Ok so I have always wanted to learn how to turn, However there has always been something that has gotten in the way.  Because I have no experience with turning I have always looked but never pulled the trigger on anything.

 

I came across a used DELTA LA200 MIDI LATHE Model 49-460 ( which is supposed to be the variable speed version). The lathe and chuck for $200, if I want a set of 5 Crown tools included it would be $300. 

I haven't been able to find alot of info on a used price range for this lathe.

 

Is this a good beginner lathe? 

Is $200 a reasonable price for this lathe?

Or should I just wait for a better lather to come along?

Edited December 6, 20196 yr by Larry Blighton

I had a LA200 Midi . Back in 06 think I paid 250 for it on Amazon. it is a good little lathe and uses six steps in  pully to change the speed. I do not recall for sure but think the lowest seep in 250. It does the job it was designed for. As in all mini lathes the toolrest post is 5/8. I would try to offer 150 . Seems like I sold mine about 10 years ago for 300 but I had the bed extension and had built a stand for it.

 

As to the tools I cannot say but if they are unused or little use and are powdered metal it is a good price . For much use or abuse offer 75.

 

Welcome to woodturning

5 minutes ago, Gerald said:

I had a LA200 Midi . Back in 06 think I paid 250 for it on Amazon. it is a good little lathe and uses six steps in  pully to change the speed. I do not recall for sure but think the lowest seep in 250. It does the job it was designed for. As in all mini lathes the toolrest post is 5/8. I would try to offer 150 . Seems like I sold mine about 10 years ago for 300 but I had the bed extension and had built a stand for it.

 

As to the tools I cannot say but if they are unused or little use and are powdered metal it is a good price . For much use or abuse offer 75.

 

Welcome to woodturning

Thanks for the info.

 

Woodturning is always something I found fascinating.   

It is a decent price considering the cost of a new lathe and then buying a chuck.  A new chuck will run about $150.  Changing the belt is the only way to change speeds on this lathe.  Delta sells an electronic variable speed lathe model 46-460.  The Crown lathe tools would be another $150.  Is there a picture available? 

Here it is

Get it, take her for a spin and learn how to turn.  In time you may see you want bigger and get one, or have both.  I have a JET 12x14 since 2001, works great and still use.  Got a Rikon 700-100 for $75 with chucks and tools few years ago.  Only thing I have yet to do is get extension bed for longer turnings.  Both have been great for the limited turning I do.  BOTH have step pulleys so I have to change the belt to get different speeds.  They work, I don't mind.  I keep a pen jig in the JET and a chuck on the Rikon.

That seems like a good lathe to start on Larry. But one warning. Turning is very addicting. Also find a local turning club. A little instruction goes a long ways to making it a pleasant experience. 
Paul

I missed seeing the chuck I would go for it now.

 

Ok so something has came up and I have not picked up this lathe yet, however a couple others have popped up all for the same price.

 

DELTA LA200 MIDI LATHE Model 49 The lathe and chuck for $200 (this is the lathe talked about above)

 

WEN 8” x 13” wood lathe with 1/3 HP variable speed drive (New) for $200

 

Central Machinery Lathe with carving tools, pen press kit, assorted pen blanks and aftermarket NOVA chuck for $200

 

How do these three compare?

Edited December 10, 20196 yr by Larry Blighton

Larry, thank you for posting this. 

 

I'm in an almost identical situation.  I have a good friend who has been turning for many years, and I've been able to watch him a few times.  I think I've caught the bug.

 

Jim

I would prefer the Delta over the others

The Wen is still change the belt to change the speed.  I would opt for the Delta.  I would also make a lower offer on the Delta with the tools.  Tis the season where everyone is looking for qiuck extra cash.

14 hours ago, Larry Blighton said:

Central Machinery Lathe with carving tools, pen press kit, assorted pen blanks and aftermarket NOVA chuck for $200

Not recommended.  Had two guys that bought one of these, neither was happy.  Pulleys broke, motor died after few weeks.  Not worth the hassle.  

 

Last year I picked up a nice Rikon 700-100 for $75 with a chuck and some other goodies.  

On 12/10/2019 at 9:47 PM, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Not recommended.  Had two guys that bought one of these, neither was happy.  Pulleys broke, motor died after few weeks.  Not worth the hassle.  

 

Last year I picked up a nice Rikon 700-100 for $75 with a chuck and some other goodies.  

Well I am not sure I got as good of a deal as you did but I was able to pick up the Delta LA200, the chuck and the tool set for $175

The tool set is the Crown 280 5 Piece and includes a 3/4" roughing gouge , 3/8" spindle gouge , 1/4" parting tool, 1/2" round nose scraper and 1/2" skew chisel.  They look to be in good shape however there is alittle surface rust on the 3/4 gouge (should clean up easily).  This set list for $175 on Amazon.  

1 minute ago, Larry Blighton said:

Well I am not sure I got as good of a deal as you did but I was able to pick up the Delta LA200, the chuck and the tool set for $175

The tool set is the Crown 280 5 Piece and includes a 3/4" roughing gouge , 3/8" spindle gouge , 1/4" parting tool, 1/2" round nose scraper and 1/2" skew chisel.  They look to be in good shape however there is alittle surface rust on the 3/4 gouge (should clean up easily).  This set list for $175 on Amazon.  

I think you did well. Now to get it set up and have some fun.

I say you've done very well. The Crown tools are decent and I believe the chuck is a Oneway brand which is also a good deal.  Congrats on the new lathe.

A nice chuck, some decent turning tools, and basically a free lathe. You did good! 

6 hours ago, Larry Blighton said:

Well I am not sure I got as good of a deal as you did but I was able to pick up the Delta LA200, the chuck and the tool set for $175

The tool set is the Crown 280 5 Piece and includes a 3/4" roughing gouge , 3/8" spindle gouge , 1/4" parting tool, 1/2" round nose scraper and 1/2" skew chisel.  They look to be in good shape however there is alittle surface rust on the 3/4 gouge (should clean up easily).  This set list for $175 on Amazon.  

Congratulations.  Looks like a good package for a decent price.  Not finding many like this in my area (yet.)

Jim

Ok so I have been trying to read up and watch lots of videos about turning. One thing that came alot was the sharping of tools, what does everyone use to sharpen there tools?

52 minutes ago, Larry Blighton said:

Ok so I have been trying to read up and watch lots of videos about turning. One thing that came alot was the sharping of tools, what does everyone use to sharpen there tools?

Larry there are several ways. I use the Wolverine jig from One-Way. My grinder is the slow speed 8 inch with 80 and 180 CBN wheels. Started wit regular white wheels and when I w=switched to CBN there was definitely a difference in my turning. It is amazing what a sharp tool can do.