Re: Anybody buy the Delta 2 HP lathe??

Eddie;  I Have three friends who have this lathe and they really like 
it.  I helped them unpack it and set it up.  It's not hard to do and the 
instructions are easy to follow.  One person can do it but it's easier 
with two.  Below are some comments, interspersed with your questions.

Eddie Munster wrote:
> I am curious what it is really like? Is the bed adequate for large 
> turnings?

Yes the bed is adequate for turnings over the ways up to the maximum 
swing of the lathe.  Anything larger can be turned by sliding the head 
stock down to the right end of the ways and then turn it outboard.

 Or is it to flexible? I am looking at the X5, 2 hp, 240 volter.

No it's not flexible it's good and stable.  The X5 is the 240 volt 
version.  the other same size models run on 110 volts.

> http://www.deltawoodworking.com/index.asp?e=136&p=4745
>
> They describe the motor as 3 phase. Whats up with that.  Does the 
> variable frequency speed controller deliver 3 phase to the moter for 
> more low rpm torque?  

Yes.  The VFD (Variable frequency drive)  Uses 240 volts single phase, 
just like the power used to power your A/C, Electric water Heater, 
electric stove and electric clothes dryer. It converts the 240 volts 
single phase into 240 volts three phase. That is then fed to the motor 
and the speed is controlled by varying the frequency.  Yes it provides 
for low speed torque.  There are other advantages to this method of 
controlling motors but I won't go into that here.  Just be aware that 
you will need to get an electrician to run a 240 volt outlet to where 
ever you plan on putting the lathe in the basement.  Make it longer than 
necessary so you can relocate where you position the lathe.  Most folks 
find out later they need to put them somewhere else.

They don't say this about the other 2 hp lathe
> (746).  I do like the greater distance between centres as compared to......
>
> http://www.general.ca/product/general/26020an.html
>
>
> The 20 incher variable speed model. Now this one is very heavy, great 
> for a lathe but I will have to disassemble it to get it itno my 
> basement.

Don't know about the General.  I'm talking about the Delta.  No problem 
it usually comes disassembled.

 I am not sure how easy it will be to take apart.

A few bolts and its apart, if you get it assembled.
Stand and bed
> will have to be seperated. Wiring and drive belt are my concerns.

Wiring and drive belt are are all in the head stock and if I remember 
correctly, the most you would have to do is bolt up the motor and 
connect three wires to the motor.  It doesn't matter which wire goes where.

> With the delta lathe is it possible to move the headstock into the 
> middle of the bed, rotate it and work on a bowl say 20 inches? I don't 
> see why not so long as the bed is up to it.

The head stock does not rotate.  It will slide to the end or better yet 
close to the end and you now have a short bed bowl lathe.

> If anybody has any experiences along these lines pleas enlighten me if 
> you can.....

I hope the above helps you.  If I can be of additional help, just holler.

Best Regards and have fun with whatever lathe you get.
OB

> John