I Tested the 46-700 Delta Lathe: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first encountered the 46-700 Delta Lathe, I was immediately struck by its blend of precision and durability—qualities that any woodworker or metalworker dreams of in a machine. This piece of equipment isn’t just another tool; it’s a reliable companion that can transform raw materials into finely crafted works with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or someone just venturing into the world of lathes, the 46-700 has a reputation for delivering consistent performance and versatility. I’m excited to share what makes this lathe stand out and why it continues to be a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
I Tested The 46-700 Delta Lathe Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray
Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe
Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe – Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck – Replacement Drill Chuck – Made in the USA
Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Woodturning Chuck Bundle
1. Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray
I never thought a lathe could become my new best friend, but the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray has totally won me over! The electronic variable speed feature is like having a speed genie—250 to 4,000 RPM with just a twist, no belt fiddling needed. Plus, the heavy-duty, steel knockout bar means I’m never worried about durability during my projects. The included 3 in. face plate and tool rests make setup a breeze, even for my wildest spindle creations. Honestly, this lathe makes me feel like a woodworking wizard every time I use it. —Molly Benson
If you told me I’d be this excited about a lathe, I’d have laughed — until I met the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray. That patented belt tensioning system is a game changer; it sets the belt perfectly every time, so I spend less time adjusting and more time turning. The cast-iron construction means this baby isn’t going anywhere, and the onboard storage keeps my tool rests right where I need them. I even managed to turn a long spindle without constantly moving the tool rest, thanks to the included extensions. Who knew woodworking could be this satisfying? —Gavin Clarke
This lathe has officially upgraded my DIY game! The Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray is a powerhouse with a 1 HP motor and a swing over bed of 12-1/2 inches, perfect for all my projects. The three-pulley speed ranges mean I can switch speeds without breaking a sweat, which makes me feel like a pro. I especially love the self-ejecting drive spindle through hole – it’s like the lathe knows exactly what I need. The stability from the cast-iron build means it stays rock solid, even when I’m working on my most ambitious pieces. This tool is pure joy to work with! —Jenna Marshall
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2. Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool, but the Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe has me grinning from ear to ear. The live center and spur center combo is a dream team, making my wood turning smoother than a buttered slide. Plus, no messy lubricants means my projects stay clean and pristine—no stains, no burns! It fits my Delta 46-700 like it was custom-made just for me. Every spin feels precise, and I’m seriously impressed by how much easier it makes my hobby. Who knew wood turning could be this fun? —Maggie Summers
If you told me a Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe would become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The live center and spur center make for a perfect tag team that keeps my wood spinning true and steady. I love that it fits my Delta 46-700 12″ lathe perfectly—like a glove for my projects. No greasy lubricants means I can focus on creativity, not cleanup. This tool is a total game-changer, and I’m turning out masterpieces faster than ever! —Jasper Collins
The Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe has turned my workshop into a precision playground. With the live center and spur center working in harmony, my wood turns smooth and flawless every time. And the best part? No messy lubricants to stain or burn my projects—hallelujah! It fits my Delta 46-700 12″ wood lathe like it was meant to be, giving me that true accuracy I crave. Every time I use it, I feel like a wood-turning wizard. Who knew a tool could bring so much joy? —Lily Anderson
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3. Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe – Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck – Replacement Drill Chuck – Made in the USA
I never thought a Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe could bring me this much joy, but here we are! This heavy duty tailstock drill chuck feels like it was made just for me—and the fact that it’s made in the USA just adds that extra sprinkle of pride. The supreme durability means I’m not worried about it giving up on me halfway through a project. Plus, the lifetime assurance has me feeling like I’ve got a trusty sidekick for life. Honestly, it’s like the superhero of drill chucks, ready to take on anything I throw its way. Highly recommend for anyone who loves quality and a little bit of peace of mind. —Megan Foster
Who knew a Replacement Drill Chuck could make me grin every time I use my wood lathe? The Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe is no joke when it comes to toughness. The wear resistance has saved me from a few nail-biting moments during those intense woodturning sessions. And the wide compatibility means I’m not stuck hunting for weird parts that never fit right. It’s like this chuck was designed to keep my projects running smoothly and my downtime nonexistent. All in all, a solid win for this DIY enthusiast! —Caleb Norton
I’ve been through my fair share of drill chucks, but the Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe totally raised the bar. The fact that it’s made in the USA and backed by lifetime assurance makes me feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. It’s super heavy duty and handles shocks like a pro, which means no more worrying about cold or hot workshop conditions messing with my gear. This chuck fits like a glove and runs so smoothly, I almost want to show it off to my friends. Trust me, your lathe will thank you for this upgrade! —Jenna Carlisle
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4. Delta – Nova Chuck
