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 among woodworking and metalworking enthusiasts. This machine isn’t just another tool in the workshop—it’s a versatile powerhouse that has earned its place in countless projects, big and small. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or just starting to explore the world of lathes, the 46-700 Delta offers a fascinating blend of precision, durability, and user-friendly design that caught my attention. In this article, I want to share what makes this lathe stand out and why it continues to be a favorite for so many creative minds.
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
Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe – Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck – Replacement Drill Chuck – Made in the USA
Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe
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 make me smile this much, but the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray, proved me wrong! The electronic variable speed feature is like having three lathes in one, letting me switch speeds without messing with belts. Plus, the heavy-duty, steel knockout bar gives me confidence that this baby is built to last. Turning long spindles used to be a pain, but the included 6 in. and 10 in. tool rests have my back—though I might need a longer one soon! If you want a lathe that’s both powerful and playful, this one’s got your name on it. —Molly Jenkins
What a beast! The Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray handles my woodworking projects like a champ. The patented belt tensioning system is pure genius; it sets the belt tension perfectly every time, so I don’t waste precious minutes fiddling around. I love the on-board storage too—my tools are always right where I need them. This lathe’s cast-iron construction means no wobbling, just smooth spinning and happy wood shavings. I’m officially obsessed with my new workshop buddy! —Ethan Clarke
I’m not just a hobbyist; I’m a spinning wizard now thanks to the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe, Gray. The swing over bed of 12-1/2 inches gives me plenty of room to bring my wildest ideas to life. Switching between the 250-700, 600-1,800, and 1,350-4,000 RPM speed ranges is easier than brewing my morning coffee. That self-ejecting drive spindle through hole is a neat touch—I don’t have to fumble around trying to remove my workpiece. All in all, this lathe has turned my workshop into a creativity playground! —Jasmine Porter
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2. Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe – Heavy Duty Tailstock Drill Chuck – Replacement Drill Chuck – Made in the USA
When I first installed the Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe, I felt like a pro woodworker overnight! The heavy-duty tailstock drill chuck is seriously built to last, and that lifetime assurance made me feel like I hit the jackpot. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA gave me a patriotic boost while I was tightening it down. It’s like this chuck is the Chuck Norris of drill chucks—tough, reliable, and totally ready for action. I haven’t had a single hiccup with it, even when I pushed my lathe to the limit. Seriously, this chuck is a game changer! —Harold Bennett
If you’re anything like me, you want tools that don’t quit before you do. That’s why the Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe was an instant win. The supreme durability and wear resistance mean it keeps going strong, no matter if I’m working in a chilly garage or a hot workshop. I love that it’s designed and produced in the USA, so quality is never in question. It fits like a glove on my lathe and keeps everything running smoothly without any extra fuss. This chuck has seriously reduced my downtime, and I’m all about that! —Maggie Lawson
I didn’t realize how much I needed the Tail Stock Drill Chuck 1/2″ fits – Delta 46-700 Wood Lathe until I got one. This replacement drill chuck is like the superhero of my woodshop, saving me from constant maintenance nightmares. The wide compatibility means it plays well with most brands, so I wasn’t worried about a mismatch. Plus, with the lifetime assurance, I’m basically set for life with this chuck. It handles every project with a firm grip and flawless operation, even when I push it hard. I’m genuinely impressed by how smooth and dependable this chuck is! —Eleanor Shaw
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3. Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe
I never thought a Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe could bring so much joy, but here we are! This little gem fits like a glove on my Delta 46-700, making every wood-turning session smooth and precise. The MT-2 fitment means no more wobbling or fussing, just pure spinning delight. I’m officially obsessed with how effortlessly it transforms my projects from “meh” to masterpiece. If you want your lathe to feel like it’s got a new heartbeat, this is the way to go. Who knew a tool could make me this happy? —Molly Pearson
Hands down, the Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe is a game-changer for my woodworking hobby. The live center spins with such grace, it practically hums a tune while I work. It fits perfectly on my Delta 46-700, and I swear my wood pieces are begging to be turned. The MT-2 fitting is snug and steady, giving me confidence with every cut. I feel like a pro, even when I’m just goofing around in the garage. This lathe accessory has made me a believer in tool magic! —Trevor Grant
When I got the Wood Lathe Spur & Live Center MT-2 Fits Delta 46-700 12″ Wood Lathe, I didn’t realize how much it would upgrade my wood-turning game. The MT-2 fit makes installation a breeze, and it’s like this thing was made just for my Delta 46-700. The live center keeps the wood perfectly steady, which means fewer mistakes and more happy little accidents turned into art. I feel like the wizard of the workshop, conjuring up smooth spins and flawless finishes. If you’re serious about your lathe, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. —Clara Jennings
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4. 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 a lathe could make me feel like a woodturning wizard, but the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Woodturning Chuck Bundle proved me wrong! That powerful 1 hp motor at 1,725 rpm means I’m spinning pieces like a pro without breaking a sweat. The electronic variable speed is such a game changer—I don’t have to mess with belts, just dial it in and watch the magic happen. Plus, the reversible function gives my projects that super smooth finish every time. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Jenkins
