Lathe Chuck Advice.

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 6:05 pm

I am looking into purchasing a Delta Midi Lathe 46-460 to expand my pipe making possibilities. I have looked at some of the other posts on Lathes and Chucks, and feel lost not knowing much about them. I am interested in getting some shopdawg jaws for whatever chuck I get, to learn the basics and practice my skills until I can afford a more serious set of jaws and chuck.

Can you guys recommend a halfway decent and affordable chuck that would work with the shopdawg jaws? Would i be crazy to buy one from home depot like the Delta Reversible Midi Lathe NOVA chuck, or are there similar ones in the same price range that would run more true to better tolerances? (still not understanding all of that completely)

Also, If i were to use the lathe to make stems and shape pipes, would it be easier to have two chucks that i could interchange during the process, and do I need any special jaws to hold the rod stock, or will the standard jaws such as the NOVA's do the trick?

I appreciate any and all suggestions and enlightenment!

baweaverpipes · Post by **baweaverpipes** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 6:46 pm

If you do a search for "Delta Midi Lathe" you will find there are 138 postings.
You might want to read those.
There is a wealth of knowledge within this site, all you have to do is use the search function.

sandahlpipe · Post by **sandahlpipe** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 8:10 pm

It's easier to swap chucks than jaws on a lathe. I'd recommend a self-centering chuck for briar and a metal lathe for stem work. You can do stems on a wood lathe, but that's not for me.

Ratimus · Post by **Ratimus** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 9:46 pm

I have the Delta 46-460 lathe with a Oneway Talon chuck and a set of Steve's jaws for stummels. Works great for me; I am very happy with my setup. I also have a set of spigot jaws for stem work and for drilling pen blanks. You can use that with an Easy wood tool to cut tenons. I just bought a Taig, but I did pay my dues, cutting my tenons by hand for quite a while.

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 11:04 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I did a lot of searching on the forum, and haven't really run across any real negative feedback about the delta, only saw that Wayne said his Rikon was just as good and cost just a bit less. I think for what I'll be able to spend, either a Jet mini or the Delta Midi may be my best option, unless anyone else can chime in with a better option, or speak on Rikon's current state of their newer lathes.

I did see a practically new Delta 46-455 at a local pawn shop for $300, so I've been thinking about that as well. The more I search and read, the more I find posts on here referencing older models. I'm glad to see that Ryan has had good luck with the 46-460.

Jeremiah, I figured it would be easier to swap chucks. And I'm ok with making stems using delrin until I learn to cut them on a wood lathe. I don't foresee a metal lathe fitting in my budget or workspace anytime soon.

Thanks for all of the help.

PremalChheda · Post by **PremalChheda** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 12:43 am

My advice is save your money for a metal lathe 9" +. Then tool it up with self centering 2 jaw or 4 jaw chuck with custom jaws.

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:24 am

My advice is save your money for a metal lathe 9" +. Then tool it up with self centering 2 jaw or 4 jaw chuck with custom jaws.

Do you have any suggestions for brands and models to consider, or suggestions on ones you have used or currently use?

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 12:25 pm

http://binghamton.craigslist.org/tls/5281216576.html

Would this 12" atlas be a good one to look into? Or something similar?

sethile · Post by **sethile** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 2:26 pm

That Atlas would be great if it is good condition! About a million times better than a wood lathe for pipe making. It also comes with enough tooling to get you started with the exception of a briar chuck, and that can be done on the cheep if you're motivated....

I'd highly recommend you look into this! If possible, get a friend that knows about lathes to go with you to check it out...

LatakiaLover · Post by **LatakiaLover** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 2:37 pm

What Scott said.

An old lathe with problems is an expensive boat anchor. When buying from a private listing you have no recourse if you discover the bed is twisted or etc. after money changes hands.

wdteipen · Post by **wdteipen** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 7:25 pm

That's a good price for that Atlas if it runs decent enough. Slap a quick change tool post on there and you're in business. There are several tasks in pipemaking that a metal lathe is infinitely better at performing than a wood lathe. There are several tasks in pipemaking that a wood lathe is infinitely better at performing than a metal lathe. Where to start or which one to purchase first depends on your budget. If you have the money, a metal lathe is a better place to start. That being said, there are some things that I prefer to do on the wood lathe with hand tools. Bottom line: if you have the money, I'd buy that Atlas. It's a nice lathe at a very good price. I have one very similar.