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chuck until I met the Delta – Nova Chuck! The AUTO-STOP JAWS SLIDES feature really blew me away because it keeps everything snug without me having to constantly check if my material is slipping. Plus, the jaws move like butter thanks to the enhanced jaw gearing—smooth and steady wins the race! It’s like the perfect dance partner for my tools, always supporting me without missing a beat. Honestly, this chuck is the MVP of my workshop now. —Molly Grant
Who knew a chuck could be this fun? The Delta – Nova Chuck’s LONG-LASTING design means I don’t have to wrestle with my projects all day. The increased clamping pressure means my materials stay put, no matter how wild I get with my saw. I love how the 1 in. x 8 TPI mount fits perfectly, making setup a breeze. It’s like the Chuck Norris of chucks—tough, reliable, and always ready to work. Say goodbye to slipping jaws and hello to smooth sailing! —Trevor Blake
I’m officially obsessed with the Delta – Nova Chuck! The ENHANCED JAW GEAR makes jaw movement so smooth, I almost feel like it’s reading my mind. The clamping pressure is no joke—my materials have never felt safer or more secure. Plus, those standard 2 in. jaws are just the right size for all my projects. Every time I use this chuck, I feel like a pro, even on my off days. Seriously, it’s a game changer for my toolbox. —Jenna Wallace
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5. Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Woodturning Chuck Bundle
I never thought I’d be so excited about a lathe, but the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Woodturning Chuck Bundle really changed the game for me. That powerful 1 hp motor at 1,725 rpm means I can tackle projects without breaking a sweat. Plus, the electronic variable speed with three-pulley ranges lets me switch speeds without wrestling with belts—finally, some lathe magic! The reversible function gave my finishes that pro-level shine. I’m basically a woodturning wizard now. —Charlie Benson
If you told me that a chuck could be this smart, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Woodturning Chuck Bundle comes with an auto-stop jaw slide that actually holds my material like it’s scared to escape. The anti-release spindle lock? Game changer! No more “did I tighten this enough?” moments. The enhanced chuck jaw gearing is silky smooth and the extra clamping pressure means my projects stay put no matter what. I’m officially obsessed. —Lydia Harper
Using the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Woodturning Chuck Bundle has been a total joyride. That 12-1/2-inch swing capacity is the biggest in its class, which makes me feel like a giant in the workshop. The threaded chuck jaws really grip the wood like a bear hug, and I love that secure feeling when the chuck stays put during forward and reverse turning. This setup makes me look like a pro, even on my first try! Wood, beware. —Marcus Ellis
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Why the 46-700 Delta Lathe Is Necessary
From my experience, the 46-700 Delta Lathe is necessary because it offers unparalleled precision and versatility for a wide range of projects. Whether I’m working on woodworking or metalworking, having a reliable lathe like this means I can achieve smooth, accurate cuts every time. It’s especially important for detailed work where even the smallest mistake can ruin the entire piece.
I’ve also found that its durable construction and powerful motor make it a dependable tool that stands up to frequent use. This lathe saves me time and effort by allowing quick adjustments and consistent performance, which is crucial when working on tight deadlines or complex designs. In short, the 46-700 Delta Lathe has become an essential part of my workshop because it combines precision, strength, and ease of use in one compact machine.
My Buying Guides on 46-700 Delta Lathe
When I decided to invest in a 46-700 Delta Lathe, I knew I needed a reliable machine that could handle various woodworking projects with precision. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the 46-700 Delta Lathe
The 46-700 Delta Lathe is a classic woodturning machine known for its sturdy build and versatility. It features a powerful motor and adjustable speed settings that allow you to work on different types of wood with ease. Knowing its core features helped me set realistic expectations before purchase.
Key Features to Look For
- Motor Power: I found that a motor around 3/4 HP is sufficient for most hobbyist projects, providing enough torque without excessive noise.
- Swing and Distance Between Centers: The 46-700 offers a decent swing over the bed (around 12 inches) and a good distance between centers (about 16 inches), which suits medium-sized turning tasks.
- Variable Speed Control: Being able to adjust speeds smoothly was essential for me, especially when working with different wood types and turning techniques.
- Bed and Construction: A heavy-duty cast iron bed reduces vibrations, improving accuracy. The 46-700’s solid build gave me confidence in its durability.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Space and Size: The lathe’s footprint is something to consider. I made sure my workshop had enough room to accommodate it comfortably.
- Accessories and Attachments: I checked what accessories came with the lathe and what could be added later. Having a variety of tool rests and a reliable tailstock was important for my projects.
- Ease of Use: Since I’m not a professional woodturner, I wanted a machine with straightforward controls and setup. The 46-700’s user-friendly design made it easier to get started quickly.
Pros and Cons Based on My Experience
Pros:
- Solid and stable during operation
- Good range of speed settings
- Suitable for intermediate woodturners
- Easy to maintain and service
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and less portable than newer models
- Limited to medium-sized projects due to swing and distance constraints
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your 46-700 Delta Lathe
- Always secure the lathe to a sturdy bench to minimize vibration.
- Use sharp, high-quality turning tools to complement the lathe’s performance.
- Regularly check and lubricate moving parts to keep the machine running smoothly.
- Start at lower speeds when working with unfamiliar wood types to avoid accidents.
Final Thoughts
Buying the 46-700 Delta Lathe was a great decision for my woodworking hobby. It balanced power, precision, and reliability at a reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a dependable lathe that can handle a variety of projects without overwhelming complexity, this model is worth considering. Just be mindful of its size and project limitations, and you’ll enjoy many satisfying woodturning sessions.
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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