The 2012 Tool Guide Editors went on a search for the Heavy-Duty Benchtop Lathes to look for in 2012. Each lathe was put through a series of tests including Starting RPM, RPM w/Resistance, Speed Loss and Torque tests.
At the conclusion of testing, the Editors decided that "Delta's power and features stand out from the crowd" and subsequently awarded the DELTA 46-460 it's coveted Editor's Choice - Best Overall Award.
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The 46-460 includes 6 in. and 10 in. Tool Rest, spur center, Chrome 3 in. Face Plate, tool rest base, Knockout Bar, live center, wrenches.
| Motor: 1 HP max, 120V, 60 Hz, 1 Phase | Motor Control: Electronic Variable Speed |
| Speed: 250-700, 600-1,800 and 1,350-4,000 RPM | Swing Over Bed: 12 1/2 in. |
| Swing Over Base: 9 9/16 in. | Distance between Centers: 16 1/2 in.; with Extension: 42 in. |
| Drive Spindle: 1 in.-8 RH TPI Thread | Drive Spindle through Hole: 15/32 in. |
| Head and Tailstock Taper: #2 MT | Tailstock through Hole: 13/32 in. Self-ejecting |
| Tailstock Spindle Travel: 2 1/4 in. | Tool Rest: 6 in. and 10 in. |
| Length: 36 in. | Width: 11 in. |
| Height: 17 3/4 in. | Weight: 97 lbs. |
| Shipping Weight: 106 lbs. |
DELTA will repair or replace, at its expense, and its option, any new DELTA machine, machine part, or machine accessory which in normal use has proven to be defective in workmanship or material, provided that the customer returns the product prepaid to a DELTA factory service center.
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Got my lathe about 6 weeks ago, opened the box and one of the mounting holes in the casting was broke. I bought this through a local hardware, I went back and told them, they call Delta and within a week my new lathe showed up! Great service!
Now for the review, I tossed around the idea of going bigger, but now that I've got the 46-460 I'm glad I went this route. The lathe is very smooth running, change of belt a snap, the variable speed a dream! I looking forward to years of wood turning and would recommend this tool to anyone! Thanks Delta!
Delta hit the nail on the head with this midi lathe. You can tell Delta didn't put any thought in this midi lathe on a Monday or a Friday. The 1hp motor and the variable speed is great. The reversable motor is a must if you want very smooth finish on the wood you are turning. The 1hp motor is very quiet and very smooty runing. The head stock and the tail stock live center line up point to point right out of the box. That is outstanding in my book. Everything is quick and easy to set up. I could go on and on. If you want a great midi lathe, you won't go wrong with this 46-460 DELTA MIDI LATHE. It is a very well made lathe and it has a smooth bed. Here I go again, enough said.
This is the first time that I have ever written a review about anything. And the only reason that I am writing one now is because rarely do I buy something that I am 100% happy with. I have had this lathe for about 2 weeks now and cannot find anything that I really don't like about it. I have turned on it everyday for the last week and love it. Changing belts is a dream. Love the variable speed and lets not forget the reversible motor, which has turned my sanding nightmare into something that I almost enjoy. I have not had to get out my power sander since I bought this lathe. I read the reviews on every lathe in this class before I decided on the Delta. I made the right choice. I couldn't be happier. OH YEAH - 5 Year warranty.
If this one dies, I will buy another.
Great lathe, very smooth startup and stop, no vibration during any operation. Variable speed is excellent as is the reverse. Overall "fit and finish" is excellent. This is the best lathe in it's class, and although it was a little higher ( very competitive though ) in price than some competitors, considering the features and quality compared to others- it is also the best value in its class.
I have been woodturning for a number of years and this the best lathe in its class I have had the pleasure of using. The versatility of the forward and reverse option is outstanding. Variable speed ranges are exceptional and belt adjustment is superbly easy. This is the Gold Standard for Midi Lathes. Thank you Delta for producing a terrific veratile machine.
There's a new "favorite tool" in my shop!
The Delta 46-460 Midi Lathe is nothing short of superb. I have used some other mini and midi lathes in a friend's and in night classes at our local tech school, and the Delta is head-and-shoulders above competitors in the same class.
Mechanically, it is absolutely sound ... no vibration ... and is one of the best "out of the box" tool experiences I have ever had.
The head stock/tail stock centers were aligned perfectly, and the indexing spindle lock permits me to tighten my Tommy Bar chuck with one hand. The reversible motor makes sanding projects on the lathe a breeze.
Good job, Delta!
This is a great midi lathe. With 1 hp, variable speed, and reversable motor, it has most of the features a midi lathe should have. When molunted, the live centers in the headstock and tailstock lined up point on perfect. I have turned everything from small spindles to 10" bowls with no problem. Whether you use Delta's stand or build your own, just make sure it is stable, everything is level, tightened completely, and vibration will be almost non exixtant. One final note, dull tools will never "cut it".



I just received my replacement lathe as the first one had a broken casting by the tailstock. This lathe is for lack of better words...SWEET! No vibration at all. I had to modify my bench that I had made for it, so I could get it to the comfortable height. I love the reverse function as well as the variable speed. Get this if you are doing as much research on midi lathes as I did. (7 months) Thanks Delta.