one thing you should look at, which is non-obvious, is the threads on the
spindle - are they a diameter and pitch you can buy accessories for, or are
they unusual and you will be contacting guys like me to make you special
ones? You want something with common threads

"Dave Balderstone" wrote in message
news:221120091724439178%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderst one.ca...
In article , Norvin
wrote:

Looking at a older lathe, Walker-Turner about 1950s, any input
would be helpful.

How are the bearings? Check for slop.