have a new ship date.

Look at the drive belt on that list, As soon as it’s available I’m going to order one to keep in reserve.

-- When asked what I did to make life worthwhile in my lifetime....I can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served a career in the United States Navy."