Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. Had no idea so many guys had lathes.
For the hobbiest, there are many, many lathes that will give you good service and results. Very good work can and is being done with very modest equipment.
You might want to find a machine tool business in your area that specializes in rehoming lathes, mills, etc. In most cases, these machines are up and running and have tooling. A friend of mine is in that business and the quality of stuff that comes in is pretty impressive. He specializes in high performance engine shop stuff but there's always lots of stuff he either knows about or can connect you with.
Good shootin' -Al
http://jamisonequipment.com/
