Old Boilermaker,
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1 - Any lathe is better than no lathe
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2 - Buy the best that your budget allows
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3 - Yes, a longer bed is better, and makes life a lot easier, but as said previously you can get pretty innovative with a shorter bed.? Also, working around those limitations will make you a better machinist, but be careful don't get hurt.? You do learn to think outside the box though! ?
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4 - As mentioned, your new toy will probably need some TLC right out of the box, but that's part of the fun!? There are tons of mods you can make, and tons of YT videos showing some of these.? My first lathe (7X14) transformed into an amazing machine.? I still have it and still use it more than my other, bigger machines.? I have a special connection with that little bad boy.
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5 - Just keep in mind that you can make small parts on big lathe, but you can't make big parts on a small lathe.
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Good luck with whatever you choose and have fun!? For me it's like playing golf - I'm not making any money doing it, so I just have fun.? By the way, I really suck at golf!? ?
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Jeff
