What sets this lathe apart from its competition is the bed composition. Most in this class are cast iron, but Delta's made this bed of steel, which they say is 20 times torsionally stiffer than the cast iron beds on the other guys. It has a 42-inch bed (distance between centers), and unless you mean to make pool cues, that will accommodate any project on your list. And while it has a 16-inch swing over the bed (that's double the distance from the bed to the center, or the largest diameter piece you can turn), if you need more room than that, you can easily remove the tailstock, slide the sturdy headstock down to the end of the bed and mount your stock without anything in the way.

This lathe features two speed ranges from 0 to 3,000 rpm to suit whatever you're turning. And unlike others in its class, you don't have to manually move the belt to access each range. For larger workpieces or when you need torque, set the switch to the "A" position. For smaller workpieces and when you need serious speed, set the switch to "B." It's a nice, time- and effort-saving feature.

We liked the foot-long tool rest, conveniently placed controls and, of course, the five-year warranty Delta provides. It's a heavy, sturdy piece of machinery, weighing in at 430 pounds, and you'll feel no vibration at the tool rest. If you want even more stability, you can slide 4-by-4s into the pedestal bases and fasten them to the floor. The legs are also designed to accept a piece of 2-by-12 as a shelf, for a convenient place to keep supplies and tools.

The professional will never have to buy another lathe, and the avid hobby turner will fall in love with the lathe all over again. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste