Powerful and easy to use, the Delta 12-1/2 in. Midi-Lathe Variable Speed Wood Lathe has a 1 HP motor with 1725 RPM and electronic variable speed to tackle a wide range of applications with ease. The patented belt tensioning system allows easy and quick speed changes and sets the belt at the correct tension for maximum power transfer and longer tool life. For fluting and other decorative applications, the indexing pin locks the head stock spindle in 24 different locations and with forward and reverse functioning, you get the superior finish your job demands. Extremely durable and stable with cast-iron construction, this heavy-duty lathe will provide years of reliable and accurate use.
- Powerful 1 HP max, 1725 RPM motor handles a wide range of applications
- Large 12-1/2 in. swing capacity
- Electronic variable speed with three pulley speed ranges provides the required speeds needed to turn a project without changing belt position
- Forward and reversing function for a superior finish with a simple flip of the switch
- Over headstock on/off switch for easy access
- Includes: 6 in. and 10 in. Tool Rest, Spur Center, Chrome 3 in. Face Plate, Tool Rest Base, Knockout Bar, Live Center and Wrenches
- 5-year warranty on parts and labor
Myles Pollich (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this leave. My previous league woz the Excelsior. But I didn’t like changing the belt for speed, and I wanted a wider swing. This late has bad and run so smooth! The only thing that keeps it from being perfect is the fact that they reversed the wiring on the toggle. It’s embarrassing to admit but I spent hours trying to figure out why my chisels would not cut wood, Then I turned the laid by hand to test out the chisel sharpness, and realised the thing had been turning the wrong direction the entire time! So now I run it in reverse which is actually forward.
Guillermo Mueller (verified owner) –
except for minor damage to the carton the lathe was undamaged. The lathe was set-up and ready to go in less than an hour.
Sterling Kunze (verified owner) –
My husband has been very satisfied with this lathe.
Caterina Tromp (verified owner) –
I studied up on this lathe and liked the features that it came with. I had the packages shipped to the store and they all arrived without damage. They had not been opened. I assembled the stand and the extension first but unfortunately when I started to place the lathe on the stand I found that the tool holder was missing four parts which allow you to lock it in place on the lathe bed.I called Delta’s customer service the next day. The first call, they told me the information they needed and the second call I waited 30 minutes on hold but they took my information and said they would ship the parts.I would say the other reviews are correct. My motor is wired backwards as well but the tool appears to be as nice as I hoped. If the correct parts actually arrive in a timely manner I would change my review to a 5.
Christine Kuhlman (verified owner) –
This lathe does everything well that my old one didn’t! The controls are very easy to use, the instructions are clear, as far as they go. (I went on line for some “refresher” tips on using a wood lathe.) Cutting corners to save money is not the way to go for this kind of product. This is the good one!
Jedidiah Bogisich (verified owner) –
Works great but it should have accessories to go with or to purchase. Having a hard time finding accessories.
Marcelina Luettgen (verified owner) –
Lathe came in a timely manor in good shape Home Depot was very helpfull
Demetris Boyer (verified owner) –
I have had the lathe for a couple of months and it works as advertized. Changing of the belt is easy to do. The variable speed control is a breeze and the motor responds to the changes without hesitation. The banjo and tail stock glide across the bed ways. The only disappointment with the lathe is that the Forward and Reverse switch was wired in backwards. It had to be rewired to work correctly. I guess this could happen to any factory assembled product. Overall, I really like this lathe and would definitely recommend it to a friend.
Darrell Gusikowski (verified owner) –
Easy to set up and use. Love the variable speed control. Plenty of power for my needs
Gregoria Skiles (verified owner) –
Excellent size lathe for my purposes. Has an extension bed if I ever need it.
Nola Dickens (verified owner) –
The lathe got here surprisingly fast, almost a week early. No damage to the box and everything was as it should be. The reason for the 3 stars is the customer service. I wrote to the company re: a couple of issues I was having with the lathe and NO ONE responded back. First, the forward and reverse switch is reversed. If you are standing on the right side of the lathe and facing the headstock with the switch in the forward position the headstock turns clockwise when it should be turning counter-clockwise. Second, if you start with the speed dial set at “1”, you have to advance it to “4” before it starts to turn, then it just takes off. Likewise, if you are trying to turn it down, the motor stops turning at around “4”.I know this isn’t correct and I would like someone to address it. I do enjoy the lathe. It’s the perfect size for me and will turn the type of projects that I like to turn.
Margaret Marks (verified owner) –
Went from a 3/4 hp to this guy and I would never believe a 1/4 horse would make such a difference. No assembly plug and go every one is getting ready for hurricane season so I turned over 100 green bowls in a week and no issues no over heating like my other guy.
Maribel Deckow (verified owner) –
Like many woodworkers, despite loving turning in shop class 45 years ago, I felt owning a lathe was an extravagance that would not be used often enough to justify the expense and shop space. I had managed to make most of the spindles I had to have on the drill press or with a router. However, now having worked on my first project, a set of belaying pins, I recall how enjoyable turning is. After doing the research and deciding on the Delta, Home Depot had the best price and quick delivery. The machine was ready to go right out of the box. I built a heavy, dedicated stand for it and bought a starter set of tools. I was most impressed by how quiet and smooth the machine runs. I am now looking for projects and particularly interested in trying to make some bowls from the odd grains in my firewood stumps.
Cooper Daugherty (verified owner) –
I have owned 3 other wood lathes and I have been disappointed with all of them from cheap to a Craftsman. The Delta Lathe is a great lathe for the price. The precision and quiet operation are amazing as well as it’s power.I also was surprised by the fact that I received the lathe a week early! Great purchase!
Arnulfo Mann (verified owner) –
I picked up my new Delta Lathe 46-460 on June 19, 2020. It was solidly packed in styrofoam. After unboxing it, I liked its looks and design. I started it and varied the speeds and checked the alignment; all was good. One small concern was that the forward and reverse switch interchanged the two directions. A major issue was that the machine was unusable: the tool rest base was missing the four critical parts that attach it to the lathe bed, as I deduced from the accompanying parts schematic. I called Home Depot Customer Service who directly connected me to Delta Corporation who mailed me the four missing parts ten days later. Clearly Delta’s final assembly and quality assurance need improvement. Had Delta shipped me the missing parts via Overnight Express I might have felt more forgiving.
Sigrid Shanahan (verified owner) –
I purchased the Delta 46-460 midi lathe with bed extension in December 2015. Shipment of the items was as promised by Home Depot and I picked up the items at the local store. I unpacked the items during January and there appeared to be no damage during transportation of items to store. I mounted the lathe and bed extension on a table adequate for my use. After cleaning the protective material from the lathe I proceeded to check the motor operation. The motor and variable speed function worked fine except; LATHE ROTATION WAS OPPOSITE WHAT WAS INDICATED ON REVERSING SWITCH.. When the switch is in the “forward” position, the lathe rotates away from operator. When the switch is in the “Reverse” position the lathe rotates toward the operator. This is not a big problem once you realize it operates oposite of what is indicated. However, if someone unfamiliar with its operation tried to use it, it is an accident waiting to happen!To their credit, Delta publishes numerous safety warnings regarding use of the reversing motor switch. However, all the warnings mean nothing when Delta’s quality control allows a unit to be shipped which is wired incorrectly. Otherwise the lathe seems to be of excellent quality and a very good value.I request that Home Depot/Delta/Black and Decker advise me how to correct the wiring problem. If the fix is relatively simple, I will correct the problem myself. If not, then please advise what I must do to get the problem corrected by Home Depot or the manufacturer. I am using the lathe as is but, I don’t want to take a chance on someone else being injured by one of my tools.
Estelle Abshire (verified owner) –
still learning specifics of lathe, anxious to make my first project
Chaz Schaefer (verified owner) –
Yes, love it
Tre Cummerata (verified owner) –
I’m very happy with this lathe, it runs like a Swiss watch. It’s a tremendous upgrade versus my old lathe. It’s smooth and quiet and has plenty of power. I’m very happy I chose this and not the Jet.
Cordia Crist (verified owner) –
Very well built, easy to learn, easy to operate, great features; couldn’t be better!