Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - Model 277, 4 speed with disc sanding capabilities.

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl.
Milwaukee, WI; Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Wood
Machine Size:
Submitted By:	William Sclafani

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 277, 4 speed with disc sanding capabilities.
Date of Manufacturer:	1930
Serial Number:
Last Updated	10/13/2023 2:21:57 PM

Comments:

Wanting to get into wood turning, and having a long-standing hobby for restoration, I happened upon this lathe on Facebook marketplace. It included chisels (old and a brand new Delta set that was never used) and several pulleys and attachments. For the price I paid for everything, I basically stole it. I got SO lucky. As spacious as my Subaru Outback may be, it couldn't possibly fit this in one piece, so it was off to Home Depot to rent a trailer. In a losing race against a rain storm, I pull up to the house, pay the nice man, and heave-ho this monster onto the trailer. He was nice enough to give me a tarp, which played a crucial role in this adventure. Lightning cracked across the sky, and it started pouring rain. Soaking wet, I finish strapping the machine down, said a final "thank you", and drove home for over an hour in the storm. My wipers were trying their absolute hardest, but visibility was still poor. I was too happy to care how wet and cold I was. Once home, the rain stopped and much to my delight the tarp kept everything dry. I dragged this monster into my garage. I plugged in the cracked, old fire hazard of a cord in, and with a smooth, balanced, loud whirr the old machine came to life. "Hell. Yeah." I said to myself.Let the restoration begin. Over the course of two weeks, I completely dismantled, rewired, carefully repainted, and oiled everything with all the time I had between work and life. Making sure it retained its vintage charm during restoration, I finally had the machine put back together. I plugged in the new, safe cord, flipped the freshly-installed switch, and the lathe sounded brand new. Upon research, I found this is a Delta Model 277 which was only manufactured from 1929-1933. The following models had an enclosed headstock for added safety. As I write this, the lathe and wood turning is brand new to me by only a few months. As new as I am to it, this machine is a treat and fun to use.

Photo 1:

Comments: Final result of the restored lathe. Behind me is a brand new set of chisels.
Source: William Sclafani

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