My craft guild is dumping an old Delta lathe -- probably about 35 years old
-- for a newer donated Delta model 46-700. The old Delta's electric motor
burned out, so the guild will sell me the old lathe without a motor for less
than $50. Is it worth while to add a new, variable speed motor to this
lathe, or should I stick with a 1/2 HP or so 1600 rpm lathe as recommended
by one of the members?

And does anyone out there have some plans or recommendations for building a
stand for the lathe that includes a motor mount? I'll get the bare lathe,
and need to come up with the rest of the outfit. I thought I'd find some
plans for a lathe stand at the local Woodcraft store, but found nothing.

I like the old lathe -- good and solid, with a nice tailstock. I hope it's
worth an additional investment.

Jim