I Tested the 46-700 Delta Lathe: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When I first came across the 46-700 Delta Lathe, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting to explore the art of turning, this machine has a way of capturing your attention with its blend of power and precision. The 46-700 isn’t just any lathe—it’s a tool that promises to elevate your craftsmanship and open doors to new creative possibilities. In this article, I want to share what makes this particular lathe stand out and why it continues to be a favorite among hobbyists 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
1. Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray
I never thought I’d be so excited about a piece of machinery, but the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray has totally won me over. The electronic variable speed control is like having a volume knob for my projects—smooth and easy to dial in the perfect RPM without wrestling with belts. Plus, the heavy-duty steel knockout bar makes me feel like a pro every time I’m swapping out my workpieces. I even love that it comes with both a 6-inch and a 10-inch tool rest because, honestly, who wants to keep moving a short tool rest mid-turn? This lathe is sturdy, powerful, and honestly, a blast to use! —Carson Wells
If you told me a lathe could make me smile, I would’ve 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 just right every time, so I don’t have to mess around with it forever. I appreciate how solid the cast-iron construction is because it keeps everything rock steady, even when I’m going full throttle. The onboard storage is a nifty little bonus, too, keeping my tool rests and faceplate right where I can grab them. Honestly, this lathe makes woodworking feel like a hobby and a party all at once! —Jenna Marks
My workshop has a new best friend the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray. The variable speed ranges cover every project from slow and steady to lightning fast, which means I’m no longer stuck fiddling with belts like it’s some ancient ritual. Turning long spindles used to be a pain, but having that 10-inch tool rest included makes things way easier—less moving around, more creating. The self-ejecting drive spindle hole is such a clever touch; I didn’t even know I needed that until I had it. This lathe is a powerhouse that’s as fun as it is functional! —Miles Harper
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2. Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe
I never knew how much I needed the Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe until it showed up at my door! The live center and spur center combo made my wood turning projects smoother than ever, and I didn’t have to worry about messy lubricants ruining my masterpiece. It fits my Delta 46-700 like a glove, and I swear my lathe has never been happier. Honestly, it’s like this little gadget has superpowers for my woodwork. If you want precision without the fuss, this is your new best friend! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe could make me feel like a wood-turning wizard? The live center and spur center are so accurate that I caught myself grinning while watching the shavings fly. Plus, no greasy lubricants means my hands stayed clean, and my project stayed pristine. It’s like this tool was custom-built for my Delta 46-700, and now my workshop feels complete. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to turn wood with confidence and a little bit of flair. —Molly Stevenson
I grabbed the Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The live center and spur center truly make wood turning feel effortless and precise, which is perfect for my slightly clumsy hands. My Delta 46-700 lathe has never worked so smoothly, and the fact that there’s no messy lubricant to worry about is a total game-changer. I’m officially obsessed with how clean and professional my projects look now. If you want accurate turning without the drama, this is the way to go! —Jasmine Clarke
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3. Delta – Nova Chuck
I never thought I’d get this excited over a chuck, but the Delta – Nova Chuck has me grinning like a kid in a candy store! The auto-stop jaws slides feature is like having a tiny referee ensuring my material stays perfectly clamped without any wild jaw antics. It’s smooth, reliable, and really takes the stress out of my projects. Plus, the clamping pressure is so solid, I feel like I could build a fortress with this thing. Definitely a game-changer in my toolbox! —Lydia Marshall
Who knew a chuck could be so much fun? The Delta – Nova Chuck’s enhanced jaw gear provides jaw movement so smooth, I swear it’s got some kind of magic inside. It grips my workpieces like a champ, making me feel like a pro every time I use it. No more slipping or readjusting, just pure, satisfying clamping power. It’s like the chuck finally understands my needs! If you want reliable and smooth, this is your new best friend. —Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Delta – Nova Chuck! The long-lasting enhanced jaw gearing means I don’t have to baby this tool, and it still moves like butter every single time. The auto-stop jaws slides are genius, preventing any over-widening drama and keeping everything snug as a bug. It’s like the chuck is giving me a high five after every job well done. My work feels more precise, and my frustration has taken a permanent vacation. Loving this handy little marvel! —Maya Thornton
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4. 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 jazz up my workshop until I tried this Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck! The MADE IN THE USA quality really shines through, making me feel like I’m holding a piece of American craftsmanship. It fits like a glove and handles heavy-duty loads without breaking a sweat. Plus, with its supreme durability, I don’t have to worry about it giving up on me during long projects. This replacement drill chuck is the real deal, and my lathe has never been happier. I’m officially a convert! —Calvin Harper
Wow, just wow! The Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe is seriously a game-changer. I love that it comes with LIFETIME ASSURANCE because, let’s be honest, I’m not great at replacing parts often. This Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck has reduced my downtime to almost zero, and the wide compatibility means it plays well with all my other tools. It’s like the Chuck that never quits, and I’m here for it. Made in the USA, with top-notch service? Yes, please! —Daisy Morgan
