Just got back from AWFS in Las Vegas. It was a good show as usual, but the attendance was down considerably. I heard 40%. You could shoot a cannon on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon down some of the aisles and not hit anyone. The North Hall had materials (paints, hand tools, woods, etc). The Central Hall (not completely taken) had all the machinery. Most of the big names were there. I was focused on Delta/Porter Cable/Dewalt.
I finally caved in and bought the new Delta 46-460 lathe. I talked to just about everyone I could and got no negatives in any area I would be using it (mostly spindles and disks less than 12 inches). Everyone seemed to be quite positive about it. The torque at speeds in the 250 RPM area were very good--better than any of the competition I am told. I could not stop it. The lathe was extremely quiet and vibration free. I am going to add the extension to get it to 42 inches. I was trying to get a 46-715, but they are no longer made and shipping costs in areas where I could still get it put it in the same cost area as the new Delta 46-460 with assessories (show prices). This lathe seems like a good choice for doing small intricate items which interested me also.
I have a couple of good chisels (two high end gouges), but need a set of mid-range chisels. Does anyone have a suggestion for a low to mid- range set of turning chisels? I looked at two sets at Harbor Freight ($45 and about $65 sets). I also see PSI Woodworking and Grizzly have some in the less than $100 per set. Any suggestions from someone that has experience with a chisel set?