Charl · Post by **Charl** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 5:02 am

Just as an aside re the wood lathe: you can get by with using a Nova chuck. Have some jaws made for holding the briar and with the jaws removed, you can use it for stems as well. It's not perfect, but it can work.
That said though, if the Atlas is in good condition, buy!

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:03 pm

As far as my current budget goes, I may be held to getting just a wood lathe. I have searched local places for used wood lathes and found one I think might be a good deal if i can get it for the advertised price or less. What do you guys think of this one? Has anyone used one similar?

http://lynchburg.craigslist.org/tld/5253601424.html

Ratimus · Post by **Ratimus** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:43 pm

I think the only differences between the 455 and the 460 are that the 460 has the continuously variable speed control from 250 to 4000 RPM, whereas the 455 has five speeds: 500, 950, 1550, 2700, and 4,000 RPM. Also, the 455 is 3/4 HP max and the 460 is 1 HP max. Both ship with the same instruction manual. The 250 RPM can be nice for drilling, but I don't think 500 is too fast if that's as low as you can get. $300 is a great price for that machine in good condition.

sandahlpipe · Post by **sandahlpipe** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:00 pm

I like my Jet lathe in the same size category. I think I paid like $350 for it when the model was phased out at my local Rockler. I've heard mixed reviews about Delta and have heard that getting support and spare parts for delta lathes can be a challenge. But I think you'll probably be fine with this one as long as it's a good price.

PremalChheda · Post by **PremalChheda** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:46 pm

Rbraniganpipes wrote:As far as my current budget goes, I may be held to getting just a wood lathe. I have searched local places for used wood lathes and found one I think might be a good deal if i can get it for the advertised price or less. What do you guys think of this one? Has anyone used one similar?

http://lynchburg.craigslist.org/tld/5253601424.html

IMO
If you can wait a little longer, keep searching for a metal lathe. I have seen 9" models go for around $700+ that are in good shape. If you are willing to drive a bit, extend your search up to 150 mile radius. You should definitely be able to find one on the east coast. The problem with getting a wood lathe is that you will end up spending the same amount of money and you will not have all the bells and whistles of a metal lathe.

For a metal lathe, you can get a self center 4 jaw chuck for about $120.00 and mount it yourself. You can either use two standard jaws to hold the briar until you get the funds to have briar jaws welded to it.

Do more learning and research on metal lathes, and/or visit a pipe maker or machinist so you can get a feel for one in person.

wdteipen · Post by **wdteipen** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:23 pm

The motor on my Delta midi went out. You'll have to find an aftermarket because the motor has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Not too big a deal but the easy convenience of swapping out parts won't be there.

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 10:38 am

The motor on my Delta midi went out. You'll have to find an aftermarket because the motor has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Not too big a deal but the easy convenience of swapping out parts won't be there.

Wayne, I saw that in another feed. I also read about the Rikon. Between the Rikon and a new Jet Mini, in your opinion would both of those would be superior to the Delta based on price for the Rikon, and parts availability for the Jet Mini?

Rbraniganpipes · Post by **Rbraniganpipes** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:33 pm

Does anyone recognize this company, or tell me if this might be a good deal to look into? I am wondering if the size of this lathe is large enough for what i would do in pipe making.

http://roanoke.craigslist.org/tls/5288367683.html

baweaverpipes · Post by **baweaverpipes** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:53 pm

Rbraniganpipes wrote:Does anyone recognize this company, or tell me if this might be a good deal to look into? I am wondering if the size of this lathe is large enough for what i would do in pipe making.

http://roanoke.craigslist.org/tls/5288367683.html

That would be good for stems. It's to small for pipes.

pipemakersforum.com

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