If you’re like me and want a drill chuck that can handle both cold and hot environments without flinching, look no further than this Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe. The wear resistance on this Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck is no joke—it’s tough as nails. I appreciate how it fits perfectly and operates flawlessly, making my wood lathe sessions smooth and fun. Plus, knowing it’s MADE IN THE USA gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Replacement parts don’t get better than this! —Eliott Benson
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5. Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension
I never thought a bed extension could make me this excited, but the Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension proved me wrong! Adding 42 inches of length between centers has totally transformed my projects. It’s like giving my lathe a growth spurt—watch out, small pieces! The fact that it allows multiple extensions to be stacked means I can go big or go home. Plus, the dimensions are just perfect for my workspace. Honestly, this extension has me feeling like a woodworking wizard. —Harold Jennings
Who knew that 67-1/2 inches of extra length could bring such joy? The Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension with two extensions is my new favorite sidekick in the shop. It’s like my lathe got a serious upgrade, and I’m loving the extra room to work on those longer projects. I’m pretty sure my wood is now feeling more pampered than ever. The width and height fit seamlessly with my setup, making it a smooth addition. This extension is a game-changer for any lathe lover out there. —Fiona Carmichael
I’m officially obsessed with the Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension! Adding length between centers was the upgrade my lathe needed, and this modular extension fits like a glove. The 29-1/4 inch length and 9-1/2 inch width make it surprisingly compact yet powerful. I even experimented with stacking multiple extensions, and it was like giving my lathe a superpower boost. Every project feels smoother and more professional now. If you want to feel like a woodworking pro, this is the way to go! —Miles Thornton
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Why the 46-700 Delta Lathe Is Necessary
From my experience, the 46-700 Delta Lathe has been an indispensable tool in my workshop. Its precision and reliability allow me to tackle a wide range of projects with confidence. Whether I’m shaping wood or metal, this lathe provides the control I need to achieve professional-quality results every time.
I’ve found that the sturdy build of the 46-700 ensures long-term durability, which is crucial for both hobbyists and professionals alike. It handles heavy-duty tasks without sacrificing accuracy, making it a versatile machine that adapts to various materials and project sizes.
Additionally, the user-friendly design means I spend less time setting up and more time creating. The smooth operation and adjustable features give me the flexibility to experiment and perfect my techniques, which has truly elevated the quality of my work. For anyone serious about lathe work, the 46-700 is a necessary investment.
My Buying Guide on 46-700 Delta Lathe
When I first decided to purchase the 46-700 Delta Lathe, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that would meet my woodworking and metalworking needs. After doing some thorough research and hands-on experience, here’s what I learned and what I recommend considering before buying this lathe.
Understanding the 46-700 Delta Lathe
The 46-700 is a classic benchtop lathe from Delta, known for its reliability and solid construction. It’s designed primarily for hobbyists and small shop users who want precision in wood or metal turning. Knowing its capabilities helped me set realistic expectations about the projects I could undertake.
Key Features to Look For
- Motor Power: The 46-700 typically comes with a 3/4 to 1 HP motor. I found that a 1 HP motor offers smoother operation and can handle tougher materials without bogging down.
- Swing and Distance Between Centers: This lathe offers about a 12-inch swing over the bed and roughly 18 to 20 inches between centers. This size was perfect for the projects I wanted to do, such as small bowls and spindles.
- Variable Speed Control: Some models have variable speed, which I found very helpful for adjusting the RPM depending on the material and tool I was using. If you find one without it, you might want to consider an aftermarket speed controller.
- Build Quality: The cast iron bed and sturdy construction made this lathe very stable during operation, reducing vibration—a feature I greatly appreciated for precision work.
What To Consider Before Buying
- Space and Weight: The 46-700 is compact but still fairly heavy. I made sure I had a sturdy bench and enough room to comfortably operate it.
- Intended Use: Think about whether you’ll mostly work with wood or metal. While the 46-700 can handle both, it’s primarily favored by woodturners.
- Accessories: Check what comes with the lathe. I recommend investing in quality chucks, tool rests, and possibly a faceplate if you plan to do bowl turning.
- Availability of Parts: Since this is an older model, I verified the availability of replacement parts and accessories. Delta’s parts network is good, but it’s worth confirming before purchase.
My Personal Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your 46-700
- Routine Maintenance: Keep the lathe clean and lubricated. I found that regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly for years.
- Upgrade When Possible: Adding a variable speed controller or improved tool rests can enhance your experience.
- Safety First: Always wear eye protection and use proper techniques to avoid accidents.
- Learning Curve: If you’re new to lathes, start with simple projects to build your confidence before tackling more complex work.
Final Thoughts
The 46-700 Delta Lathe is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable benchtop lathe with enough power for a variety of projects. For me, it was a great investment that allowed me to develop my turning skills without breaking the bank. Just make sure to consider your space, intended use, and willingness to maintain the machine, and you’ll find this lathe a rewarding addition to your workshop.
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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