03-07-2019, 08:03 AM
I've recently resuscitated an early 1970's Rockwell Delta 46-450 12" Lathe and am finding out first hand that a free lathe costs a lot of money! LOL
It came with the stock heavy duty banjo, a light duty banjo, a 24" tool rest, and a 12" tool rest. The 12" is not a 1" shaft, but rather is 3/4" but will tighten in the banjo fine. The 12" tool rest is def not a Delta item, and the top of the tool rest is a bit higher than the centers.
I'm currently interested in spindle turning and was thinking of adding a shorter tool rest, say 6". Would the teknatool modular system be appropriate for this lathe? Is the modular system worth it vs several single piece tool rests? How often and easy is it to swap posts and rests - and in reality is it enough of a chore that having separate rests is better?
I've seen some Delta/Rockwell tool rests on the bay and other places, but they seem as or more expensive than some of the aftermarket ones - which leads me to the question above.
Additionally - what size of calipers would be best suited to spindle type turnings, expect that on the large side I might turn mallets at about 3.5 inches max for starting, but most turnings will be 2" or less in diameter.
It came with the stock heavy duty banjo, a light duty banjo, a 24" tool rest, and a 12" tool rest. The 12" is not a 1" shaft, but rather is 3/4" but will tighten in the banjo fine. The 12" tool rest is def not a Delta item, and the top of the tool rest is a bit higher than the centers.
I'm currently interested in spindle turning and was thinking of adding a shorter tool rest, say 6". Would the teknatool modular system be appropriate for this lathe? Is the modular system worth it vs several single piece tool rests? How often and easy is it to swap posts and rests - and in reality is it enough of a chore that having separate rests is better?
I've seen some Delta/Rockwell tool rests on the bay and other places, but they seem as or more expensive than some of the aftermarket ones - which leads me to the question above.
Additionally - what size of calipers would be best suited to spindle type turnings, expect that on the large side I might turn mallets at about 3.5 inches max for starting, but most turnings will be 2" or less in diameter.