Delta Reviews

This is my first lathe so I don't have much to compare it with. The price was reasonable and I feel that I got the quality I paid for. Very solid and heavy. Runs smoothly and has all the capacity I need for now. The fact that it has an available extension bed is nice, although I do not have a need for it right now.
The only complaint so far is the tailstock which slips slightly when the live center is pushed into the stock. I have to push very hard on the locking lever to get it to stay put. With alittle adjustment of the lever bolt, I can usually get it to stay in place. This is the only improvement I think is necessary on a lathe of this category.

All in all... you won't go wrong with this lathe. It is a very nice starter lathe that works great for both spindle and small bowl turning.

This is the first small lath I have used and the test run's have gone well. I am running it in the back room for now so I must keep the dust down.

Been making sawdust for years, but hadn't turned anything in 40+ years. This is certainly not a pro lathe. But for light turning it's very solid. Good speed range, solid feel.

This stand has helped me out a lot. The only problem is that the fence cam did not work when it arrived the holes were drill in the wrong places. Infact it just barley fit over the rail. I called to get a replacement. Still waiting months later. So I ground the cam down and it works pretty good now. It is a shame thet don't care enough to send a replacement and don't check their product closer before they ship it.

Here's the deal. This base makes small table saws a lot more useful. It took about 1.5 hours to set up and tune. Quality and parts were ample - I added a few flat washers to improve connections.

It fit my saw ProTech 4006 even thought that model number was not listed. Fence and ruler are high quality - remember this is the reason to buy it - 100% better than stock fence on any small saw.

I trimmed a bit here and there but found it worth what I paid. Note - this makes the under table router mount much more useful too!

I ordered the Ripmaster for my husband for Christmas. When it arrived, I hauled it down the stairs (no easy feat for dainty me) and started to put it together. This is when I discovered - THE TABLE WAS MISSING! I immediately e-mailed Amazon and didn't hear a word back. I had visions of having to stuff the whole thing back in the box, haul it back up the stairs, and ship it back. But when I called the manufacturer, they apologized profusely and are overnighting a tabletop to me. That's what customer service should be about. Five stars for our friends at Trojan.

I've had this fence for a week now and have had time to use it a bit. These are my impressions based on what I observed during the installation and using it for the past week.
Installation - there are two brackets that hold the front fence rail to the saw. I have a Jet contractor's saw, and the brackets didn't line up with the pre-existing holes on the front of the saw. The brackets are about an inch closer together than the holes, which means one bracket slides on completely while the other is barely over the hole. Instead of boring out and tapping new holes, I went with that. Boring out and tapping would also have to be done too close to the existing hole. The back rail went on just fine, and the fence went together very easily. When I brought the fence right up to the blade to set the "0" mark on the indicator, I found that there wasn't enough play to adjust the indicator window to the "0" mark. Instead, I had to peel the measuring tape off the front rail and move it down about half an inch, after which I could zero out the fence.
Performance - overall, I'm very pleased with the performance of the fence. It slides along the rails easily and locks down securely using the main locking mechanism. The fence is rock solid with very little deflection. One thing I would like to have seen are fence sides, either laminated MDF or UHMW. They include long wood screws for anyone who would like to add an auxiliary fence side.
There are two locking mechanisms on the fence: The big main one and a smaller one for use with the micro-adjuster. The way you use the micro-adjuster is you lock the fence down with the small lever, then release the big lever. This frees you up to make micro adjustments to the fence position. When you have dialed in the correct distance, you then lock the big lever down and unlock the small lever. The micro-adjuster locking mechanism on mine slips very easily, however. When I lock the small lever down and start dialing, sometimes the fence stays put and the micro-adjuster moves. If I push the fence from side to side while the small lever is locked down, it moves with little effort. I am going to see if cleaning with mineral spirits and roughing up the locking cam with some sandpaper will fix this.
Overall, I think this fence is pretty good. It's certainly better than the stock Jet Fence that came with my saw (bigger, beefier, and more solid). I gave it a 3 only because it didn't fit my saw properly (which is a common saw) right out of the box and the micro-adjuster slippage. Otherwise, I'd recommend this fence to anyone upgrading from a stock fence.

