Around here a lot of the schools have discontinued shop programs, and
the machines they get rid of have often been severely abused and
neglected.

Rick Cox wrote:

I couldnt agree more,
Go to school auctions and check out the old Iron they are getting rid of.
I got a Rockwell/Delta 46-450 (12" swing 14" over gap 36" between centers
500+ lbs.) for $25.00. I did some minor cleaning and bought a used VFD and
I have a great heavy lathe under $200.00.
Worst case scenario, I may have had to buy some bearings, 1 phase motor and
I would still have been ahead.
As for parts, it appears that I can get everything for it except the 7/16"
tail stock spindle clamp.(SO I make one out of a $2.00 piece of allthread.)