It looks like basically the same unit, 2 inches longer, but for less money.
The mini-lathe website repeated what you said about cleaning and de-burring
the unit to make it last.

I don't think I'll have to wait too long for the "favors" to start coming
in.

Harry
"Lennie the Lurker" wrote in message
om...
"Harry" wrote in message
news:8b53f$40281dcf$4523d552$27694@allthenewsgrou ps.com...

and am willing to trade long term reliability
for a cash savings now.

You might look at http://www.homier.com
They have a 7 X 12, $300 plus shipping. In the use you describe,
chances are that you'll never wear it out. This is assuming you take
the time to clean it when you get it, take the burrs off the ground
surfaces and make sure everything works freely without binding or
galling. It ain't rocket science. The HF isn't a bad little machine
for the money.

I am only going to be making parts for myself and a
couple buddies.

That's what you think now. Wait.