Need advice on Lathes

Quickstep | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on October 6, 2009 04:36am

I’m looking at two lathes for potential purchase. One is an old, but unused Delta 46-545; the other is a used but more recent model Oneway 12-24 with extension. From what I’ve read in magazines and forums, it seems that older, heavier tools in good condition are considered superior to newer more lightly constructed machines, but I think it’s also important to factor in technology. Given that these two machines are basically the same cost ($1,800) and capacity (12″ though the Delta has a gap bed), which one is my better choice?

Replies

SteveSchoene | Oct 06, 2009 08:40pm | #1
The Delta 46-545 if I am identifiying it correctly, is the standard duty 12" that was one of the most popular quality lathes in it's day. It has variable speed drive (Reeves pully). One particular benefit is that the 1"-8 tpi threads on the arbor have had lots of accessories made for it. Older machines may also come with additional accessories which can get expensive real fast if you have to buy them separately. The price seems a bit steep, but since it is older may be negotiable.
forestgirl | Oct 07, 2009 03:50am | #2
Quick, did you Google on "Oneway lathe 1224"?? I did a quick scan and saw promising results. Aren't they made in Canada?? Personally, I'd take a real serious look.

forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
docotter | Oct 07, 2009 05:29am | #3
Oneway is *highly* regarded in the turning community. Given the choice between step pulleys or a Reeves drive on the Delta and the VFD in the Oneway, the Oneway wins hands down.

I have not been compensated by anybody for this opinion. ;)
davidbrum | Oct 07, 2009 08:34am | #4
To add some insolicited confusion, have you looked at the Jet 1642? It's in the same price range (new) and has considerably more capacity. Also highly regarded. Smooth too.

David B