On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 16:55:55 -0500, "Harry" wrote:
I was looking at the next unit up(9 x 20) in the HF store and it did seem
alot more substantial than the mini.

A 9x20 South Bend is a nice little lathe. The Chinese 9x20 HF and
others sell isn't a nice little lathe. In fact, in the opinion of many here
the Chinese 9x20 is the worst of the available import machines (poor
design). If you want something in that size range, buy something
else.

The little mini-lathes sold by several vendors are better values, the
12x36 and 14x40 Chinese machines are *much* better machines,
though of course the latter take up more room and cost more money.

Gary