I mostly agree with Harry. I examined one of HF's display models ( as well as display models of drill presses, vises, mills, etc).There were terrible problems with "slop", etc, as stated above. However, in my considered opinion, this was almost completely caused by a HF employee just taking the machine out of a box and setting it on the display. A machinist, or anyone willing to learn, can adjust most of the "slop" out of them. In addition to the source Harry cited, Micro Mark also offers a variety of parts and accessories. There is a "website", dedicated to these little lathes, that has an awful lot of "links" to improvements and other things relating to them. Check out " Gadget Builder's Mini Lathe and Little Workshop". If I didn't already have more lathes than I can fit into my shop, I would likely try one out.
Mike
