Snip but, the really big savings is that you won't lust after another
lathe

But isn't that part of the fun? I had a terrible craving for a Browning 22
Rifle, the little take-down model that looks like a toy. When I was about
16, it was an astounding $69.50! No way I could afford it. Bought a
Remington for $39.95. About 30 years later, I finally got the little
Browning.........I was almost 50 years old..........had to pay about $300
for it. (It now sells for almost $500) I have to say it just isn't as
great as I thought it would be.

Same way with my Rolex Submariner. Wanted one of those for 30+ years.
Badly. Watched James Bond movies just to catch a glimpse of James' Rolex.
My wife finally bought me one for my 51st birthday!

Barry


"william_b_noble" wrote in message
...
the stubby does have an advantage of requiring fewer add on gizmos than
many, it has a built in vacuum port, it can turn as big as you want
inboard,
so no need for outboard accessories, etc. Also, with a new distributor,
it
may be possible to purchase the lathe without the motor and electronics
and
supply that yourself if you are able - I don't know what the savings would
be, but there would be some kind of reduction in your out of pocket cost.

but, the really big savings is that you won't lust after another lathe, so
you will save the cost of each of the intermediate lathes you buy and then
resell.

billn
"billh" wrote in message
. ..

"Earl" wrote in message
om...
I've only been turning for 8 or 9 months so I'm no expert. But I had
the chance to take a class from Christian Burchard in Ashland, OR and
we used Stubby lathes. I've been lusting for one ever since. It's like
a Rolls Royce after using my Delta. Unfortunately, they are way out of
my class for a retired, purely recreational turner. But if I ever
inherit a few bucks, I'll be contacting you!

Earl

Of course only you know what your budget will tolerate but if it's just
a
matter of thinking it's too expensive for a recreational turner consider
what some people spend for motorcycles, snowmobiles, golf club
membership
fees, etc. The lathe will have, as mentioned, considerable resale value
and
it's annual operating cost is very low compared to the above. I am
conveniently neglecting buying tools and gizmos!
Billh