I recently installed the Vega PRO 40 on a 15+ year old Craftsman 10" table saw. The installation took a little over 45 minutes however the first time I tried to cut a 45 degree rip I had to modify the rear rail (with a hack saw) because it prevented the motor housing from rotating completely to the 45 position. Other than that I am 100% satisfied with the fence. It is solidly built and extremely accurate.

The fence makes a big improvement in the overall accuracy and ease of use of the saw. I put it on a 18 year old crafsman saw.

This 6" vise by Delta is well made (now for the "but"), but as I'm finding out with Delta products, you better do your homework and make sure it fits your drill press. It doesn't fit the DP300 bench drill press. The slots don't match the table slots. If Delta just put the slot spacing dimension in their literature it would have helped. I'm going to use the slots on one side only and hold it with 2 bolts or clamp it to the the table with clamps. It also has no grooves for dowels (thanks Delta!). If it had the dowel groove and fit my DP300 table I would have given it 5 stars.

This is a quality vise as are most Delta products. Before ordering be sure this vise will fit on the table of your drill press. Those specs are not available on the website....call first. When I received this vise I had not realized it would not mount on my Delta model DP 250 drill press so I gave it to my son who is very pleased with it.

This low cost vise will hold whatever you need to drill a hole in on your drill press. The quick release lets you change pieces fast for repetitive drilling. Unfortunatly, it does not fit the Delta DP300 bench drill press .... It is much too large and the mounting holes do not line up...

This saw cannot be adjusted to cut accurate 45 degree angle cuts.
When its on at 90 degrees and then shifted to the 45 degree slot , it will be cutting a 44 or 43.5 degree cuts.I could not get it to cut accurately.It was necessary to make many cuts to get an acceptable joint.Would not recommend this saw to to anyone.I went through the adjustment procedure two times to make sure I wasn,t making any mistakes.

I spend several days reading reviews, checking prices, and handling saws at local stores before buying this one. No buyer's regret at all.

The saw is packaged well and came out of a beat-up box with no problems. Set up was easy and simple. And you can actually read the manual! My saw required one adjustment (setting the 0 degree bevel stop), which was well documented in the manual. It cuts well, and miter joints fit together with just barely a line. The saw is also very light, so you can actually pick it up and move it if you need/want to. In addition, it comes with a great blade. It is actually a real miter saw blade (ATB with a slight negative hook angle) rather than a general-purpose cheapie. The switch is comfortable and right where you expect it to be, and doesn't have the sharp ridges that I found on the Ryobi and DeWalt saws. It also leaves off the 'rookie trigger' safety switch that the Ridgid has, which I abhor. My only gripe is the clunky system for locking the miter angle, which Delta has stuck with while other makes have gone to more positive systems.

I too did extensive reading/searching and decided on the 36-085 predicated on features and cost. Motor in back with belt drive means motor is out of way for blade to cut thru a 4x4. More than enough power (15a, ~2.3hp, 5200rpm). Lightweight for portability means saw can move a bit with arm movement. I mounted mine to a plywood base. The supports are level with the table - not sure why other reviewer would keep a new "bent" saw. Adjustments do require allen wrenches (not supplied)- no big deal. Blade is fine - different blades for different applications. Got mine at Home Depot for $... + tax.

I have not yet even opened the crate as I have been traveling and extremely busy.

