Bench Top Lathes???

I've currently got four lathes, from a little jewelers lathe up to a 1200 pound 11" swing gearhead. I had to sell my bigger machines to get the car in the garage. You would be surprised what can be accomplished on worn or suspect quality machines. Some of the mini lathes should be considered kits, but there are some good ones. Like many things in life, it's the Indian not the arrow, that makes the difference. Get the biggest, heaviest, best quality machine you can fit and afford. While I can turn 1/2" O1 rod .020" depth of cut on my little 4x8" EMCO, it's a hell of a lot easier, faster, and more accurate on it's 11" swing big brother.