Micro-review of new 12" Delta Midi Lathe
The last Sunday in April, I was able to turn a small goblet on Rick H's new Delta 12" that he graciously brought up to Ames for members of our turners group to try out. Rick was sent this lathe by Delta to give it a trial period to get feedback and comments about it's features, operation, etc. during a testing period before the lathe actually is sold.
I was impressed with Delta's clear improvements of their new 12" mini/midi over this lathe's predecesor, the LA 200. I actually owned (and recently sold) a virtually new LA200, and as an example of the "downward trend" in the quality of Delta's lathes in recent years, I really never used the LA200 very much. (Note that I do have a Jet 1642-2HP lathe, and 6-speed "stock" Jet Mini [JWL-1014] that I use as a portable laathe for doing demos.) I never liked the tool rest & banjo rigidity/adjustment on the Delta LA 200, as well as it having a tailstock that would often slip along the ways when the quill pressure was applied to a blank (despite REALLY torquing the tailstock locking handle). I also did not like the plastic handles that came standard on this Delta-Midi either; these should be made of metal that does not flex like the plastic handles do. These complaints are not restricted to experience from just one lathe either - I've used 4 different LA200's, and they all suffered from the same set of problems.
On the new 12" Delta lathe, there were some improvements seen in motor size (the 1 HP has plenty of power). The reversing ability, coupled with good range of variable speed will make this a popular machine. The motor operates smoothly over the range of speeds, and seems to have good torque, even at low rpms. The controls are fairly-well situated, however I would be a bit concerned about the speed control knob on the VS model being easily 'bumpable', especially for those turners that like to rest their left arm on the headstock while turning (i.e steadying spindles, turning pens, parting off, etc.). I certainly would have engineered the speed control and reversing switch location differently, or at least would have chosen a different location on the headstock.
I do still feel that Delta could improve on the smoothness of how the banjo and tailstock move; this machine still seemed a bit "rough" in this aspect (....although in fairness, I don't know to what extent this 'pre-release' lathe that Rick has, was sent in completly "finished" form as to smoothness of the ways. Similarly, the machining of the banjo and tailstock castings also may effect the smoothness.) It remains to be seen, with the tools actually being sold, to what degree of smoothness the ways are finished to, and how well the banjo & tailstock slide, yet be able to clamped securely. This is one major area where the LA200 Midi (and the Delta 14" lathe I tried) "fell down" as to quality, at least in my experience.
Also, for me, the banjo and tool rest locking handles were far too short; lengthening these will allow the user to apply some more torque a bit more easily than the current version allows. I have relatively small hands and these handles were too small even for me; I can only imagine what those turners with 'bigger paws' would do (...or couldn't do?) with these handles!
I would recommend people have a closer look at this lathe, given that it is significantly improved over the LA200. I was not ready to spend >$500 for my #3 lathe, just to get a VS version, and recently bought the 6-speed Jet 1220 lathe to replace the Delta LA200 that I just sold - I don't regret buying the Jet 1220 even after seeing the new Delta 12", although if Delta made the improvements I mentioned above, I would consider making the move to Delta for midi-lathes in this size range.
Rob Wallace
