Is the stand for the 1624 a good stand or should one consider building
one. I have heard both plus and minus for
being stable on large turnings(12-15").
I was going to buy a PM but this is a good price but as you noted the
stand will add another $250+

The 1624 stand has been OK for me, but I haven't done anything large
or unbalanced. I have thought of building a plywood sand box to bolt
the legs onto. You only have to buy a stand if you get the DVR and the
stand they sell you is NOT the same one that comes with the 1624. If
you plan to get the DVR look at the Teknatool website, they have plans
for a wooden base you can build for far less than $250 (if you're
inclined to BYO)

Bill