damascus,
That is all true, but the 9x20s have problems of their own. My 6x18,12x36(both Craftsman and Clausing), and 16x60 South Bend, all have some type problem. Each of us selects our lathes based on need, availability, and affordability. The 7x12" lathes will never be a LeBlond, or Monarch; but they make a good learning vehicle, as do the 9x20s.One day, you may decide to do barrel work and would need a 12x36(maybe10x33), with a much slower speed than the 130rpm of the 9x20. In this case, buy a new one and be thankful for what you learned on the old one. BTW, there are very nice English lathes you can choose from, you are not limited to the ones I cited.
Mike
Last edited by Der Ami; 11/09/16 05:45 PM.
