What should I buy?

I recently took a woodturning class and am now hopelessly hooked. I am looking for a midi lathe and am interested in the Delta variable speed version or the General International 25-200M1 Variable Speed Maxi-Lathe. I like the General because the head stock pivots, however, I can't find any reviews for it. The Delta reviews very nicely, but I think that having a pivot head will allow for greater range for future projects. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

 

Hi Dan,
You need to know how much is in your pocket book.
This can be a good time of year to buy with Christmas sales starting soon.
Buy the best lathe that you can, buy one bigger than you think you need. Shop around and look for those sales. Happy turning
Jim

 

Is the General a good lathe? That is pretty much my budget. I am not waiting for Christmas. Maybe an IOU or something.

 

Delta

Dan, buy the Delta 46-460, It's a great lathe, I own it. I have turrned on the General, the Delta is a much better lathe. :cool2:

 

That's what I needed to know. Thanks.

 

I too have the Delta 460 and love it. I am sure I'll get some huge lathe later on, but I could not have made a better choice and it's the only midi with 1 hp. I got the bed extension and made my own stand, I can turn canes and table legs with no problem. You will not regret buying the Delta 460. Enjoy.

 

Well I'm a fan of the Delta. I've owned 4 mini's and own a Powermatic. The Delta beats out all the other mini's I've owned (of course it is bigger than they were which could be a downside if you have to move it). I haven't turned on the General.
You have to be careful with swiveling headstocks. although in theory you can turn larger work lathe vibration gets to be a problem and often the tool rest won't reach around far enough.

 

Go with 46-460

Have had the 46-460 for over two years and still love it.
Much better tha other midis
Peter L

 

Just to be the other voice, I have the General Maxi-lathe and have had absolutely no problems from it.

 

Everyone, thanks for your help.

 

welcome to the vortex

Just a heads up, my lathe was about 40% of the total cost. I would consider a sharpening system and learning how to use it to be the second item on the must have list. Dull tools cause all kinds of problems. I did not buy a "starter kit" of anything. I would pick and choose what you need one tool at a time. My local wood turning club and this forum was a great place to try out different tools and methods. In the long run I think you will be spend less and be happier with the results.

Cheers and happy turning.

 

Delta Vs General

I own the General you're asking about and like it a lot. I have turned on the Delta too. Both are good lathes.

The General does not have reverse.