If you can spare the 300rpm for 500, sounds like you're describing the
medium-duty lathe of 30 years ago. Start haunting the local classifieds.
If you've got one of those iron monsters, the 500 is usable, especially
given that your gouge pressure can slip the belt if you want it to.

It'll likely be less than $500 in good condition, though you won't find me
parting with mine even for that.

"Dr. deb" wrote in message
...
Having come to the point where I realize my old HF Jet 1236 knockoff just
isn't going to cut it any more, I am in the market for a new lathe.

It has to cost less than $1,000. It needs to be able to handle at least
12"
swing. It needs to be built like a battleship. It needs to have 300 or
less rpm. I do a lot of bowl turning and am not interested in having a
turreted head, as they usually are not all that solid when that 12x8"
piece
of magnolia wobbles before you get it turned to a cylinder.

Now that I have filled out my "wish list" am I dreaming, or is there such
an
amimal out there?

Thanks

Deb