This stand is sturdy and well made. The finish is excellent and it is simple to put together, since most of it is already assembled. You only need to add the legs and wheels. But most important is how easy it works. From fully folded to fully open (or vice-versa) in just a couple of seconds. It folds up like an ironing board, only easier. It takes longer to retract and store the extension arms than to fold the stand. It rolls easily, whether open or closed, so if you only need to move it a short distance there is no need to fold it up. Once folded and stood on end it is well balanced and there is no danger of it tipping over.
I agree with Victor H. Agresti "remodeling-guy" (another reviewer) on the direction the axle bolts should go through the wheels, and assembled mine from the outside of the wheels with the threaded end on the inside of the frame. This is opposite from Delta's instructions, but prevents the threaded end from projecting beyond the wheels and catching on a door facing.

I was originally going to buy Bosch's miter saw stand but was glad I didn't. I decided that I didn't want to be fumbling with legs of a sawhorse, which the Bosch stand basicly is. I also considered Ridgid's stand but didn't like the multiple steps that were required to set it up (not that there was too much involved).

The Delta 36-136 stand sets up easily with a tug with the help of a pneumatic shock. Loosen 2 knobs to extend the support wings and raise the rollers to the desired height. It's simple and it works. The wheels make moving it simple; I usually work in the driveway to avoid sweeping out the garage. The fact that it stores upright and has a small footprint was a big deal to me since I have a 1 car garage that I like to park in.

My only regret is that if the wheels were slightly larger diameter, it would be easier to get up and down steps, but it's a negligible complaint.

I have used this lathe for nearly a year turning pens, bowls and
other small turnings without any real problems. The only complaint I have is that the tool rest nicks very easily and does not adjust to the large diameter (10 inch) turnings to give
proper spacing and support for the turning tool. My shops equipment is all Delta, including a 9" table saw/4" jointer that
the owners manual is dated 1958, which I can still get parts for.
That is one of the reasons that I buy Delta products. I would reccommend Delta products to anyone that is in the process of
buying new woodworking machines.

After carefully studying both the Jet JML 1014 Mini Lathe and the Delta 46-250 Midi Lathe, I decided to purchase the Delta. I'm glad I did. Both machines are well designed and very well made, but the Delta simply offers the best value for a quality lathe in this class. It is slightly larger and heavier than the Jet, which helps dampen vibration and enhances stability, especially when roughing out spindles and bowl blanks at slower speeds. Other advantages include more convenient belt access than the Jet for quicker and easier speed changes, and an available cast iron bed extension that increases the spindle capacity of this machine to 37 inches. The fit and finish on the Delta is excellent in spite of its Chinese origins (the Jet is made in Taiwan) and the layout of the machine indicates a greater attention to ergonomics than the Jet. None of this is meant to suggest that the Jet is an inferior machine. Quite the contrary, the Jet JML 1014 is a superbly made machine and a first-rate performer. It certainly will not disappoint anyone who purchases one. But at a price that is at least $30 higher than the Delta in most places, and with fewer conveniences, it simply doesn't offer the same value as the Delta. I do have one small beef with the Delta, however. For all the care and workmanship that obviously went into the design and manufacture of this machine, I'm disappointed that Delta chose to use plastic handles for the tool rest and motor tension adjustment bolts. These handles have a cheaper and flimsier feel than the cast metal handles that come with the Jet lathe, and they have the added disadvantage of being in places where they will receive plenty of wear and tear. Also, the headstock belt pulley cover on the Delta lathe, while more conveniently located than the one on the Jet, is made of a flimsy plastic and sports a large protruding knob that some turners might find annoying. I pay attention to small details like this when looking at Delta machines because my experience with Delta customer service in recent years has shown that replacement parts for their machines, even such small items as plastic knobs, are usually outrageously overpriced and at times difficult to obtain without lengthy delays due to backordering. If these parts break prematurely (as they are very apt to do), replacing them could be something of a nuisance. Still, with a two year product warranty, excellent fit and finish, superb performance, easy expandability and a price that beats their toughest competitor, this machine is simply the best value you're likely to find in a mid-size lathe.

