Good morning!
First of all thanks for letting me be a part of the forums!
I've read a lot of threads here and on other forums concerning some of the newer mini, midi and full size lathes out now.
A little back story on my turning. When I first started turning, a few years ago, I went out and bought the cheapest Harbor Freight lathe they had to offer. I turned a few pieces, made some shavings, and had a good time. But over time the cheapness of my purchase began to fall apart. It became a daily struggle to work on the stupid thing every time I wanted to turn. I didn't listen to the advice of "get the best lathe you can afford". So here I am 3 years later looking the "best lathe I can afford". I've looked on criagslist for anything that looks decent used with 200 miles of me and the nearest Woodcraft is 100 miles from me north or south. I can't find anything used for a good price. The other issue is that there's no turning clubs in my area. Again, Birmingham is the closest and an hour and a half away. I'd really love to have a Powermatic, Robust, or any of the lathes in the Professional class, but that's WAY out of my price range. I'd really like to turn bowls and know that a 12-12 1/2" swing would limit the size of the bowl that I could turn. I'm gathering the parts to build a bowl lathe over the next year, but I'd like to buy something for other projects that I can turn on until, if ever, I get the parts.
I have about a $750 dollar budget and all the tools required for turning except the lathe. I would buy used, just can't find anything locally.
I have been looking at 4:
Full size Grizzly G0462, but the 600 rpm at the lowest speed concerns me for bowls.
Delta 46-460 Midi (around $600) 12 1/2" swing 1 HP motor
Rikon 70-220VSR (around $550) 12 1/2" swing 1 HP motor
NOVA Comet II (around $530 with the G3 chuck) only a 12" swing and 3/4 HP motor
It seems the more I read the more confused I get. I'm a computer guy by nature and know what it's like to have "brand loyalty" be a factor in the decision making process (should I get a windows, mac, or linux computer). A lot of the forums that I've looked at seem to be slanted one way or the other.
I'm in a state of analysis paralysis(not being able to make a decision based on TOO much information!)
Any advice? Any help? I just want to turn and have a good time doing it!
Thanks in advance!
Lee