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Turkey Calls => Call Making => Topic started by: 2Barrel on February 07, 2012, 07:44:42 PM

Title: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: 2Barrel on February 07, 2012, 07:44:42 PM
Hi all. Been on this site quite a while and thought it was about time to make a post. Ive been a turkey hunter for a LOOOOONG time and truly love it. Sheesh, come to think of it, its been a little over 30 years. About 5 years ago I started collecting custom turkey calls. Turned into an addiction LOL. Well, now I would like to give turning pot calls a try. Ive been looking at many lathes and think Ive found two that I like. The first one is the Delta 46-455. http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Industrial-46-455-2-Inch-5-Speed/dp/B0038SYGPQ
The second one is the Rikon 70-100. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FB74YM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
They both seem to get good reviews and are the same price. "Delta giving 50$ mail in rebate"  What lathe would you guys choose and why ?
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: handcannon on February 07, 2012, 08:35:12 PM
Both are some good, reliable lathes. Myself, I plan on going with the Delta 46-460 to be my next lathe soon. It's the same lathe you listed but it has an added feature of reverse. When you turn and sand a call, the wood fibers lay in one direction. This lets you sand in both directions. People have been building calls like this for years and it really dont matter but I just want it.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: Basser69 on February 08, 2012, 11:50:05 AM
Quote from: handcannon on February 07, 2012, 08:35:12 PM
Both are some good, reliable lathes. Myself, I plan on going with the Delta 46-460 to be my next lathe soon. It's the same lathe you listed but it has an added feature of reverse. When you turn and sand a call, the wood fibers lay in one direction. This lets you sand in both directions. People have been building calls like this for years and it really dint matter but I just want it.

This is the one I bought. The wife convinced me to spend the extra money with the thought of "how many of these are you going to buy in the next 5-10 years?" I have not regretted it yet.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: North of 8 on February 08, 2012, 01:26:43 PM
Delta Industrial 46-455 12-1/2-Inch 5-Speed Midi Lathe
by Delta
Be the first to review this item | Like (0)
List Price:   $469.00
Price:   $449.00 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details
You Save:   $20.00 (4%)
Post-purchase rebate:    $50.00 Get forms
Price after rebate:   $399.00
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: DeWayne Knight on February 16, 2012, 12:05:10 PM
Anyone have experience with or like the Jet wood lathes?  I like the variable speed feature within the belt ranges.  I'm leaning in the direction of the Jet unless someone tells me a reason that Delta 46-460 is superior.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: Basser69 on February 16, 2012, 03:41:56 PM
The delta has the belt system also but also has an adjustment know on the side that lets you run in the mid range from about 700-1850 rps without opening the cover and messing with the belt. As well as reverse for sanding.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: pappy on February 16, 2012, 08:04:56 PM
I have owned a RIKON now for three years, it is one tough machine, only one drawback, I would like to see it in a 3/4 h.p. but if you are looking for a lathe that will last this is it....now if you are looking for first class stuff...check out the post right below this one about the new NOVA midi....pappy
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: woodwzrd on February 16, 2012, 09:33:10 PM
Pappy which Rikon do you have. I have been looking at them for a while  but was leery because of the 1/2 horse motor.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: mmclain on February 16, 2012, 10:15:35 PM
Get a Vicmarc........
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: C_W on February 17, 2012, 01:26:38 PM
If you have the room, look for a used Powermatic or before Asia Delta/Rockwell. New tools are fine and dandy, but the used American Made is a good bang for the buck. Many schools have discontinued their shop programs and lathes, tooling and accessories are being sold off. These lathes usually go for under what you are talking about spending on Asian crap and many times come with a box full of accessories. Remember the lathe is the cheapest part of turning. Add on a chuck, decent tool rest, drill chuck and a few turning tools and your price doubles, or triples.

CW
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: moyehow on February 29, 2012, 04:36:41 PM
jet or powermatic.  Bigger is better.  That way you can do more than turkey calls. 
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: woodwzrd on February 29, 2012, 07:58:32 PM
I just ordered this little sweetheart today. It should be here Friday and I got the day off. Lucky me. Looks like I will be setting up a new toy Friday afternoon. Review to come.

http://www.amazon.com/RIKON-70-050VS-12-Inch-16-Inch-Variable/dp/B0045I28X0/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_2
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: Lonehowl on February 29, 2012, 11:32:13 PM
I have a couple of Jet mini's. One Ive had for 10 years and still going strong.
If I had the bling Id buy a big lathe for sure.
Mark
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: gunslinger on March 06, 2012, 11:00:50 PM
I have a Jet mini VS...love it!
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: woodwzrd on March 07, 2012, 12:10:58 AM
I just bought a Rikon 70-050VS a week ago and I love it. It is a good rock solid little lathe. I wish I would have ditched my HF lathe a long time go.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: 2Barrel on March 11, 2012, 08:44:24 AM
Well I finally got my lathe a few days ago. Wound up with a Delta 46-460. But what a nighmare it was. First lathe that came in was the Delta 46-450. Looked at the box and looked like a forklift driver drove both forks into the box. Sure enough when I opened the box the switch and the belt cover was smashed. So I call Amazon to get another and there out of them. 4 month wait. But they had the 46-460 so I went for it. About 5 days later it came and this too had holes in the box from a forklift. Opened the box and the cast iron foot on the lathe was snapped clean off. Now Im mad. Called Amazon again and they asked me if I wanted to replace this one. At first I said no but considering the deal they were giving me with the free shipping I gave them one more chance, but I told them I didnt want it unless they could have it at my door the next day. The next day came and it was at my door. Cant believe they flew it too me. Wonder how much that cost ? Well, Looked at the box and sure enough there was a set of holes in it from a forklift. Opened it up and luck has it not one scratch. Whew. I dont know what side was doing the damage. The Amazon warehouse guys or the people at U.P.S. but sombody seems a little angry. I turned a couple pots and strikers with it and seems like a sweet little lathe. Ill post some pics of the pots soon.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: bcc2011 on March 12, 2012, 08:51:06 PM
Yea I read alot of problems guys had with getting tools shipped from amazon. I know see why they have free shipping on alot of things.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: herronjr on April 23, 2012, 10:05:25 PM
guys i live in south carolina and a buddy of mine bought his lathe from sears they have a jet, and two other brands to choose from. i was at the store last week and the lathe look well made not cheap looking price was 400 and up.
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: Basser69 on April 23, 2012, 11:06:49 PM
Woodcraft had the rikon at $ 269 right now. If I needed another one, I would be all over it
Title: Re: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: Nolehoe on April 25, 2012, 01:09:20 PM
I have the delta midi and it has always served me well, but it seems to me that I recall that the nova midi was the cadillac when I was "in the market"

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Help me pick a lathe.
Post by: eaglea1 on April 25, 2012, 02:55:39 PM
Quote from: DeWayne Knight on February 16, 2012, 12:05:10 PM
Anyone have experience with or like the Jet wood lathes?  I like the variable speed feature within the belt ranges.  I'm leaning in the direction of the Jet unless someone tells me a reason that Delta 46-460 is superior.
I don't know what model Jet you are thinking of, but to compare it to a 46-460 which is a 1 hp. then a Jet 1 hp would be around $1200. vs. $ 700. for the Delta.. IMO