Make SQUARE things too. It oftens comes as a real shock to
non-metalworkers
that you can TURN a perfect CUBE on a lathe -- as long as you've got a
four-jaw
on it.

- Carl

"Dave" wrote in message
ps.com...
wrote:
I found a 36 inch used metal lathe for sale for 350. What
would this be good for? I like working with metal. [...]

Making round things, with or without threads. Some people make
fittings, steam engines, brass cannons, telescope/camera adapters...