Mike, I wasn't contadicting your opinion, just pointing out this particular model had some flaws . The reeves drive was poorly engineered which results in excessive wear at high and low end speeds due to the fact it is not fully engaged. The lathe also does not have a handwheel, I would be lost without having this feature as I use it all the time for specific tasks, such as installing chucks, sanding and finishing.
I look at tools (and the schematic drawings) from the standpoint I can't afford to have breakdowns, downtime due to repair, or hard to find parts, nor do I want to fight a poorly designed machine. I certainly don't consider myself an expert on tools, I just know what I like and what I don't, and merely offered an opinion about the lathe, now if the tools are Sorbys,,,,