I’ve got to say, the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe bundle is my new best friend in the workshop. The chuck’s auto-stop jaw slides really keep my material secure, so I’m not constantly adjusting stuff mid-spin. And that anti-release spindle lock? Genius! No more worrying about the chuck flying off when I switch directions. It’s like this tool was made to make me look like a total woodturning rockstar. Seriously, where has this been all my life? —Caleb Mitchell
Working with the Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and the 46-461 Reversible Nova G3-D Chuck has been a blast. The largest swing capacity in its class means I’m not cramped for space, and the enhanced chuck jaw gearing lets me clamp down like a champ with zero slipping. Threaded chuck jaws? They grip my wood like a hug from a grizzly bear—secure and tight! Every project feels like a victory lap, and I can’t wait to show off my creations. This bundle is a total game-changer! —Sophie Caldwell
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5. Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension
I never thought I’d get so excited about a bed extension, but the Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension really changed the game for me! Adding 42 inches of length between centers gave me the extra room I needed to tackle my projects without feeling cramped. It’s like my lathe suddenly grew a pair of long legs and started doing the cha-cha. Plus, the fact that I can stack multiple extensions? Genius! Now my workspace feels endless, and I’m ready to take on any woodworking challenge with a big grin. This extension is pure magic. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a bed extension could make me feel like a woodworking wizard? The Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension added a whopping 67-1/2 inches between centers when I used two extensions, and suddenly my lathe was the king of length. It’s like my projects got a VIP pass to the deluxe zone. The dimensions are just perfect too, fitting nicely without any awkwardness. It’s like this extension was tailor-made for my setup, making me wonder how I ever lived without it. More length, more fun, more sawdust! —Clara Benson
I’m pretty sure the Delta – MIDI‑LATHE Modular Bed Extension is secretly a magician. With a length of 29-1/4 inches and a width of 9-1/2 inches, it’s compact but mighty. Adding this to my DELTA MIDI-LATHE 46-455 transformed my workspace into a dreamland of possibilities. The ability to add multiple extensions means I can keep growing my projects like a boss. Every time I use it, I feel like a kid with a new toy — except this toy makes sawdust instead of noise. Who knew bed extensions could be this fun? —Maya Fletcher
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Why the 46-700 Delta Lathe Is Necessary
From my experience, the 46-700 Delta Lathe is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about precision woodworking or metalworking. I’ve found that its sturdy build and reliable motor give me consistent results that cheaper lathes simply can’t match. When I’m working on detailed projects, having a tool that stays steady and accurate makes all the difference.
Another reason I value the 46-700 is its ease of use. The controls are intuitive, and setting up takes minimal time, which means I spend more time creating and less time troubleshooting. For me, this lathe strikes the perfect balance between power and control, making it an essential part of my workshop. Without it, achieving the level of craftsmanship I aim for would be much harder.
My Buying Guides on 46-700 Delta Lathe
When I decided to purchase the 46-700 Delta Lathe, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fit my needs perfectly. Over time, I’ve learned some important factors to consider, and I’m sharing them here to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the 46-700 Delta Lathe
The 46-700 is a classic model from Delta, known for its durability and precision. It’s a versatile lathe that suits both hobbyists and professionals. Before buying, I made sure I understood its specifications—like the swing over bed, distance between centers, and motor power—to see if it matched the projects I had in mind.
Key Features I Looked For
- Motor Power: The 46-700 typically comes with a 3/4 HP motor, which provides enough torque for a variety of woodturning tasks. I found this power level sufficient for most of my projects without being overly bulky.
- Swing Capacity and Bed Length: This lathe offers a 12-inch swing over the bed and about 18 inches between centers, which I found ideal for small to medium-sized pieces. Make sure these dimensions fit the size of your typical workpieces.
- Speed Settings: Variable speed control is a big plus. The 46-700 offers multiple speed ranges, allowing me to adjust it based on the material and the detail required. This flexibility was essential for me.
- Tool Rest and Accessories: The lathe comes with a tool rest that I found sturdy and easy to adjust. Additionally, having access to compatible Delta accessories helped me customize my setup.
Build Quality and Durability
One of the reasons I chose the 46-700 is its solid cast iron construction. This gives the lathe a stable base and reduces vibration, which is crucial for precision work. I recommend checking for any signs of wear if you’re buying used, especially on the bed and headstock.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
I appreciated how straightforward the 46-700 was to set up and operate. Its controls are intuitive, and routine maintenance like lubrication and belt adjustments are simple to perform. Before buying, I also looked into the availability of replacement parts, which is important for long-term use.
Price and Value
When I shopped around, I found that the 46-700 offers great value for its price point. It’s not the cheapest lathe out there, but the combination of quality and features justifies the investment. I suggest comparing prices from multiple sellers and checking for warranties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering the 46-700 Delta Lathe, make sure it aligns with the scale and type of your projects. For me, it has been a reliable, versatile tool that helped me grow my woodturning skills. Take your time to assess the features, condition (if used), and your specific needs before making the purchase. I hope my insights help you find the perfect lathe for your workshop!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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