I've had the Midi for two years now and can't count the number of items I've turned! Ranging from pens/pencils to the maximunm size wood bowls it would take. Never a problem with power while turning bowls or platters. Obviously your tools must be SHARP, no matter what lathe you use.

For an entry level lathe I feel it can't be beat. When I upgrade to a larger more sophisticated unit, the Midi will still have a place in my shop.

When received, the air nozzle was broken where it enters the machine.
Sent for another.
Had to take half the machine apart to re-install the new one.
When I did,, I discoverd a kinked air supply tube, obviously at the original assembly.
Sent for another plus a new bellows which was not in good shape.
Replaced everything and now the machine is operating OK.
I was able to do this because I was a toolmaker for fifty years.
Someone without my skills would have been lost and probably sent the machine back.
I think there should be a better QC on the units BEFORE they go out!
Mine would never have supplied any air....
Jerry Glickstein (New York)

I recently bought this saw after a great deal of research. I have been very impressed with the quality of the construction and the amount of power in this tool. The location of the controls and the low vibration level make this saw very easy to use. I have made several mini sculptures requiring compound cuts and I have been amazed at the results. I am very pleased with this saw and would recommend it to anyone from novice to expert. I don't believe anything can be done on a more expensive unit that cannot be done just as well on this unit. You will not be disappointed with this saw!!! Buy one today!!!

I know there are better scroll saws available but ...this is a honey.

You can carry the saw by the handle on the upper arm making it easy to lug around as a portable saw if need be.

The vibration level is quite low. I routinely have a glass of ice tea setting on my home made wooden scroll saw table and there is barely ever a ripple in my tea except when the saw speed is changed either up or down.

I have cut wood from 1/8" to 1 1/2" thick with no problems. I made a jig to saw 1/2" strips of wood and it did a great job. You are not supposed to be able to do this but with this saw and Olsen blades you have a winning combination.

The saw is shipped with a lot of oil or grease on the work table and blade holders and will need a bit of cleaning up before use but it is a fine tool.

We bought the chrome model as a replacement for a basic no-frills showerhead. Showers feel pretty good on the regular setting, and the massage setting is decent too.

The showerhead was easy to install and everything was included except for teflon pipe tape which we found necessary to prevent leaks when we screwed this into the main plumbing.

When the head is resting in the cradle, it arches up a few inches, which makes it nice for tall people to be under. The hose is also plenty long enough to reach to the other end of the tub.

The problem we had is that the showerhead does not fit snugly into the cradle, unless we unnaturally force it. Just setting the showerhead in the cradle results in the showerhead moving when the water is turned on, mostly because the hose still has curl in it. He solved this problem with 2 hair clips to hold the hose still.

One word of caution -- if you unscrew the swivel piece, be careful not to lose the rubber ring, because it falls out easily. Without it, the swivel leaks badly.

All things considered, I would buy this product again, and would suggest it as long as it is going to be used solely as a hand-held showerhead or solely as a cradled showerhead. Switching back and forth may cause frustration.

This unit gets the job done with precision and speed. Although I don't use this machine as frequently as some of my other tools -- when you need to sneak up on final dimensions,edge sand hardwood doors, drawer fronts of faceframes this machine is great to have around.

This is one smooth working critter. Took about 4 hours to set it up on the base and learn the book and then it was off to make money. The spindle sander in three sizes that can be easily replaced on the end and which I did not know it came with, is a really cool extra. Especially since we were thinking of getting one. The hardest thing to get use to is the belts movement as I am so use to non moving belt sanders. All in all, a great machine.

I am a custom cabinet maker. I have used this machine for about two years now. I really like it. haveing used other edge sanders (Oliver) I found the oscillating belt awesome! My main use is face frames, drawer fronts, clean up of parts, etc.
drum sander is pretty useless for someone to use as a dedicated sander. sleeves get wasted due to the high speed and non-oscillating. As far as setting up for acurate indexing... A little set-up time and your done.