Jason, I'm not sure where you base your information. I have a Harbor Freight 34706 lathe. I have a Oneway Talon 4-jaw scroll
chuck that works beautifully with my lathe. All it needs is the 1x8 thread adapter--an adapter is necessary no matter what lathe. That chuck (and adapter)is readily available from any WWing supplier. I am also puzzled by your statement that "the spindle shaft is also solid rather than having a morse taper hole in it," which is outright incorrect. It is in fact a Morse Taper #2, with the hole running all the way through to allow the use of a tommy bar to remove the spur drive. As to accessories, this lathe will accept any accessory that has either a 1x8 threading or a MT #2. I use three different faceplates, a Jacobs chuck, the above-mentioned Talon chuck, a Sorby Stebcentre, various live centers, a MT #2 tailstock adapter to accomodate a spindle auger, and a Beall Buffing System, all of which work perfectly with the HF 34706. I also was able with only minimal trouble to upgrade the tool rest to the Sorby Modular System. There are no issues with accuracy. So, I am truly curious as to where you base what you have said about this lathe.
Guy, you can find lots of comments about this particular lathe in the SMC archives. Here is a somewhat lengthy evaluation I gave of the HF 34706 recently:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...301#post437301
I will say in all fairness that there truly are other lathes that might be better for you as a starter. The Rikon Mini is worth looking at. This month Woodcraft has it on sale, $220 I think.
Good luck with which ever way you go.
Mark
BTW, as if I had to say this, I have NO affiliation with Harbor Freight and do not in any way stand to gain or lose by their sales or lack thereof. In fact, I don't have any affiliations with anybody who sells anything woodworking-related. I also am not a "fan" of Harbor Freight. Some of their stuff is pure junk, and some is not. The 34706 is not.